Mount Rainier
A Family Adventure to Mount Rainier: Snow, Trails & Timeless Memories
In June, our family embarked on a journey to Washington State, with our first stop being the majestic Mount Rainier National Park. Here's a glimpse into our unforgettable experience.
Arrival in Seattle & Journey to Ashford
We boarded a direct American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Seattle, landing in the early afternoon. After picking up our rental car from Hertz, we made a quick stop at Whole Foods to grab lunch and stock up on groceries. With supplies in hand, we drove approximately 45 minutes south to Ashford, Washington, where we checked into our charming modern Airbnb—just five minutes from the park entrance. After a long day of travel, we decided to prepare a cozy dinner at the house and rest up for the adventures ahead.
Exploring Mount Rainier National Park
The next morning, we set out early to make our 7–9 a.m. timed entry reservation for the Paradise Corridor. Our first stop was the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, the main information hub for the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. Inside, we explored exhibits on glaciers, geology, wildlife, and the park’s unique ecosystems. A short film introduced us to the landscape, and park rangers were available to answer questions and help plan our visit.
To our surprise, we encountered snow-covered trails despite it being June. The Paradise area receives an average of 640 inches (53.6 feet) of snow annually, so remnants of snow are common even in early summer. Fortunately, the sun was warm, making hiking comfortable and enjoyable.
Family-Friendly Hikes
We embarked on several trails suitable for all ages:
Nisqually Vista Trail: A gentle 1.2-mile loop offering stunning views of the Nisqually Glacier and wildflower meadows. The trail is mostly paved and accessible, making it ideal for families.
Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls: This 1-mile round-trip hike through subalpine meadows leads to the picturesque Myrtle Falls, with panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range. The trail is paved and has a gentle slope, making it suitable for families.
Reflection Lakes: While the lake was still pretty frozen, we enjoyed a peaceful lunch by the water and took in the serene surroundings.
Bench Lake, Narada Falls, and Christine Falls: Short, easy hikes that offered beautiful views and were perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.
Evening Treats & Relaxation
After a day filled with hiking and exploration, we stopped by the Rainier Basecamp Bar & Grill for a hearty dinner. The establishment offers a variety of dishes and a cozy atmosphere, making it a great spot to unwind. Afterward, we treated ourselves to ice cream from a nearby shop, savoring the sweet end to a perfect day.
Quick Takeaways / Tips from Our Mount Rainier Adventure
Flew direct from Philadelphia to Seattle with American Airlines—easy and convenient.
Picked up a rental car at Hertz for a smooth road trip to Ashford.
Stayed in a modern, family-friendly Airbnb just 5 minutes from the park entrance.
Stock up on groceries and lunch at Whole Foods before heading into Mount Rainier.
Paradise Corridor requires a timed entry reservation—plan ahead!
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is perfect for learning about glaciers, wildlife, and park history.
Expect snow in June—warm clothes and sun protection are both essential.
Family-friendly hikes we loved: Nisqually Vista Trail, Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, Bench Lake, Narada Falls, and Christine Falls.
Reflection Lakes is a great picnic spot, even if the lake is still partially frozen in June.
Treat yourself after a day of hiking: dinner at Rainier Basecamp Bar & Grill and ice cream nearby.
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