Best Hikes Near Ashford and Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is one of those places that stand in such visual significance that it feels as though there can be nothing more to do than climb it yourself. After all, who wouldn’t want to stand at 14,410’, the highest point in Washington State? However, with such prominence, brings a plethora of beauty amongst the lowland trees, valleys, and hills.
I’ve spent the better part of 10 years amongst these trees, valleys, and hills. There is so much to explore and see. Whether you’ve got a couple of hours at Paradise or want to spend a full day out at Sunrise, here are 5 must-see hikes while you’re visiting the park. Make sure to read to the last one to get a local tip on the most epic views in the park.
The Hikes
1. The Skyline Trail – Paradise 5.5 miles, 1,450’ Elevation Gain
The Skyline Trailhead, located at the Paradise Parking lot is one of the most iconic hikes in the park. It will also likely be the most crowded! The Skyline boasts exactly that; expansive views of Both Rainier, as well as the Tatoosh Mountain Range to the South. And on clear days, even more volcanoes such as Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood.
The trail is easily accessible. With paved walkways, it is the perfect hike to begin with, and see so much of the beauty of the park. In early season, snow still coats the foothills, with beautiful deep blue glaciers peaking out. But by August, these snow-covered fields have bloomed into a beautiful wildflower garden. And those same snow covered glaciers have begun to melt, revealing the many crevasses that give the mountain texture.
Hike a mile, or hike all 5.5, you won’t regret it!
2. Mount Fremont – Sunrise 5.6 Miles, 1,200’ Elevation Gain
Mount Fremont is a must do hike. Not only because you’ll hike onto beautiful ridgelines and wildlife (be on the lookout for mountain goats, marmots, and even the occasional fox!), but because you’ll get to climb up to one of the most picturesque Fire Outlooks in the state.
Built in 1934, it used to serve as the main lookout for the area to watch for wildfires. Now, it serves as a remnant to appreciate. And, while many of the Fire Outlooks are rentable for overnight accommodations, this one is not. It is maintained by the Park Service and is for exterior appreciation only.
3. Comet Falls – Longmire/Paradise 3.8 miles, 1,250’ Elevation Gain
Comet Falls is a spectacular (albeit more on the difficult side) hike. The Trail is 3.8 miles round trip, but you’ll climb over 1,200’ to reach a 320’ freestanding waterfall.
The falls are fed by the Van Trump Creek and lead all the way down the main road to Paradise. The Trailhead is popular amongst day-hikers, as it winds up the valley wall along the creek. Crossing Bridges and hearing the sound of water rolling over the rocks
The falls themselves dramatically come into view. With water shooting over the cliff’s edge, falling harshly onto the ground. It’s easy and abundantly clear why the hike is so popular.
4. The Burroughs Mountain Trail – Sunrise 9.0 miles, 2,500’ Elevation Gain
Have you ever had one of those hikes that just makes your jaw drop in amazement? That’s the Burroughs. Every person I have taken into the park, I take on this hike. It’s one that, on a good day, can check every box. Lakes, Animals, and the most dramatic view of Rainier in likely the whole park.
The Burroughs Mountain Trail shares the same pathway as the Mount Fremont Outlook. You’ll begin at Sunrise, Travel to the Sourdough Ridge Trail up to the ridgeline, and then cross over to Frozen Lake. At the Major Trail Junction, there are 4 trails. Two of them are the famous Wonderland Trail, the Mount Fremont Outlook, and then to the South, the Burroughs Mountain Trail.
The Burroughs consists of 3 distinct Mountains. The 1st, 2nd, and the 3rd. My suggestion to anyone and everyone is to at least go to the 2nd, but if you can, GO TO THE 3RD. The 3rd Burrough is my favorite spot in the park. I’ve done it numerous times, both as a daytime hike and as a night hike (which is amazing to watch the headlamps of the climbers ascending the Emmons Glacier), there is nothing quite like it in the park. It is what inspired me to climb Rainier in 2019. You will sit so close to the mountain that you will feel as though you’re on it. On a hot day, you can feel the cool breeze coming off of the Emmons, Winthrop, and Carbon glaciers.
5. The Emmons Moraine Trail – White River 3.0 miles, 700’ Elevation Gain
Last, but certainly not least, The Emmons Moraine Trail. Probably the easiest hike on this list, but probably the most beautiful. You know those Banff-style photos everyone takes of Moraine Lake? Well, you don’t need to get a passport to see one. This lake boasts the classic “glacial milk” (real name, look it up), that every tourist wants, but it is one of the lesser-visited locations in the park.
The trail begins in the White River Campground, on the Galcier Basin Trail. After about 1 miles, there is a shoot off to the left, which crosses the White River. From there, you’ll switchback it up a short ridgeline and the lake will come into view. Gorgeous aqua blue/green water, or as one nephew calls it, “Gatorade Lake”.
Not only does the lake color look like something out of Avatar, but the backdrop is incredible. Behind it, the Emmons Glacier (largest glacier in the lower 48) along with Little Tahoma & Mount Rainier tower above you.
The location is perfect, the setting is ideal, and this hike will probably be the easiest memory you can make while you’re there.
Whatever you choose in the park, you can’t go wrong. Now go take a Hike!
-Brynn & Kyle
