• Longmire - At this site, visitors can explore the historic log cabin lodge owned by the park, known as The National Park Inn. Relax on its porch, which offers a stunning first full view of Rainier from within the park.

While exploring the historic Longmire area, a visit to the General Store is recommended for souvenirs. It’s also a handy place to gather snacks and water for hiking.

A popular trail in this part of the park is the Trail of the Shadows, which passes by historic landmarks and old buildings.

• Carter Falls - This waterfall is active during the ice melt season; otherwise, it may be dry. It’s a quick stop, perfect for a photo and a brief look.
• Christine Falls Viewpoint - A frequently flowing waterfall, this spot is popular and worth about a 15-minute visit.
• Ricksecker Point - This is a quick stop for the view, requiring only a few minutes.
• Narada Falls - Another popular waterfall that is often flowing.
• Paradise - One of the park’s most visited areas, where visitors can spend several hours depending on their hiking plans. A short walk to Myrtle Falls, one of the park’s most photogenic waterfalls, is a must.

The main visitor center for the park, The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, is located here. While in the Paradise area, check out the Historic Paradise Inn lodge if it’s open.

Two excellent trails in this section are the Alta Vista Trail and the Nisqually Vista Trail. Enjoy the surrounding wildflower meadows in Paradise!

• Paradise River - A quick stop for the view.
• Inspiration Point - Another quick stop for the view.
• Reflection Lakes - A beautiful stop, especially on a clear day when Mount Rainier reflects on the main lake. There’s a lakeshore path and several viewpoints from both the path and the parking lots. Plan to spend at least half an hour here to enjoy the views and capture iconic photos!
• Bench Lake - For this hike, allocate at least an hour for part of the trail, or longer if hiking the entire out-and-back trail.
• Box Canyon - A short stop to enjoy the view.
• Grove of the Patriarchs - This easy hike leads to a pedestrian suspension bridge over a river and a grove of ancient, massive trees. It’s very popular and worth the stop, taking at least an hour, if not two.
• Ohanapecosh Visitor Center - This area features a long and lovely trail leading to a waterfall, the Silver Falls Loop Trail. Alternatively, a much shorter nature trail starts at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center.

Time spent here depends on whether visitors have hours for the long hike or prefer the short nature trail. Alternatively, a few minutes in the Visitor Center and a walk to the nearby bridge for river photos is an option.

• Tipsoo Lake Loop - Technically just outside the park (across the road), but managed by Mount Rainier National Park.

The lake offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and is very photogenic. An easy path allows for a walk around the entire lake, which can take an hour or two.

• Naches Peak Loop Trail - Part of this trail, across from Tipsoo Lake, is on Pacific Crest Trail land, but the Naches Peak Loop trail is managed by Mount Rainier National Park.

This trail offers spectacular views of the Cascade mountain range and Mount Rainier, along with beautiful wildflower meadows.

It’s recommended to explore at least part of the trail for the views, even if time doesn’t allow for the entire trail.

• Sunrise Point - This is the most important and magnificent overlook in Mount Rainier National Park and should not be missed! Drive up the mountain!

Even without hours to hike in the Sunrise area, the drive to this overlook is unforgettable. Plan to spend about half an hour enjoying the 360-degree views!

• Sunrise Park - The second most popular area of the park (after Paradise), though many entering at Nisqually don’t drive across to the east side to reach Sunrise. Sunrise is considered the most incredible area of Mount Rainier — or any national park!

Visitors can drive as high as possible within the park, with a front and center view of the largest glacier on the mountain (and any volcano). The Silver Forest Trail is highly recommended, offering views down to the White River thousands of feet below.

• White River Campground - After descending from Sunrise, a stop at the White River Campground is highly recommended. Walk through the camping loops to the river to experience the powerful meltwater from the Emmons glacier up close!

From Loop D, it’s recommended to hike part of the Glacier Basin Trail through the forest, leading to the popular Emmons Moraine Trail. Time spent here depends on hiking plans, but exploring part of the Glacier Basin Trail is recommended.

• Crystal Mountain Resort - This ski resort is open in winter and summer and is featured on the Shaka Guide tour because it hosts the Mount Rainier Gondola ride!

Nowhere else offers a ski lift ride into the sky for views of the great volcano!

If passing by this area (across from the Sunrise section of the park) and the ride is open, purchasing a ticket is highly recommended!

• Take the tour when you want
• Tours NEVER expire
• Audio narration that plays automatically as you drive using GPS
• Offline Audio Guided Tour: Hours of audio narration with stories, travel tips and music
• Offline map (map and GPS work completely offline - no wifi or data needed)
• Tour Start is Customizable
• Freedom to explore at your own pace - pick the stops you want, skip the ones you don’t

• Private transportation
• Meals and refreshment
• Parking Fees
• Entrance fees

Mount Rainier National Park is centered around an awe-inspiring, iconic volcano — Mount Rainier — and takes you through miles and miles of old-growth forest. The overlooks along the drive will take your breath away and the serpentine roads leading up to Paradise and Sunrise — the most popular sections of the park — will keep your heart pumping and your camera clicking.

Here are just a few of the fun things you can do on the tour:

• Explore the stunning alpine meadows of Paradise
• Witness the first light of day at Sunrise Point,
• Wander through the ancient forest of the Grove of the Patriarchs,
• Stand in awe of Narada Falls as it plunges gracefully over a rugged cliffside,
• Ascend to breathtaking heights aboard the Mount Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain

Download the Shaka Guide app to access your purchased tours.

• Travelers must have a smartphone compatible with the Shaka Guide app.
• The app must be downloaded and the tour redeemed before arrival.
• Strong Wi-Fi or cellular data is required to download the tour in advance.
• Location services (GPS) must be enabled on the device
• Travelers are responsible for securing any required entrance passes, reservations, or permits before starting
• No timed-entry reservations required for 2026 — park managing crowds via parking and traffic measures instead; visit before 7 a.m., after 4 p.m., or on weekdays to avoid peak crowds
• Tour takes 1–3 days depending on stops and hikes
• Keep your receipt — you’ll exit and re-enter the park between sections
• No gas stations in the park — fill up before arriving
• Limited food, water, and cell service — pack supplies and download the tour before you go
• Peak wildflower season: July–September — also the busiest period; expect rain year-round

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.