Mt. Rainier Classic Hikes

Mt. Rainier Classic Hikes Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today at the REI Tukwila store just south of Seattle, WA, no later than 12:30 pm.  Also, one group transfer from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is scheduled for 12:00 pm.  We will meet at the store, enjoy lunch together at nearby restaurant (included in trip cost) then run through a brief orientation and gear check before picking up any last minute items, then departing for Mt. Rainier National Park by 3:00 pm.  We will arrive at Cougar Rock Campground around 5:30 pm to set up camp, then the guides will prepare dinner and review the itinerary for our first day of hiking.  Lunch and dinner provided.

• Day 2

  We’ll enjoy breakfast in camp, then prepare lunches to pack with us on our hikes today.  A range of hiking options today may take us to towering waterfalls, serene alpine meadows dotted with brilliant wildflowers, or to the foot of enormous glaciers for sweeping views of Rainier and the surrounding peaks.  Guides will base the hikes selected on the weather, the group’s fitness and goals, and if needed, we can split into smaller groups to vary the difficulty of the hikes.  We plan to all meet up at Longmire by 6:00 pm to return to camp to enjoy a great dinner prepared by our guides then rest up for tomorrow’s hike.  Mileage: options ranging from 5 to 10 miles (up to 12 if the group is agreeable).

• Day 3

  After breakfast, we once again prepare lunches, then break camp and set out for another classic hike.  Today we may opt for a slightly shorter, but equally stunning hike, allowing us to return to the van in the early afternoon.  We’ll enjoy a brief stop at the National Park Inn at Longmire for a delicious farewell treat, an REI Adventures tradition, before returning to REI in Tukwila by 6:00 pm, stopping along the way at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around 5:00 pm.  Please do not schedule any flights out tonight prior to 7:00 pm. Mileage: options ranging from 5.5 to 8 miles.  All meals provided.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine. 

Two nights tent camping at an established campsite in Mt. Rainier National Park; professional guiding; all meals from lunch on Day 1 through lunch on Day 3; campsite and permit fees; on-trip van transportation from REI in Seattle, WA to the park and back. Fresh water is available in camp. There are flush toilets, but no showers.

Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; insurance of any kind; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate (3) as we plan to hike 4-6 hours each day.  If the group is up for more activity, longer hiking options will be provided, and any hike or activity can be opted out of if you are feeling like relaxing in camp instead.  The option to split the group may also present itself, allowing some hikers to travel at a more relaxed pace and others to attempt more vigorous hikes, but this option may only present itself with larger groups of 6 hikers or more.  To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure.  Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.

Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80° F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s and 50s. Early- or late-season trips will experience a wider range of temperatures. Rain is a possibility at any time in the mountains, making adequate raingear a necessity.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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