Mount Rainier in One Day: Best Hikes and Scenic Stops for a Day Trip

One Day, Endless Adventure! Explore the best hikes and scenic stops in Mount Rainier National Park. From stunning waterfalls to breathtaking vistas, this itinerary has it all!

Mount Rainier National Park is absolutely stunning with its many breathtaking views, spectacular waterfalls, beautiful meadows of wildflowers, and awe-inspiring glaciers. This gem in the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer residents and visitors alike. This magnificent place can be visited over and over again and explore new trails each time. But if you are planning a one-day trip and see the best sites that you can in a limited window I have created a one-day itinerary to make it easy to have an amazing day packed with many of the must-see spots and hikes.

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Lake 22: Great Early Season Hiking In Washington State

Looking to experience the beauty of Lake 22 without the crowds? For a quieter trek, consider exploring Lake 22 early in the season. Although you won't have the trail entirely to yourself, an off-season hike is a fantastic way to enjoy its beauty. April and May are ideal times, as the trail is less crowded compared to peak summer months. Covering 5.4 miles roundtrip with a moderate elevation gain of 1,350 feet, this hike is perfect to explore before the busiest season hits.

Looking to experience the beauty of Lake 22 without the crowds? For a quieter trek, consider exploring Lake 22 early in the season. Although you won’t have the trail entirely to yourself, an off-season hike is a fantastic way to enjoy its beauty. April and May are ideal times, as the trail is less crowded compared to peak summer months. Covering 5.4 miles roundtrip with a moderate elevation gain of 1,350 feet, this hike is perfect to explore before the busiest season hits.

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Hiking to Maiden Peak from Deer Park in Olympic National Park

Discover Olympic National Park's hidden gem: the Deer Park to Maiden Peak hike. Spanning 7.2 miles round-trip via the Obstruction Point Trail, it boasts a 2,100-ft elevation gain. Revel in 360-degree mountain panoramas, vibrant wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. An enchanting hike that's quickly become a personal favorite.

Discover Olympic National Park’s hidden gem: the Deer Park to Maiden Peak hike. Spanning 7.2 miles round-trip via the Obstruction Point Trail, it boasts a 2,100-ft elevation gain. Revel in 360-degree mountain panoramas, vibrant wildflowers, and abundant wildlife. An enchanting hike that’s quickly become a personal favorite.

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The Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in Washington State

Interested in Backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness? Lake Ingalls is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, offering a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its crystal clear blue-green water and the impressive view of Mount Stuart, the second tallest non-volcanic peak in Washington looming above Lake Ingalls, is impressive, to say the least.

Interested in Backpacking to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness?
Lake Ingalls is a stunning alpine lake located in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington State, offering a challenging yet rewarding backpacking experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its crystal clear blue-green water and the impressive view of Mount Stuart, the second tallest non-volcanic peak in Washington looming above Lake Ingalls, is impressive, to say the least.

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Snowshoe Snoqualmie’s Gold Creek Pond Trail

New to snowshoeing? Or just need a fun day-trip getaway? Try snowshoeing the Gold Creek Pond Trail east of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington State. With easy access just off I-90 at Exit 54, you can start snowshoeing through the tall evergreen trees on the edge of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just minutes after parking your car. #hiking #nature #mountains #adventure #travel #traveltips #experiencewa #snowshoeing #pacificnorthwest #wastate #nationalparks #ustravel

New to snowshoeing? Or just need a fun day-trip getaway? Try snowshoeing the Gold Creek Pond Trail east of Snoqualmie Pass in Washington State. With easy access just off I-90 at Exit 54, you can start snowshoeing through the tall evergreen trees on the edge of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest just minutes after parking…

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High Rock Lookout – Hiking in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.

High Rock Lookout is a popular 3.2 mile round trip hike with 1,365 feet of elevation gain to a fire tower that was built in 1929. This moderately difficult hike leads to postcard-worthy 360-degree views that definitely have that Pacific Northwest wow factor! If you are just visiting Washington State or even a local who has yet to see this beauty, High Rock Lookout is a great hike to check out.

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Milk Lake: Beautiful Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park

Milk Lake is a Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park Just a Short Hike Past Upper Lena Lake. If you have hiked all the way out to Upper Lena Lake and are still up for more hiking make sure you don't miss Milk Lake. This tiny glacier-fed lake is absolutely stunning with its turquoise blue waters. The vibrant colors of the lake in contrast with the lush green meadow filled with Avalanche Lillys is definitely an Olympic National Park must-see for those who are up for the challenge of backpacking for miles over rugged terrain.

Milk Lake is a Hidden Gem in Olympic National Park Just a Short Hike Past Upper Lena Lake.
If you have hiked all the way out to Upper Lena Lake and are still up for more hiking make sure you don’t miss Milk Lake. This tiny glacier-fed lake is absolutely stunning with its turquoise blue waters. The vibrant colors of the lake in contrast with the lush green meadow filled with Avalanche Lillys is definitely an Olympic National Park must-see for those who are up for the challenge of backpacking for miles over rugged terrain.

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5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall

Are you one of the many people who have only visited Mt. Rainier National park during the summer months? Then you have been missing out! Mt. Rainier in the fall is absolutely stunning. The mountain is lit with fiery fall colors. Blazing golds, deep reds, vibrant yellows all painting the hills and valleys before this sleeping giant. If you have yet to experience this intense dramatic fall landscape we have put together 5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall.

Are you one of the many people who have only visited Mt. Rainier National park during the summer months? Then you have been missing out! Mt. Rainier in the fall is absolutely stunning. The mountain is lit with fiery fall colors. Blazing golds, deep reds, vibrant yellows all painting the hills and valleys before this sleeping giant. If you have yet to experience this intense dramatic fall landscape we have put together 5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall.

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How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend

How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend. Hiking in Olympic National Park Washington State.

How to Successfully Do A Sunrise Hike Up Mt. Townsend. Mt. Townsend is one of my most favorite day-hiking destinations that I have found in Olympic National Park “so far”. There is just something about the top of Mt. Townsend that reminds me of the epic mountain landscapes featured in The Lord of the Rings. It has that unreal fantasy vibe that feels as though it could be the filming location for a different world. The larger than life peaks have always been absolutely stunning to me during the day. So when my younger brother and his friend recently asked if I would like to do a sunrise hike up to this incredible place my answer was a definite “Hell, yes.” Below I will be sharing my experience and some tips I have gathered on How to Successfully do a Sunrise Hike up Mt. Townsend so you can plan your own pre-dawn hiking adventure to this gorgeous spot.

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The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Mailbox Peak

The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Mailbox Peak. Day Hikes Near Seattle: Mailbox Peak

If you are in search of a good leg-burner, Mailbox Peak is the hike for you! With over 4,000 feet of elevation gain this hike is flat-out brutal. Despite being a quad and knee killer, the panoramic 360 degree views from the top are beautiful. There is also the fun novelty of checking the mail…

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25 Fantastic Outdoor Books for Hiking In Washington State

Are you interested in getting outside and hitting the trail but don’t know where to start? Whether you are new to Washington state or a longtime resident just looking for inspiration of what trail to crush next. We have gathered together 25 Fantastic Outdoor Books for Hiking In Washington State. 100 Classic Hikes in Washington…

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Marymere Falls – Easy Hike in Olympic National Park

Marymere Falls - Easy Hike in Olympic National Park

Marymere Falls – Easy Hike in Olympic National Park Marymere Falls is a 90-foot-high waterfall located near Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, Washington State. This easy 1.5 mile round trip hike is an extremely beginner friendly trail with a great payoff. My hiking group was able to walk at a leisurely pace, with plenty…

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Franklin Falls Easy Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle

Franklin Falls winter hike

Franklin Falls – Easy, Beautiful Winter Hike Near Seattle Franklin Falls in the winter is absolutely stunning! If you live in Western Washington, this easy winter hike is definitely one to add onto your bucket list. This winter wonderland is truly incredible. I have been hearing about this hike for years but did not get…

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