Mt Rainier: Guided Hikes, Glaciers & Waterfalls Day Trip

Summary

Guided day trip from Seattle with short hikes, waterfalls and old-growth forest

You’ll walk snowy trails with a local guide in Mt Rainier, picnic near glaciers, stand in the mist at Narada Falls, and wander through ancient forests. Expect friendly company and small surprises — like learning how cold a sandwich can get at 5,500 feet or hearing stories about Tahoma that linger long after you’re back in Seattle.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the air near Paradise almost tasted cold — sharp and clean in a way I don’t get back home. Our guide, Jamie, handed out trekking poles and grinned when someone asked if we’d see the mountain “up close.” We could already see it looming above us, white against a sky that kept shifting between blue and that moody Pacific Northwest gray. There was still snow even in late May, so we strapped on the snowshoes Jamie brought along (I’d never worn them before; they make this soft crunching sound that’s weirdly satisfying).

We didn’t hike far — maybe a mile or so from the visitor center — but every few steps there was something new. At one point we stopped for lunch near these giant glaciers. The wind off the ice made my sandwich taste colder than it should’ve been, but nobody seemed to mind. Jamie pointed out tracks in the snow (fox? coyote? I forget) and told us how the old-growth trees here have seen more winters than any of us ever will. Someone tried to pronounce “Tahoma” (the mountain’s original name) and got it wrong; Jamie laughed but said it was closer than most tourists manage.

I remember standing at Narada Falls — you can feel the spray before you even see the water. It’s loud enough that you have to shout a little to talk. Later at Christine Falls, I leaned over the old stone bridge just long enough for my glasses to fog up. The road to Reflection Lakes was closed (too much snow), but honestly I didn’t miss it; there was something about walking through those forests near Longmire, where everything smells like wet earth and cedar sap. My legs were tired by then but I didn’t really want it to end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mt. Rainier guided hike and sightseeing

• Pick up in Seattle downtown
• Drive to Mt. Rainier National Park (2 hours)
• Hike about a mile near glaciers at Paradise
• Picnic near giant glaciers
• Hike back one mile
• Drive to Narada Falls viewpoint
• Hike to bottom of Narada Falls
• Visit Christine Falls under stone bridge
• Walk in old-growth forest near Longmire
• See Reflection Lakes
• Drive back to Seattle downtown

Top questions

How long does the Mt Rainier guided hike last?

The day trip lasts around 10-11 hours including travel from Seattle.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mt Rainier tour?

Yes, pickup is available in downtown Seattle or near the Space Needle if requested.

Do I need experience with snowshoeing for this tour?

No experience is needed; snowshoes are provided when necessary between November and June.

How far do you hike during this day trip?

You’ll hike about a mile near Paradise plus short walks at other stops like waterfalls and forests.

Are meals or snacks included?

No meals are provided; bring your own lunch for a picnic during the hike.

What should I wear for hiking Mt Rainier?

Dress in layers suitable for cold or changing weather; waterproof shoes are recommended especially if there’s snow.

Can children join this guided hike?

Specialized infant seats are available but travelers should have moderate fitness; not recommended for those with knee or hip issues.

Are all highlights accessible year-round?

No, some areas like Reflection Lakes may be closed due to snow from November to June.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from downtown Seattle or near the Space Needle if you prefer, all entry fees to Mt Rainier Park, bottled water for the trail, trekking poles for everyone, plus crampons or snowshoes as needed depending on season — all with an easygoing local guide who knows their way around glaciers and waterfalls.