Mount Rainier Hiking & Camping

Trip Length4 Days
Group Size4–10
Activity level
Starting from
$1,999 for REI Members
$2,299 for non-members
DeparturesJul 2025-Sep 2025

Enjoy the remarkable power of nature on a four-day adventure in Washington's spectacular Mount Rainier National Park.

Wildflower meadows, ancient glaciers, and rushing waterfalls—Mount Rainier National Park is a playground for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Hundreds of miles of outstanding trail await and our thoughtfully crafted itinerary is designed to get you hiking on the best of the best. Along the way, our skilled guides share the natural and human history which makes this area so unique.

By day, we explore lush old-growth forests and alpine meadows. By night, we enjoy scrumptious locally-inspired meals, fantastic company and sleeping under the stars. There's no better way to enjoy all Mount Rainier National Park has to offer!

More than just mountain views, Mount Rainier National Park provides lush forests to explore along its world-famous trails.

Trip Highlights

  • Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Rainier—the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States
  • Hike from lowland forests to subalpine meadows on a diverse array of the park's most outstanding trails
  • From the whistling Hoary Marmot to the majestic Mountain goat, keep an eye out for a wide variety of animals that call the park home
  • Enjoy great company, delicious food, and hiking straight from our National Park campsite

Activities

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be capable of hiking 5 to 8 hours each day (up to 10 miles) with some steep ascents and descents and elevation gain and loss up to 3,000'.

Hiking takes place at altitudes of up to 8,000'. The trails are a combination of hard packed dirt and shale with areas of exposed roots, rocks, and some rock steps. Trip members should have previous hiking experience and be in good physical condition.

  • Camping
  • Hiking

What's Included

Park fees and permits; guide leadership; roundtrip transportation to/from Seattle area host hotel to/from all destinations visited during the trip; meals and beverages as noted in the daily itinerary

Accommodations

Established National Park campsites, 3 nights

Your Adventure Itinerary

Itinerary map for Mount Rainier Hiking & Camping
Day 1

Take in spectacular views on our inaugural hike to Eagle Peak

We meet our guides and fellow travelers at our host hotel near the Seattle-Tacoma Airport early this morning. After a brief orientation we load up for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Eagle Peak Trailhead at Longmire—the gateway to Mount Rainier. This moderately steep, seven-mile out-and-back trail offers a quintessential Mount Rainier National Park hiking experience. Starting under a verdant canopy of old-growth forest, we then pop out into high alpine meadows that offer out-of-this-world views of Mount Rainier and Tahoma. On a clear day, the expansive views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood and Mount Adams take one's breath away. Back at the trailhead, it's just a short drive to our national park campground, where we work together to set up a cozy group site. All meals included.

Hiking: 7.2 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,910' / -2,910'; Van transfer: 3 hours

Day 2

Hike along glaciers, meadows and high alpine streams while exploring Paradise

Today we explore the Paradise region of the park. After a delicious camp breakfast we take a short 30-minute drive to the Paradise Visitor Center. We explore the area on a series of trails thoughtfully stitched together by our guides. Our route showcases some of the park's most celebrated views, including Glacier Vista and Panorama Point. Along the way, our skilled guides share the natural and human history of this favorite national park. We eventually meander down to iconic Reflection Lake. From here you can choose to ride back to camp in the van or hike with our guides an additional 3.5 miles along the famed Wonderland Trail, which takes us straight back to camp. All meals included.

Hiking: 6-10 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +1,600' / -2,000'

Day 3

Enjoy an unearthly glacial landscape while summiting Burroughs Mountain

Today we set our sights on the Sunrise area of the park. At an elevation of 6,400', Sunrise is the highest point that can be reached by vehicle in Mount Rainier National Park. Known for its vibrant wildflower meadows and 360-degree views, Sunrise is a favored destination for both locals and park visitors. Our mission is the top of Burroughs Mountain. This tundra-like alpine mountain offers dramatic, unobstructed views of Mt. Rainier. The nine-mile out-and-back hike provides abundant opportunities to see the wildflowers and wildlife for which the park is renowned. All meals included.

Hiking: 9 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,500' / -2,500'; Van transfer: 4 hours

Day 4

Hike to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls before returning to Seattle

After a final breakfast at camp we pack our bags and load up for our final hike. Today's hike is to Comet Falls and Van Trump Park, located a short drive from camp. Our six-mile, out-and-back hike is along the Van Trump Creek through a beautiful forest with views of several waterfalls. Our hike begins at the often photographed Christine Falls, and the route climbs steadily as we make our way to Van Trump Park. Along the way we choose one of many flower-filled meadows to enjoy during our picnic lunch. On a clear day, we enjoy views of Mount Rainier and St. Helens as well as ample views of the Kautz and Van Trump Glaciers. After our descent we complete the final leg of our journey back to Seattle. We anticipate arriving back to the host hotel near the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport this evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

Hiking: 6 miles, Elevation gain/loss: +2,200' / -2,200'; Van transfer 2-3 hours

Itinerary map for Mount Rainier Hiking & Camping

Gear List

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Already booked this trip? Sign into your online traveler profile for a more detailed list of what you'll need.

REI members can shop for gently used gear online or at most REI stores. Members can also trade in pre-loved used gear online or at any REI store in exchange for REI gift card credit. Check out Re/Supply at REI to learn more.

We provide

What to pack

Contact Us

Feel free to give us a call at 1 (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales ( 1 (800) 426-4840 ) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out REI Expert Advice , which has great information to help you prepare for your trip.

Trip specifics may change over time. Reviews reflect the version of the trip that was active at the time the reviewer took it. Please review the itinerary as described above and call our team for any additional details.