Easy Hikes at Mount Rainier National Park WA

Best Places & Park Trails – Longmire, Paradise, Sunrise, Ohanapecosh

May 21, 2009

Here are the best places for easy hikes on park trails at Mount Rainier National Park, WA State. They are near Longmire Inn, Paradise Inn, Ohanapecosh, and Sunrise.

Here are the best places for fabulous, easy hikes at Mount Rainier National Park. There are tons of park trails which are good for kids and families near Longmire Inn, Paradise Inn, Ohanapecosh, and Sunrise Day Lodge. Cloudy days may obscure views of the mountain, but it's still great to take a lazy hike in a place where the scenery rivals Switzerland. July and August are best times for wildflowers.

Longmire Area Park Trails

Trail of the Shadows is one of the shortest park trails and is just across the road from the National Park Inn at Longmire. Walk to a cabin, possibly a replica, of that built by early homesteaders. It is a self-guided trail. The loop winds around a beautiful meadow with informative stations about James Longmire and his dreams for a natural health spa.

One of the shorter park trails, this is great for children and beginners. It passes through an old growth forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar, and crosses several streams. Look for skunk cabbage, nurse logs, and giant ferns. There is an exhibit which describes the plants of the low-elevation forests.

Paradise Area Easy Hikes

This is a great hike for children and beginners, with sweeping views of subalpine meadows' wildflowers, sweet little creeks, and stunning views of the Tatoosh Range and Mount Rainier. Some parts have steep climbs, and it has a high elevation, but people can go as far as they want then turn around. Take it slow and stop at the open space resting logs. Look for marmots (like groundhogs that whistle).

Nisqually Vista Trail:1.2 miles, west of Jackson Visitor Center, 45 minutes, paved loop trail .

See Fairy Pond, if early in the season. One of the super easy hikes, Nisqually Vista Trail goes through forests and meadows, and has beautiful views of the Nisqually Glacier (on Mt. Rainier). Take this as a self-guided trail or a guided tour with a ranger in summer.

Ohanapecosh Area

3 miles, starts at Loop B of the Ohanapecosh Campground, 1 – 2 hours, loop trail

This is the most stunning of the easy hikes for many Washington State locals. Use extreme caution and supervise small children. Stay on the trail and because rocks are wet and slippery. The Ohanapecosh River falls 75 feet as it flows between the rocks and produces a silver spray. The trail follows the Ohanapecosh River, through old growth forests and is recommended as an easy hike for beginners and small children. Walk the trail as a loop by crossing the river on the bridge near the falls.

Campers can get REI Gear rentals in Washington State. Click here to get more info about where to get gear for Mount Rainier.

Along the road, just west of the Stevens Canyon Entrance Station, the Ohanapecosh River surrounds an island with thousand-year-old Douglas firs and western red cedars. Walk the trail to feel the peace, and find a space that is, possibly, better than the Redwoods in California.

Sunrise Area Trails

This easy trail descends to beautiful Shadow Lake, and is one of the mid-level park trails. There are great views of White River Valley and Mount Rainier, along with wildflowers in the subalpine meadows.

Sourdough Ridge Trail is one of the easy hikes for families and small children, with a gentle climb to the top of the ridge. It has self-guided markers along the way, explaining the ecosystem. There are fantastic views of Mt Rainier, Mt Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mt. Adams.

Mount Rainier National Park, one of the best places in the world, fulfills fantasies, with park trails for everyone: From an easy hike for small kids, to Wonderland Trail, or climbing with ice axes up a steep face. There are easy hikes near Longmire Inn, Paradise Inn, Ohanapecosh, and Sunrise Day Lodge.

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