Mount Rainier is an active, ice-capped volcano that shoots up out of the Cascade Range. It's filled with ancient glaciers, wildflowers and has major Swiss Alps vibes. Check out our list for the most noteworthy ways to spend your time here.

WHERE TO STAY

Cougar Rock Campground

Nestled inside the Nisqually entrance, along the Paradise Valley Road, is Cougar Rock Campground. Make this your basecamp for a central spot to get around the park. You can walk to hikes and see Mt. Rainier in all her splendid glory.

WHERE TO HIKE

Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail

This trail starts near the Sunrise Visitor Center and heads 1,100 feet up to a historic fire lookout. The views are unmatched, and you can see the entire world from up there. Well, maybe not the entire world, but almost.

MUST SEE LANDMARK

Skyline Trail

If your hike is in July, prepare yourself for full wildflower enchantment. This is the go-to trail to peep glaciers and maybe even a celestial marmot or two. Make sure you bring sunscreen and layers; you might encounter icy breezes and snow on the ground even in the summer.

WHERE TO SEE SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Point/Reflection Lake

It's right there in the name! Sunrise Point is the best place to take in the sunrise. Come at dawn to see the new day illuminate Mt. Rainier.

For sunset, head out to Reflection Lake and fill your eyes with stunning vistas of the last light.

QUINTESSENTIAL SCENIC DRIVE

White Pass + Chinook

You have two options: The first is Highway 12 along the White Pass Scenic Byway. You'll ooh and ahh as you skim the bottom of the park. Or try the Chinook Scenic Drive. It cuts through the top of the park on highway 410. Both byways deliver pristine lakes and waterfalls—all the heart eyes guaranteed. Check first before you drive. They are both subject to winter closures.

SECRET SPOT

Mowich Lake

Most people don't want to brave the 17-mile dirt road (but you're not most people, are you?), making this lake a hidden gem. Tucked along the alpine ridge sits the pristine Mowich Lake. Bring food, water, and a kayak if you're into that sort of thing.

EAT PIE

Wild Berry Restaurant

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of housemade Marion blackberry pie or a mango lassi. Wild Berry is located just outside the park's SW entrance.

CRACK OPEN A COLD ONE

Wonderland Trail

You can circumnavigate the entire Rainier mountain on this 96-mile trail. But, let's be honest, that seems like a lot of work. Instead, start the trail near Cougar Rock Campground. Walk along the Paradise River for 2.5 miles to Madcap falls. Find a quiet spot along the Tatoosh Creek to crack open a tall can and enjoy the views.

SELFIE SPOT

Suspension bridge

Hike the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail and say hi to some of Washington state's oldest and tallest trees. But first, you have to wobble out on a suspension bridge-- a perfect place to stop and say cheeeeese!

RADICAL ACTIVITY

Summit Rainier

It takes 2-3 days, mountaineering gear, and an experienced guide. But you got this, except, fun fact— only half of the people that set out to do it complete the summit.