72 Hours in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is nestled in the heart of Washington State and boasts pristine wilderness full of glacier-capped peaks, wildflower meadows, and ancient forests. The center of the park is dominated by the 14,410-foot Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano and the tallest peak in the lower 48.
If you are visiting the park for the first time, three days is the perfect amount of time to really get a feel for this beautiful place. Below we have put together the ultimate 72-hour itinerary for Mount Rainier National Park including the best hikes, viewpoints, restaurants, accommodations, and more.
If this is your first time visiting…
Check out our ULTIMATE Mount Rainier National Park Guide so you don’t miss important permit info, park rules, best times to visit, pro tips, and more.
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Trip Summary:
Day 1: Arrive in park → Explore Paradise
Stops include Skyline Trail and Reflection Lake
Day 2: Explore Ohanapecosh and Chinook Pass
Stops include Silver Falls and Tipsoo Lake
Day 3: Visit the Sunrise area
Stops include Fremont Lookout and Sunrise Nature Trail
Planning Tips:
There are no dogs allowed on the trails in Mount Rainier National Park to protect the wildlife.
Leave no trace - pack out everything you bring with you. The idea is you should leave each place you visit exactly as you found it.
You will need an America the Beautiful Pass ($80 per year) or a specific Mount Rainier parks pass to visit. You can alternatively pay for a day pass at the park entrances. If you frequently visit national parks in the U.S. each year, we recommend the America the Beautiful Pass.
In 2025, Mount Rainier is implementing a timed entry permit system for the SUNRISE corridor only (White River Entrance).
You will need a timed entry permit from July 11th-September 1st (7am to 5pm daily) AND September 2nd-end of season (7am to 5pm, weekend and holidays only). Permits are per vehicle, they are $2, and can be purchased here.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL + PARADISE AREA
Morning: Enter via Nisqually Entrance
Make sure to have a national parks pass (like the America the Beautiful Pass) or be prepared to buy a day pass.
Stop at Longmire Museum if needed to pick up a map and get trail info.
Drive up to Paradise (~40 mins from the entrance).
Hike: Skyline Trail Loop
Distance: 5.6 mile loop
Elevation Gain: ~1,700 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3–4 hours
Highlights: This is the most popular hike in the park and we promise, it will blow you away! It includes sweeping views of Mount Rainier, Nisqually Glacier, wildflower meadows, and waterfalls. This hike can get crowded so the earlier you start, the better!
PRO TIP:
Hike Skyline Loop CLOCKWISE. It will be a steeper ascent but the views are way better than going counterclockwise.
Lunch:
Paradise Inn Dining Room – Upscale, rustic atmosphere with mountain views.
Pack Lunch – Since there are limited dining options in the park, having a packed lunch can be great, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
Afternoon: Visit Scenic Viewpoints
Reflection Lakes: Reflection Lakes is famous for mirror-like views of Rainier.
Christine Falls & Narada Falls: Beautiful waterfalls to see along the park road.
Late Afternoon: Check into Accommodation
For this trip, we would recommend basing yourself in Packwood, Washington. This town has great hotels and eateries. It is also a closer jumping off point for the activities on day two and three.
Option 1: Packwood Hotel
Packwood Hotel is a charming, rustic hotel located in Packwood, Washington. We love this hotel because it is super affordable and within walking distance to the shops and eateries in town.
Option 2: Packwood Lodge and Cabins
If you are looking for a more secluded stay where you have your own cabin, check out this accomidation.
Option 3: Airbnb’s
If you are traveling with a group, an Airbnb might make more sense. There are tons of Airbnb’s in the Packwood area, most have a required stay of 2 nights.
Option 4: Campgrounds
There are a few campgrounds in the national park. Cougar Rock Campground is reservation only. White River campground is first come, first serve only. Ohanapecosh Campground is closed for the 2025 season.
Evening – Dinner at Packwood Brewing Co.
Location: Packwood
Highlights: After freshening up, head to Packwood Brewing Co. for some craft beer and Mexican food. This spot frequently has live music and seasonally, has an ice cream truck out front. There is ample seating both inside and outside. Dogs and kiddos are welcome.
DAY 2: SILVER FALLS & TIPSOO LAKE
Morning: Breakfast and Coffee at The Mountain Goat
Location: Packwood
Highlights: The Mountain Goat is a cute cafe in Packwood that brews delicious coffee. They also offer a selection of fresh baked goods each day.
Hike: Silver Falls Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 1–1.5 hours
Highlights: Serene trail through an old-growth forest, with beautiful views of the Ohanapecosh River, ending at a cascading waterfall.
PRO TIP:
The parking lot for this hike is tucked back in the Ohanapecosh Campground. Make sure to park in the day use area and don’t block campsites.
Lunch:
Picnic at Ohanapecosh or grab snacks from a local stop on the way to Chinook Pass.
Drive to Tipsoo Lake (Chinook Pass)
30-40 minutes from Silver Falls
Note: Check that SR 410 is open (typically late June–October)
Hike: Tipsoo & Dewey Lake Loop
Distance: 6.7 miles round trip
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Highlights: Gorgeous views of Mount Rainier and multiple alpine lakes. This hike is particularly stunning in August when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Pro tip: If you don’t feel like hiking, you can wander around Tipsoo Lake. It is right next to the parking area. You can also walk to the nearby Naches Peak Trail to see more wildflowers.
Dinner:
Pick up pizzas at Cruiser’s Pizza in Packwood.
Grab beers and eat at a food truck at Longmire Springs Brewing.
Cook at your Airbnb
DAY 3: SUNRISE AREA & FREMONT LOOKOUT
Morning: Sunrise Visitor Center
Arrive early for parking and cool temps.
Check out the Sunrise Visitor Center for park exhibits and maps.
A TIMED ENTRY PERMIT is needed to access this area of the park in 2025. See the beginning of the article for more information and buy your permit here.
Hike: Fremont Lookout Trail
Distance: 5.7 miles round-trip
Elevation Gain: 1,100 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Highlights: One of the most breathtaking views in the park. The trail follows a ridge with panoramic views and ends at a historic fire lookout facing Mount Rainier and Emmons Glacier.
PRO TIP:
This hike frequently experiences cloud inversions at sunrise and sunset. If you are feeling like an early morning on Day 3 - try to do this hike at sunrise!
Lunch:
Picnic with a view at Sunrise area picnic tables or on the trail.
Early Afternoon:
Optional short walk around Sunrise Nature Trail (1.5 mi loop)
Begin return drive home via White River Entrance or loop back to Nisqually depending on where you’re headed next.
How to Pack for Mount Rainier National Park
The weather in the park and near the mountain can be drastically different than the weather in town. This is because at places like Paradise, you are 5,400 feet above sea level which is almost 4,000 feet higher than the closest town!
Weather can change quickly at these higher elevations so we recommend always packing the following items with you on your hikes at Mount Rainier National Park:
Waterproof rain shell (pro tip: wear a bright shell, pink or yellow, to stand out in photos)
Other hiking gear you may need includes:
Microspikes (if you visit in the spring or late fall)
Headlamp (for sunrise or sunset hikes)
Bug spray (if you visit in the summer)
Final Thoughts:
This 72-hour itinerary offers a perfect introduction to the magic of Mount Rainier National Park. From the iconic views along the Skyline Loop to peaceful moments at Tipsoo Lake and the breathtaking summit of Fremont Lookout, you’ll experience the park’s most memorable sights. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this trip blends adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty into one unforgettable mountain getaway.
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