Mount Rainier National Park spans 369 square miles, and it’s surrounded by some stunning scenery, charming small towns, and rugged rural property. While we always recommend exploring the park itself, especially on foot, there is a scenic drive that will take you in a giant loop around it, taking you straight to some of the area’s top attractions in the process.
The route encircling Mount Rainier is about 147 miles long, but you should allow for a solid five hours so you can explore. It’s usually snow-free by the beginning of June, and you can typically drive it well into October.
To circle Mount Rainier, just merge onto Highway 410 in the Enumclaw area.
Robert Ashworth / Flickr Plan on beginning and ending in Enumclaw to get the full effect.
Known for being the gateway to Mount Rainier National Park, Enumclaw is a charming rural town nestled against the foothills of the Cascades.
Jim Choate / Flickr Life here is quiet and peaceful, and that’s just the way the locals like it.
Head east on Highway 410 for about 15 miles until you reach Federation Forest State Park.
Cathy Dillman / Google This breathtaking 619-acre park is often overshadowed by Mt. Rainier, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
As you drive, you’ll notice several viewpoints along the way.
Jasperdo / Flickr While stopping at all of them isn’t necessary, we highly recommend parking the car at a couple of viewpoints and admiring the scenery. Admire the mountain in all its glory.
The next major landmark on this route is Skookum Falls, a dramatic two-tiered waterfall that drops down the mountain into a river.
Mark Stone / Google Skookum Falls is viewable from one of the roadside viewpoints, but you’re welcome to hike down and take a closer look.
Stretch your legs on the easy, enchanting Grove of the Patriarchs trail.
Ashlyn G / Flickr The hike is only 1.5 miles in length and it’s mostly boardwalk, so it’s a fun adventure for the whole family.
Nest, check out the intriguing Box Canyon.
Chad Henson / Flickr The Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River has cut a channel into the mossy rock over time, creating a canyon 100 feet deep but only 15 to 30 feet across. You can take a narrow bridge over the canyon on foot, or just admire the area from the car. There’s a great picnic area here as well.
You’ll pass plenty of bodies of water on this route, but don’t let the day end without taking a look at Reflection Lake.
Rick Bergstrom / Flickr This picture-perfect scene is one of the most photographed spots in the park, and for good reason. On a clear day and at sunset, this place looks too magnificent to be real.
Have you driven the loop around Rainier? Let us know what you liked best about the drive in the comments below.
Robert Ashworth / Flickr
Plan on beginning and ending in Enumclaw to get the full effect.
Jim Choate / Flickr
Life here is quiet and peaceful, and that’s just the way the locals like it.
Cathy Dillman / Google
This breathtaking 619-acre park is often overshadowed by Mt. Rainier, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
Jasperdo / Flickr
While stopping at all of them isn’t necessary, we highly recommend parking the car at a couple of viewpoints and admiring the scenery. Admire the mountain in all its glory.
Mark Stone / Google
Skookum Falls is viewable from one of the roadside viewpoints, but you’re welcome to hike down and take a closer look.
Ashlyn G / Flickr
The hike is only 1.5 miles in length and it’s mostly boardwalk, so it’s a fun adventure for the whole family.
Chad Henson / Flickr
The Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River has cut a channel into the mossy rock over time, creating a canyon 100 feet deep but only 15 to 30 feet across. You can take a narrow bridge over the canyon on foot, or just admire the area from the car. There’s a great picnic area here as well.
Rick Bergstrom / Flickr
This picture-perfect scene is one of the most photographed spots in the park, and for good reason. On a clear day and at sunset, this place looks too magnificent to be real.
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Address: Mount Rainier, Washington 98304, USA
