At 14,411 feet, Mt. Rainier dominates Cascade Range. In addition to forested trails, Rainier also offers easy access to sub-alpine and alpine parks and meadows. The jewel of Mt. Rainier is the 92-mile Wonderland Trail encircling the mountain. Traversing along ridgelines, fording rivers, and climbing above the clouds you’ll travel through some of the most pristine and gorgeous areas of the backcountry.

If you don’t have the 7 – 15 days to hike the Wonderland, there are a number of excellent day hikes. Paradise and Sunrise are easily accessible and offer great views – but are often packed with tourists and day hikers. The often overlooked west side of the Rainier offers many of the same spectacular views, with fewer people if you’re willing to hike a few miles.

great shooting locations in the park
	Wonderland Trail Paradise Summerland Indian Bar Sunrise Emerald Ridge Indian Henry's Hunting Ground St Andrew's Park Golden Lakes Mowich Lake Carbon River Valley Mystic Lake Box Canyon Reflection Lakes

Paradise or Sunrise are your best bet. Sunrise offers more rugged terrain (and fewer tourists). Paradise offers the same alpine meadows, but greater opportunities for quick photo sessions as the road up the Paradise offers plenty great waterfalls.

If you are careful, quiet and lucky you may encounter one of the many wild animals who make the park their home. Marmots, squirrels and deer are common throughout the park. Rainier hosts a robust bear population. Bear sightings are rare, and bear related accidents are even rarer. That said, always use sound bear precautions and use bear-poles or other measure to protect your food.

Late spring through August are the best time of the year if you plan on hiking and shooting anything other than snow. The alpine wildflowers usually spring out of the meadows in mid-July, however check with the rangers before venturing to Rainier as the wildflowers best bloom varies each year.

Winter in the park can be breathtaking, and dangerous. Paradise is open during the winter, and offers plenty of snowshoe opportunities. Rangers discourage winter hiking on all trails (especially the backcountry). Winter travel should only be attempted by extremely well equipped winter expedition parties with self-rescue capabilities.

Website:  www.nps.gov/mora 

The Mount Rainer NP website has excellent instructions (and maps) for getting to the park: http://www.nps.gov/mora/general/directions.htm .