You want to go to Mount Rainier National Park, but you only have a day to do it. You aren’t trying to summit the peak, just get a taste of the beauty and scenery the park has to offer. If you have one day to explore here is a lovely itinerary to highlight some of the best aspects of the National Park while allowing you to see quite a bit with a scenic drive.
Bring a pack with plenty of water bottles, a Camelbak if you have one, snacks, alpine poles if you need them, your camera, sunscreen, and layers. Oh and a roll of TP never hurts because, well, nature calls when you’re in nature.
Select the link in the first paragraph for a map of the park. Enter the park through the Nisqually entrance at the Southwest end. You’ll pass through the Ranger Station and pay a small vehicle pass fee. If you are active duty military or a retiree you can get in for free! If you don’t have your National Parks pass you may be able to get the card and vehicle pass right there on the spot. After driving about 10 miles and climbing steadily you will come to the first destination.
Comet Falls: Strenuous increase in elevation and finding a waterfall
There is a nice parking lot off to the left and a clear sign for the trailhead. The total trail is about 3.6 miles roundtrip, unless you continue up to Trump Park when the snow has melted. But, in 1.8 miles you will make it to Comet Falls, the 320 feet waterfall cascading over cliffs into an alpine stream. In that 1.8 miles you will climb about 900 feet so be ready for steps, rocks, and continuous use of your gluteus muscles. You almost immediately come to the beautiful Christine Falls and bridge. First photo op! As you continue there are forest views and alpine flowers. The path follows the stream leading to Christine Falls so there is an ever-present sound of the rush of water and views of various smaller waterfalls around many turns. While strenuous it is a truly beautiful climb.
Then, a few hundred feet out you will come to a water crossing and a view of a water fall that you may assume is Comet Falls…but it gets better. You will cross the wooden plank, climb a short steep hill, and raise your head to one of the most astounding majestic views you’ve ever seen. Comet Falls. So picturesque and magnificent you will either praise God, come to believe in him, or at least swear you are looking at a painting. Continue on the path for closer views and up a quick serpentine to come face to face with the power of the Falls. You can walk to the point where you feel the mist and can no longer see the sun because of the fog swirling around you. After basking in the greatness enjoy the 1.8 mile hike back downhill to your car.
Paradise: Views of the peak and the Visitor center, paved trail to explore alpine meadows
Grab a snack and continue in your car, continually climbing up, until you arrive at Paradise. The nickname for the highest point in the park, where one can drive, at 5,500 feet and the home to the park lodge and main visitor center. Be prepared to troll the parking lot or park and walk because this is the busiest area in the park. There are bathrooms, water fountains, and every amenity here. Stop inside the visitor center to witness the beautiful building and stop by the gift shop. After, climb onto the Skyline Trail. It is extremely steep but paved and much easier than the dirt and scree of the Comet Falls trail. If you walk for about 15-20 minutes, with stops for your breath and maybe water, you will reach gorgeous views of the Mount Rainier peak and the alpine meadows that lie beneath it. There may be snow on the trails at this point, there was in late June when I went. You can return to the parking lot or traverse the meadow depending on your shoes and snow levels.
Ancient beauty and leisurely walk: Grove of the Patriarchs
Once you make it back to the car you will begin the longest leg of the scenic drive. Be prepared to stop multiple times because of the gorgeous views, especially of the peak. Eventually, about 21 miles later, you will make it to the Grove of the Patriarchs. This is a unique forest of ancient Douglas Firs that due to protection of two streams creating an island of rich soil around them, have flourished and grown to astonishing heights. The entire loop to walk to and through the grove is only one mile so its a nice way to finish up the day after all the elevation increases. You will walk through the woods to a one lane suspension bridge. The rules state one at a time crossing in either direction so be prepared for a wait. However, you can easily walk two or three across in the same direction (just saying). The bridge leads to the island home to the giant trees. Be prepared for your jaw to drop and to take a ton of photos.
Once you’ve finished your round of the island and head back to the car you may be a little hungry for a real meal. Have no fear, if you continue out of the park and turn left, drive a few miles until you hit the 410, and follow it for about 30 minutes until you arrive in Enumclaw you will find an adorable town with some quality restaurants. Follow Griffin Ave into downtown and take your pick to fill your belly and get a good satisfying beer after a day’s work, well play.
There is your day at Mount Rainier National Park!
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Well written!