Visiting rainier mid May for 2 days. I understand there will still be snow (very sad that skyline trail won’t be as accessible). We are staying in Ashford and I would genuinely appreciate any hike recommendations that have a good view of Ranier! Also love hiking around gorgeous lakes as well. Any further recommendations or suggestions welcome TYIA.
My friends and I are heading out there this September and are considering hiking the Burroughs. We only have one day at Rainier and this seems like a good option to see the best the mountain has to offer, but we have questions.
How strenuous is it, really? We're not opposed to training a bit but aren't trying to dedicate our lives to it. Two of us have hiked the Grand Canyon rim to rim, for reference.
How long does it typically take?
Are hiking boots necessary or would trail runners suffice?
Thank you for any advice you can offer. Of course reviews online range from "this was the hardest hike of my life" to "my toddlers did it with ease" so we're not sure what to expect.
Just saw a potential weather window this weekend 4/16 - 4/17 for a summit attempt on Mt Rainier. Not sure if conditions are safe after the incoming storm for the next 2 days. Hopefully the snow becomes hard enough to avoid post-holing by then and less crevasse openings. Me and my partner are planning to do the IG direct all the way up in one push. Plan is to start the hike from paradise around sunset on Friday and reach Camp Muir by midnight , quick break then push to summit sunrise. Forecast is looking good with low winds in that short timeframe but it might change. Ive only ever done Mt Hood and Mt Shasta in winter. For any experienced mountaineer out there , any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you!
Hey everyone, my original Rainier partner situation fell through, so I figured I’d throw this out here and see if anyone is looking to team up sometime between June 20 and July 1. I’m in the Navy, but my schedule is pretty flexible in that window, and I’d rather find the right people than rush into a bad setup just to get on the mountain. I’ve got a good amount of experience and can hold my own.
Mainly just hoping to connect with someone or a small group that already has real mountaineering or glacier experience and wants to put together a smart, well-planned climb. I’m happy to talk beforehand about route, gear, rope systems, pace, expectations, or even do some kind of shakedown day first if that makes sense. Definitely not trying to solo it (and go through the park superintendent and all), and also not trying to throw together a sketchy team just for the sake of going, so if this sounds like your kind of plan feel free to message me. Thanks!
A lovely falls. Not the main attraction, because this is on the Comet Falls trail. These are a feeder falls into Van Trump Creek a bit downstream from the towering Comet Falls. Everyone always posts Comet Falls so I'm being a lil contrarian today.
Snow is dispersing quickly with the warm temperatures. There wasn't consistent snow until after crossing the Nisqually River Bridge.
I wandered around Paradise from the main parking lot, down to the old parking lot, the up to the inn. Crowds were heavy and temperatures warm (about 60 degrees at 1 p.m.).
I also made stops at Narada Falls, Christine Falls (lower and upper), and Longmire. Summer will be here in no time!
I’ll be in the area for work and have half a day on Tuesday 4/14 morning. Are the roads clear enough to drive and will I be able to do any hiking?
Edit with update:
Thanks for the responses! I had to be back in Issaquah by noon for meetings so I left my hotel just before six. I got to the park with plenty of time and was able to get in the 5 mile loop from trail of shadows up to rampart ridge and back down wonderland.
It was a fantastic beautiful morning. Cold and quiet; the sort of sacred silence that made me feel like my breathing was interrupting the forest.
I can’t wait to come back!
According to the Mount Rainier NPS website, the road will only close if adverse conditions exist.
Photo from Longmire on April 6th, 2026.
Goat Island Mountain is a 7300' ridge separating the Frying Pan Creek drainage from The White River drainage on Mt Rainier's Northeast side. This is a prominent feature on the Summerland trail, at least until one crests into Summerland Valley and starts heading south. This picture is off trail hiking in a drainage to the west of the actual Summerland trail. This would not be very accessible without snow cover. Heading down towards Frying Pan Creek. The day before this pic was taken I tore a rotator cuff while falling on a ridiculously steep snow covered cliff and only survived by dumb luck as enough snow accumulated under the points of my crampons to effect an unintentional self arrest.
I will be visiting Portland, OR, for work from 07/06 to 07/24 and decided to visit Mt. Rainier. I booked a cabin in Ashford, checking in Friday evening and checking out Sunday morning. I would like to do Skyline Loop one of those days. Looking for help filling up the rest of my time. I would enjoy some time away from the crowds if possible. When is the best time to begin the skyline hike? I tried reading other posts, but there's just too much info, and I'm all confused. Thank you
I’m looking to visit Mt Rainier May 3-5 but realize this is just past required snow chain season. I’ve heard the snow is lower this year, but do you anticipate the park to be very accessible? For context, I will be about 19 weeks pregnant and am not wildly in shape, so was hoping to do some easier hikes. Happy to take recommendations for more accessible options!
Come celebrate Earth Week at Anacostia River Park, just a short drive away!
🗓️ Saturday, Apr 25 | 11 AM – 3 PM
• Local vendors & community groups
• Tips on saving on energy costs 💡
• Family-friendly riverfront fun 🌊
🎟️ Free tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-week-block-party-tickets-1984722526504?aff=Josephine
Grab friends, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate our planet! 🌎
My best friend and I are going to Mount Rainier and Olympic National Park in the middle of April (few weeks from now).
We’re looking to do 1 day at mount rainier and 1 at ONP. However, we know there will still be snow everywhere.
What are our best options for clear roads and paths as we are not experienced hikers. We will have a car to park as well.
Looking for good views and any pretty lookouts! The rest of our trip is down the WA and OR coast so we’re excited. Thanks so much!