a Rainier day-hike weekend, stop by stop

long weekend, four trailheads, built around when each lot fills, not around drive time.

Skyline Trail (Paradise)

6.3 mi. RT loop. Paradise lot is full by 9am most summer weekends, start early or take the shuttle

Naches Peak Loop (Tipsoo Lake, off Chinook Pass)

Comet Falls (Christine Falls trailhead)

short but 1,200 ft of gain in just over 3 miles round trip, for two waterfalls. steep enough to feel earned

Tolmie Peak

a lake below and a fire lookout at the top, about 1,600 ft of climbing to get there

Grove of the Patriarchs

closed since the suspension bridge washed out. construction on the replacement isn't starting till 2027, don't drive out expecting it

Mount Fremont Lookout (from Sunrise)

distance depends which trailhead at Sunrise you start from, goat sightings basically guaranteed either way

Burroughs Mountain, First and Second (from Sunrise)

call it 7 mi RT to Second Burroughs, ~900 ft gain, closest you get to the mountain without a permit

sunrise point pullout, sunset only

Or start a list of your own. Free, it takes a minute.

Related lists