Mt. Rainier National Park Day Tour from Seattle
Only 8 spots left!
Book tickets here (Choose the 7:20am option for Sunday, August 31st, 2025). Choose Westlake Center as the pickup spot.
https://www.viator.com/tours/Seattle/Mt-Rainier-Day-Trip-from-Seattle/d704-3657RAINIER?pid=P00005400&uid=U00404481&mcid=58086¤cy=USD
Our group will meet at 7am at Westlake Center. The tour operator will pick you all up from there. If you are not able to get to Westlake Center, there are other pickup options available when booking.
I (Tabitha, the Meetup organizer) will be unable to attend. Please use the Meetup chat to discuss this trip with other event attendees :)
Be sure to send me a message letting me know how the event went by September 15th, 2025 and I will enter you into a raffle for a chance to win a fun, small prize!
Overview from Tour Operator:
Experience the natural beauty of majestic Mt. Rainier on this guided, full-day tour from Seattle. Enjoy a scenic, narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls, and historic towns to Mt. Rainier. Take in spectacular views from Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt. Rainier National Park and the aptly named Paradise. Includes pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels.
- Visit Mt. Rainier National Park on a full-day bus tour from Seattle
- Learn about the park, local lakes, and historic towns from your guide
- Photograph stunning sites such as Christine Falls and Narada Falls
What's Included:
- Professional guide
- Pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels
- Transport by air-conditioned fully insured Commercial Bus
- Our phone lines are attended by a live Representative during Business hours
- Park Admission Fees
What's Not Included:
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Itinerary
This Mt. Rainier day trip begins with a pickup in Seattle. Then prepare for a narrated, scenic drive.
Stops can vary depending on the weather and conditions, but can include Longmire, the visitor center at the southwest corner of the park, to explore their museum and National Park Inn. Visit Christine Falls, with one of the signature views in Mt Rainier National Park (look for the bridge). Then walk along the Nisqually River up to Narada Falls, considered the most popular waterfall in Mt Rainier State Park.
Then it’s off to the pinnacle event of the day: the view at Paradise, which is 5,400 feet (1,646 meters) above sea level. Purchase lunch here and take in the incredible view of Mt. Rainier and the valley below. Be on the lookout for wildlife.
During the wintertime, an optional snowshoe adventure is possible if conditions allow. During the summertime, simply enjoy the scene at Reflection Lakes, which provides one of the most iconic views of Mt. Rainier.
Then it’s back down the mountain to Seattle.
Alder Lake Park (Pass By)
Scenic lake on the way to the Mountain
Elbe (Pass By)
Stop is made here only when roads are unexpectedly closed in the park. In this small town there are several points of interest: The Hobo Inn, historic Lutheran Church, Mt. Rainier scenic railroad and the biggest sasquatch you have ever seen.
Ashford (Pass By)
Base camp for mountain climbers
1
Longmire Museum
animal exhibits, native American history and stories, pioneer information, volcanology info. Transportation exibit.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
2
Trail of the Shadows
2nd growth forest, hot springs, hike, history (subject to change based on weather and road conditions).
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
3
Longmire
Where we offer optional hikes, take in viewpoints, gift shop. Trail of Shadows, suspension bridge. Lodge.
45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Christine Falls Viewpoint
A popular waterfall off of the road that is framed by a stone bridge. (subject to change based on weather and road conditions).
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Narada Falls
One of the most scenic waterfalls to see in the park. (subject to change based on weather and road conditions).
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
6
Paradise Valley
*** PLEASE NOTE STARTING NOVEMBER 12TH ACCESS TO PARADISE DURING THE WINTER MONTHS IS ONLY ACCESSIBLE FRIDAY-MONDAYS based on road conditions. PLEASE PLAN YOUR TRIP ACCORDINGLY IF THIS IS A STOP YOU ARE DESIRING**** Alpine meadow where in wintertime we offer snowshoeing and hiking. There's a visitor's center, gift shops, food Generally considered the highlight of the day the amount of time spent here can vary depending on weather conditions and visibility. (subject to change based on weather and road conditions).
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
7
Twin Firs Loop Trail
A tree huggers dream: We walk a quarter mile loop trail through old growth forest-giants many hundreds of years old.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
8
Reflection Lakes
Small Alpine Lakes available only to see in season excluding winter time. When there is no breeze the reflection of the mountain looks like a mirror and pictures taken look fake. (subject to change based on weather and road conditions).
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
9
Sunrise Visitor Center
Only available during summer months. This stop would replace the stop at Paradise. NOT all guides offer this itinerary. Stops here are rare and special and may not be available on your tour date. Road is bumpy
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
10
Tipsoo Lake Loop
Only available during summer months a stop here would change the regular itinerary. Not a guaranteed stop. Determined by the tour guide.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free