Skyline Trail circumnavigates the area called Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. With fantastic views throughout this entire hike, Skyline is renowned as one of the most beautiful trails in Washington State! It’s a very steep climb, and though you don’t have to complete all of it for a good experience, the best view of all is from the very top, at Panorama Point.

Spray Falls is an incredible 350-foot cascade, which you can see on a 4-mile roundtrip hike from Mowich Lake Campground. You can also hike farther than the waterfall, up some serious switchbacks to an epic vista in a mountain meadow. The view includes several nearby peaks and of course the looming giant, Mount Rainier itself. Overnight hikers or very determined day hikers could even continue from there and complete a 16-mile loop back to Mowich Lake.

Mowich Lake is the starting point for several hikes, one of which is Tolmie Peak. On this hike of more than 6 miles, you’ll climb all the way to a lookout tower on top of the mountain. Along the way you’ll see the sapphire blue waters of Eunice Lake, plus stunning views of Mount Rainier at nearly every turn. The ultimate view is of course at the top, with the Cascade Range spreading out in all directions around you.

Glacier Basin makes the basecamp for many mountaineers beginning their climb on Rainier. The trail leading to this backcountry campground makes an excellent day hike, where you may see climbers preparing for their mission. What you’ll certainly see are close-up views of the mountain and the massive Emmons glacier, which is the largest in the Lower 48. In the summer you’ll stroll through meadows of vibrant wildflowers. Take it slow and enjoy the beauty of this majestic mountain valley.

A popular, family-friendly hike circumnavigates Naches Peak, providing stunning views the entire way. The loop begins at beautiful Tipsoo Lake, and whichever you way you hike the trail, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramas of blue waters below, craggy peaks above, and of course Mount Rainier on the skyline. You’ll want to complete the entire loop because there’s a different view at every turn!

Rainier’s most iconic hike of all is the Wonderland Trail, a circuit around the entire mountain that takes backpackers 1-2 weeks to complete. Once underway the trail is rarely flat, as it climbs and descends the rugged flanks of Rainier. The constant effort is rewarded by continually changing scenery and sublime camp spots. The full journey requires much preparation and a backcountry permit, but day hikers can explore sections of the Wonderland from various trailheads.