Day Itinerary
6 Activities
Day 2
192 mi2 mi
The Mountain Is Out
You'll often hear Seattleites say "The mountain is out today" when clear skies make Mt. Rainier visible from the city center. Today, it doesn't matter whether it's cloudy or not — you'll be able to see the mountain because you'll be on it! Bring good walking shoes and a camera.
55.3 mi
1 hr 10 min
Observation Site: Mt. Rainier-Goat Rocks
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
Today is all about Mt. Rainier, which you will approach from the south. After finishing your complimentary breakfast at the hotel, get on the road by 9am so you can arrive at this observation site by a little after 10. This roadside pullout is about 16 miles before the town of Packwood. This is a great spot to stop and take a picture before getting closer.
41.5 mi
1 hr
Wildberry
Restaurant
Open Details
After your walk, go to the nearby Wildberry Restaurant, which is frequented by people exploring the national park. It serves hearty dishes of authentic Sherpa-Himalayan Nepalese cuisine.
18.8 mi
40 min
Parking Lot
Parking
Open Details
Upon reaching the Mount Rainier Visitor Center, find a parking spot in the designated lot and embark on a trail adventure that will guide you to the waterfall and observation decks.
0.5 mi
15 min
Myrtle Falls
Waterfall
Open Details
Exploring Myrtle Falls is a good way to get a taste of Mount Rainier National Park. The falls is only a quarter of a mile from the parking lot, making this an easy walk with an incredible reward of 72-foot waterfall. You'll also get great views of Mount Rainier from this vantage point. Visit this website for more information about Myrtle Falls.
1.4 mi
30 min
Nisqually Vista Trail
Hiking Trail
Open Details
The Nisqually Vista Trail is so named because it gives you some dynamite views of the Nisqually Glacier. It is only 1.2 miles round-trip, so it should be a nice complement hike to the Myrtle Falls stroll you took before this. That way, you can see more of the park during your day here. One great advantage of this trail is that it is one of the only ones in the park that is paved.
76.6 mi
2 hrs
Wooden City Tacoma
Restaurant
Open Details
This restaurant is located in downtown Tacoma. They serve an inspired mix of entrees and appetizers, from wood-fired pizza to peel and eat shrimp with Cajun spice. They do seat walk-ins, though reservations are recommended.