SEATTLE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Two Days Around Rainier: Alpine Meadows, Glaciers and Old‑Growth Forests
A 2‑day, 1‑night guided hiking tour from Seattle that visits Sunrise and Paradise on Mount Rainier to experience alpine tundra, Emmons Glacier views and western old‑growth rainforest.
Two Days Around Rainier: Alpine Meadows, Glaciers and Old‑Growth Forests.
Adventure brief
Two Days Around Rainier: Alpine Meadows, Glaciers and Old‑Growth Forests
Lovers of epic vistas, rugged hikes and wildlife viewing are called to this compact loop around Washington’s iconic volcano. Over two days and one night you’ll move from windswept heather and rocky alpine tundra to wildflower‑studded slopes and then down into mossy, waterfall‑filled old‑growth forest, staying overnight at the historic Paradise Inn and returning to Seattle with a close understanding of Mount Rainier’s glaciers, meadows and forested slopes.
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rainier National Park on this private 2-day hiking tour led by Evergreen Escapes in Seattle. This immersive journey takes you through diverse landscapes—from vibrant alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers to ancient old-growth forests shaded by towering evergreens. Along the way, you'll witness sweeping views of glaciers slowly carving the mountainside, roaring waterfalls, and panoramic peaks that reveal Mount Rainier's awe-inspiring scale. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to spot marmots, black bears, and mountain goats in their natural habitats. With expert guides ensuring a safe and memorable experience, you'll explore well-maintained trails suited for moderate to challenging hikers. Evening gatherings by the campfire offer moments to share stories and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness. This private adventure is perfect for those seeking to experience the diverse ecosystems and raw beauty of Washington’s iconic volcano in a personalized, small-group setting. Whether you're an avid hiker or an outdoor enthusiast wanting a multi-day escape, this Mount Rainier tour provides a captivating blend of physical activity, natural wonder, and peaceful solitude.
Route Schematic
Itinerary route schematic
Stops move from the mountain’s northern high country at Sunrise to the southern Paradise corridor and then down the western slopes into old‑growth forested valleys.
Sunrise Visitor’s Center
Begin at Sunrise with a hike above the tree line through alpine tundra and meadows; watch for mountain goats and black bears while gaining up to about 1,300 ft on routes of 4–6 miles.
Glacier Overlook & Second Burroughs Mountain
From Glacier Overlook view Emmons Glacier and ascend toward Second Burroughs Mountain for close, panoramic views of Mount Rainier and distant Cascade peaks.
Paradise Inn and Camp Muir approaches
Stay overnight at Paradise Inn and on day two hike toward Camp Muir, touring wildflower slopes and observing Nisqually Glacier from above.
Western slopes: old‑growth rainforest and waterfalls
After lunch descend into the western rainforest to see waterfalls, learn about northern flying squirrels and spotted owls, and complete the loop back toward Seattle.
Routes include daily hikes of roughly 4–6 miles with elevation gains up to about 1,300 ft (day 1) and 1,000 ft (day 2); operator itinerary and route choices may change with weather or park conditions.
What the day feels like
How the two days feel on the trail
The tour unfolds as a concise circumnavigation of Rainier’s character: a dawn start at Sunrise climbs into exposed tundra with glacier panoramas, an overnight at Paradise Inn anchors the trip, and day two alternates high‑alpine slopes toward Camp Muir and then a descent into ancient, waterfall‑laced rainforest before the return to Seattle.
THE ALPINE
Sunrise: above the tree line and into tundra
Begin the tour at Sunrise Visitor’s Center and hike above the tree line through open heather and rocky alpine tundra, where whitebark pine and mountain hemlock float on seas of wildflower meadows and vistas extend to the Cascade range.
THE ICE
Glacier Overlook and Second Burroughs Mountain
From Glacier Overlook peer down onto Emmons Glacier—the largest river of ice in the contiguous states—and on clear days see Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains from the slopes near Second Burroughs Mountain.
THE FOREST
Paradise to the western old‑growth rainforests
On day two the route drops from the wildflower meadows around Paradise Inn into lush western old‑growth rainforest where waterfalls tumble into glacial rivers and the forest is home to species like northern flying squirrels and spotted owls.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this tour suits
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is a 2‑day, 1‑night guided program that operates as a short loop from Seattle into Mount Rainier National Park.
Activities include hiking, wildlife viewing and visitor center stops; expected hiking distances are about 4–6 miles per day with elevation gains up to roughly 1,300 ft (day 1) and up to 1,000 ft (day 2).
The trip includes one breakfast, two lunches and one dinner, with lodging provided at Paradise Inn for the overnight.
The itinerary starts and finishes in Seattle and travels into Mount Rainier National Park, visiting Sunrise and Paradise on the mountain.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The guided program runs two days and one night.
Where does the tour start and end?
Start and finish are in Seattle, WA, with travel into Mount Rainier National Park.
What meals and lodging are included?
Meals included are one breakfast, two lunches and one dinner; lodging is at Paradise Inn for the overnight.
How strenuous are the hikes?
Hikes are listed for all levels with expected daily distances of about 4–6 miles and elevation gains up to approximately 1,300 ft on day one and up to 1,000 ft on day two.
What destinations in the park will we visit?
The itinerary visits Sunrise (north side) and Paradise (southern slopes) and includes alpine meadows, Glacier Overlook/Second Burroughs Mountain views and western old‑growth rainforest with waterfalls.
What activities are part of the trip?
Planned activities are hiking, wildlife viewing and visits to park visitor centers.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:33.983Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.