33 Best Stops Between Leavenworth and Seattle (2025)

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It was sad to see how much traffic this park gets now. It took us a couple of hours just to get into the gate and once we were able to get in, parking at paradise was impossible. After years of climbing here, so much has changed and unfortunately not for the better. If you come to the park, I would recommend doing some of the many amazing trails and avoiding the tourist hot spots. there is so much more to see if you are willing to walk and get out of your car.

Mount Rainier National Park is simply incredible! It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. Waterfalls, Rivers, Mountain, Lakes, Forests, Wildlife, Night Sky ❤️😍- Somehow, this place feels spiritual – being surrounded by such majestic nature is profoundly moving.- The scenery is breathtaking, and the hikes are absolutely amazing.- Whether you're an experienced hiker or just looking for a nice walk with the kids, this park has something for everyone.- The trails are well-maintained, and the views are spectacular at every turn.- It's a perfect spot for a family day out or a solo adventure. I can't recommend it highly enough – it's a must-see!- Every visit leaves me in awe of nature's beauty.

We were 4 people and took the Skyline trail. The views were magical, I love nature and I love the majesty of Mountains. Mount Rainier is one of my favorite. We were lucky to spot a bear and its baby. It was superb experience, if I have the time and effort to fly again to USA (7500 miles away) I would certainly have some plans in Washington State.

Mt. Rainier National Park is a national treasure, and a gem to see. Everyone must come and see the beautiful park at least once in their lifetime. There are waterfalls everywhere as well as scenic overlooks that require nothing but a car. The trails are easy to navigate most of the time.I had to use my walking poles due to spine injuries. You will not be disappointed here. However, be aware of the long line to get in. Come early and skip the line. Otherwise prepare for 3 hour wait.

Simply amazing to explore! We didn’t get to see it all but will definitely be back. Amazing views at just about every corner . We stopped at Reflect Lake and the wind disappeared for amazing pictures. Hiked to Myrtle Falls which I highly recommend. Plenty of parking there if you arrive early but it fills up fast and is one way so if you go too far, you’ll have to loop around. Plenty of beautiful falls to see and hike to. Unfortunately the Grove of the Patriarchs was closed so we didn’t get to see that. Currently on timed entry so be sure to get that before you come here. Would suggest getting in as early as possible for vest parking and lower crowds. We checked the night before and they opened up some more tickets which we were able to upgrade to an earlier slot! We will be back here for sure.

Beautiful views, fun trails, and bold chipmunks. Not quite as fun on the way down. The visitor center got crowded in the middle of the day, but the timed entry process made it very quick and easy to get into the park and actually drive up to the key points without trouble or traffic.

We did Mount Rainer in one day . Definitely worth the trip . We will come back to explore more as it’s a week worth of exploration.We went to Paradise entrance and went to the panoramic view using the skyline trail. This was done on Oct and it was snowing there . We walked through the clouds and above the clouds as we started to climb higher .Heaven on earth !

Amazing park, would highly recommend getting tickets in advance and going early or after 5pm. Reservations were needed between 7am - 3pm. We got there at 3pm and waited 1hr 45min to enter. We entered through Paradise side. Lots of waterfalls and hikes to pick from. Visitor center has nice trail to a waterfall and also great view of the mountain and wildflowers. It's busy but would highly recommend.

O Mount Rainier National Park. What a beauty you are. The drive in is all green, beautiful lush forest. Lovely. Drive into the park, then you hit paradise. Literally the city, but I like to call it paradise as well. Last couple of turns, and then boom there she is beautiful Mount Rainier. Standing all by herself, peeking out of the forest, completely covered in snow in the middle of July. Great hike, I will warn you. This is a paved path, but the incline is very steep. You will see people walking backwards sideways, we even saw a woman crying on the way down. This is not for the faint of heart. Very tiring trail, but a lovely, lovely payoff. When you get past the trees highly recommended, go see it, go see it now.

Mount Rainier National Park is an absolute must-see if you're into the outdoors and stunning views. The park is all about Mount Rainier, a massive volcano that’s the tallest mountain in Washington. Everywhere you look, you’ll find alpine meadows, thick forests, and cool rivers fed by glaciers.The great thing about Mount Rainier is that there's something for everyone, no matter how into hiking or nature you are. The *Paradise* area is super popular and for good reason—it's beautiful, especially when the wildflowers are blooming. You can take an easy stroll along the *Nisqually Vista Trail* or go for a more intense hike on the *Skyline Trail* to get unreal views of the mountain and the valleys below.If you're up for more adventure, head to the *Sunrise* area on the east side of the park. It’s the highest point you can drive to and gives you different, but equally awesome, views of Rainier. There are some solid hikes here like *Sourdough Ridge* and *Burroughs Mountain*, perfect if you’re looking to get away from the crowds and maybe spot some wildlife.Aside from hiking, the park is perfect for camping, photography, and if you’re feeling really bold, you can try climbing to the summit. But even if you’re just there for a day trip, you’ll find plenty to do and see. Just a heads up, it can get pretty crowded at Paradise during the summer, so if you’re looking for something quieter, hit up some of the lesser-known spots or visit during the off-season.

Amazing place. Great trails, waterfalls amazing nature. The timed entry system is great for ensuring it is not too crowded and can be enjoyed.Make sure you have your pass and timed entry ticket (unless you enter before 7am or after 3pm)

This is one of the best National Parks I have ever been to. Mount Rainier is breathtakingly beautiful. The Skyline trail was covered with snow even in July. With the right gear (ice spikes, poles), this trail can be one of the most gorgeous trails you can do!

Just an absolute beauty of a National Park! One of the best and a must visit if you are visiting the Seattle area. Words cannot describe how beautiful the views are. If you have the chance, definitely stop by both corridors (Paradise and Sunrise). They both offer different views of the mountain and both locations have amazing hikes that let you enjoy the park to the max! Mount Rainier is iconic to the state of Washington for a reason!

Beautiful place. Just make sure to do your research on what trails and roads are open before you go. Some roads will test the tires and suspension of your vehicle. Be prepared for teeth chattering on the way up and down.

There is, quite literally, nothing I could say that hasn't been said and isn't more easily explained visually. Pictures don't and cannot capture the beauty of the mountain, of the park, or of the trails.Paradise is, by far, the most magical area in the entirety of the Pacific Northwest. Even if the mountain isn't visible, the trail is breathtaking. If you have even a modicum of cardiovascular fitness, you absolutely must hike the entire thing before you leave. You just have to.It gets cold as you get close to the mountain, even in summer. There is standing snow. Dress accordingly. Bring food and water. This takes an entire day. Let me reiterate, hiking the entire trail can be tough so wear comfortable shoes.Even if you leave early, you will experience heavy traffic at Paradise and parking can be a miserable experience. That said, it's worth the irritation and much more to see this place.

This park was everything I imagined it would be! It was lush, green, and gorgeous! The mountain is spectacular!!! The glaciers are so cool to see!! All the hikes we took were great. Even the drive is breathtaking!!Bring a lunch as food options are limited. No dogs allowed on most trails.

When I come here I drive at night or early morning so no need for reservations. 7am to 3pm you need to reserve. I have a lifetime military pass so it’s free to enter. My favorite mountain to climb. Been to the summit multiple times via different routes. Been to Camp Muir dozens of times. The only thing is a lot of tourists on the trails near paradise. So just take your time and be patient with them. I’ve done Camp Muir in the winter and saw only one other person. Beautiful all year round. The museum is really cool! The gift shop in the hotel is really busy. I went on a Tuesday the last time I hiked to Camp Muir. Everyone was nice.

Stunning views, not very busy although you won't be alone. A lot of wild life on the trails and around. Camp was nice and clean and we enjoyed the whole trip. A lot of trails available so definitely worth coming back or staying multiple days.

Although it was cloudy for a lot of the time the beauty of this place is amazing. Lots of hiking trails, the loop is about 6 miles to the top of the mtn and back down with views all the way around. There are lots of waterfalls too that are easily accessible from the road.

Such a beautiful park and it’s easy to see why it’s so highly rated. We camped at Cougar Creek, it’s only FCFS after the high season and we were able to snag a spot Thursday eve. From the campground it’s an easy 5~10 min drive up to the Paradise parking lot. We had no issues finding a parking spot at Paradise on Friday morning, but as we left the park Saturday morning it was all full! And there was a line of cars several miles outside the park waiting to get in! So plan accordingly. Came specifically to hike the Skyline Trail and it did not disappoint!!

My gosh what an experience, we went through good weather into hail on the skyline trail..WORTH IT! The views, and nature you're in is just amazing.Some trails definitely need more parking areas, be aware.. arrive early to your coveted destinations.

Get there early, parking gets crazy. Make sure to get your timed entrance reservation. Beautiful area! Reflection lake was perfect, great shots of Mt. Rainier, snow and bench lake were amazing! Was able to complete the skyline trail, and the snow lake hike with to kiddos.

We went to Mount Rainier through the Paradise side. It was a beautiful drive and a great hike. The clouds were covering the mountain but broke just enough to see the top and it's amazing how high it is. It's hard to describe really.

This is a great National Park. The main visitor center is spacious and well laid out, and it has food for purchase.The trails and roads offer excellent views. Some of the trails are paved.Getting into the park had a bit of a wait on a September Sunday afternoon, simply because of large crowds. The walks from the lower parking lots to the Visitor Center are pretty long, but the views while walking are fantastic.Plan to spend at least a full day at Mt. Rainier. Get there early to beat the crowds.

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