After crossing the entrance, it’s about 20 miles to the top through dense forest and snow-capped mountain views until you reach the parking area.
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Day Trip to Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington-January 19th, 2025
A couple of weeks ago, on a Sunday I noted that the weather was brilliant as it was cold (minus degree temperatures) and super sunny at Mt. Rainier. I immediately decided to do a “Solo Drive” to the crown jewel of Washington – Mt. Rainier National Park.
Mt. Rainier is about 110 miles (190kms) southeast and requires one to cross Downtown Seattle and head east towards this popular National Park.
I started from home at around 9:30 am and headed toward the park. It was quite foggy in the beginning and the weather improved as I neared the park. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach Paradise which is the visitor center of Mt. Rainier National Park.
While driving towards the park, Mt. Rainier is visible from almost every few miles and at different angles. Drive as usual is pleasant as, after some bit of freeway driving (~ 50 miles), the rest is via. winding 2-lane roads through the national park.
Reached the entrance of the park a little before 11:30 am and as usual, it felt like the entire Seattle was in the park and it took nearly 30 mins to cross the entrance where they collect the fees- $30/car. Post crossing the entrance, it’s about 20 miles to the top through dense forest and snow-capped mountain views until you reach the parking area.
Parking area was completely full and it took me 10-15 mins of circling around before I got an open slot to park the car. It was nearly 1:00 pm and I was hungry so I unpacked my picnic box and enjoyed a hearty home-made meal sitting in the car with great views.
Post that lunch, I started a small hike up the mountain and hiked for about 1.5 miles one-way and enjoyed the views. Came back down around 3:00 pm and drove to a couple of other spots spent exploring that area.
Due to heavy snow, most of the area was closed to vehicular traffic so limited spots were open. Most people come fully prepared with snowshoeing shoes, ski and/or, spiked hiking boots.
It was almost 4:00 pm and it was time to head back and enroute the views of Mt. Rainier were glowing with sun rays falling on it (it was absolutely amazing to see the mountain in that golden color).
Enjoyed the drive back home which I reached around 7:00 pm. It was a fun day spent in the mountains.
Foggy when I left home at 9:30 am.
Quick stop enroute to grab some coffee.
Views of Mt. Rainier all through the drive.
Beautiful Lakes too on the way…
Long queue at the entrance of the park. This is a regular phenomenon. It normally takes 10 mins to 30 mins to pass the entrance.
Winding (Ghat type of section) for the last 15-20 miles up to the mountains. Very enjoyable drive.
Mountain in your face as you come closer.
Finally at the parking spot.
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