7 Easy Mount Rainier Trails for Mini Mountaineers

Visiting iconic Mount Rainier should be on every Washington family’s summer bucket list. But have you put it off because it seems too hard to explore with kids? We’ve got good news for you! There are plenty of short, easy trails with stunning alpine views that can be hiked and walked with wee ones, even those in strollers on some of the trails. Gawk at 1,000-year-old trees, play at Tipsoo Lake, explore a homestead cabin, see hot springs, and experience the glory of wildflowers and crisp alpine air. We’ve included a couple of longer hikes for families with older kids, too. These are all summer hikes, so check to be sure the area you want to visit is open before heading out. 

Know before you go

A well-laid plan will make the trip more enjoyable for the entire family.

• You’ll need to pay admission to enter Mount Rainier National Park for these hikes, or visit on a fee-free day, or, if you have a fourth grader, show your Every Kid Outdoors pass.
• Always remember to bring along the 10 essentials on any hike and check hiker trip reports on the Washington Trails Association website to assess current trail conditions for your intended destination. 
• Dogs aren’t allowed in Mount Rainier National Park, so leave your fur baby at home.
• Pack snacks and adequate amounts of water or even a picnic for the family (consult a list of designated picnic areas). 
• Help preserve the meadows by staying on the trails (even though it is tempting to go off trail for photo ops) and by not picking the wildflowers. 
• Beautiful, updated Paradise Inn is open, and visitor center restrooms are open as well.
• During peak times and days, there can be a long line to get into the park — and to a restroom. The last public restroom for 17 miles before you reach the facilities inside the park is at the rest stop on State Route 7 in Elbe. If you have little ones (or even big kids), stop there just in case!
• Meilee Anderson, a marketing consultant with the website Visit Rainier, advises, “Remember peak visiting hours in the summer when crowds are highest is 10 a.m.–2 p.m. If you arrive during those hours, remember to ‘pack your patience’ when waiting to get into the park or when looking for a parking space. It’s always smart to have a backup plan in case you arrive and find a full parking lot, a long line or big crowds.”

Nisqually Vista Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles round trip 

The paved Nisqually Vista trail offers views of the Nisqually River valley and Nisqually Glacier. This is also one of the “flower trails,” so be sure to pick up a map at the visitor center to guide you. Wander the trails and enjoy the wildflowers, but don’t pick any! Park in the lower lot and find the trailhead at the western end of the lot. Go up the stone stairs to the stroller-friendly paved path. 

Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls

Distance: 1 mile round trip  

A short, paved path leads to one of the most photographed spots in the park, Myrtle Falls. This horsetail waterfall plunges 72 feet into a gorge carved by Edith Creek. Although the trail is fine for strollers, the path down to the viewpoint is very steep, and you might have to take turns going down there without the stroller. Park in the lot at the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise, and from there take the Skyline Trail east.

Naches Peak Loop

Distance: 4.5 miles round trip 

The postcard-worthy Naches Peak Loop hike features views of Mount Rainier, glassy ponds and wildflowers galore. With a distance of little over 4 miles and an elevation gain of 700 feet, this hike is suitable for older kids. Visit in July and August for the full wildflower experience and take this loop counterclockwise to keep the mountain in view. Afterward, relax at Tipsoo Lake and have some snacks or a picnic. Swimming isn’t permitted, and you should remind the kids not to pick the wildflowers. Parking is available at the Tipsoo Lake picnic area. 

If you or the kids aren’t up for the loop hike, there is an easy, flat trail around Tipsoo Lake.

Trail of the Shadows

Distance: 0.7 mile round trip 

Short, mostly level Trail of the Shadows is perfect for everyone, and navigable by wheelchair and stroller. The trailhead is easy to access by parking behind the National Park Inn at Longmire and then crossing the street. Kids can gain some insight into homesteading life by exploring the preserved cabin of James Longmire. Along the way, you will also see two rock-enclosed hot springs: Soda Springs and Iron Mike, the latter named for its rust-colored water. Don’t let the kids play in or drink the water! Other sights include a marsh, a travertine mound, a creek and the foundation of a hotel where people stayed in the 1890s to bathe in the springs, which were thought to have healing properties. 

Grove of the Patriarchs

Editor’s note: Grove of the Patriarchs is currently closed due to flood damage. Check back for reopening info because this hike is awesome!

Distance: 1.3 miles round trip

The magical Grove of the Patriarchs hike takes you across a suspension bridge to an island in the Ohanapecosh River populated by an ancient forest. The island location sheltered these trees from fire, and some of them are over 1,000 years old. Douglas firs, western hemlocks and western red cedars reach high into the sky, many with a circumference of 25 or even 50 feet. This loop trail offers interpretive signs about the plants and trees. With no elevation gain, this hike is for (almost) everyone. A note on the suspension bridge: Only one adult can cross at a time, but a parent can cross with their small child. For this hike, park at the Stevens Canyon southeast entrance.

Silver Falls Loop

Distance: 2.7 miles round trip

For older kids who can hike about 3 miles and handle an elevation gain of 600 feet, the Silver Falls Loops trail leads to an impressive waterfall. Park at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and then access the trail from the campground. You’ll pass some historic hot springs and cross pretty creeks, see churning rapids in the river, and wander through old-growth forest. The highlight of this hike is the 40-foot falls, of which you will catch sight more than once. In spring, the falls are thundering, and you might even get wet! Caution: Stay on the trail and behind the rails. Areas outside of the rails can be slippery and dangerous — so keep a close eye on the kids.  

Silver Forest Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles round trip

At 6,200 feet, Sunrise is the highest point accessible by car on Mount Rainier. Due to snow accumulation, it opens later in the season, usually in late July. Here you will find a visitor center offering educational exhibits and ranger-guided tours. From the center, you can access several trails that are family- and kid-friendly, including the Silver Forest Trail. This trail is flat and offers views of wildflowers, the mountain, silvery trees that met their demise in previous weather events and fires, and the Emmons Glacier. This is a less crowded trail, a good choice if you don’t want lots of company.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2021 and just updated for 2023.