In the shadow of America’s most iconic volcano, along windswept ridgelines high above glacial rivers, the meadows and fields around Mount Rainier National Park blossom into a beautiful wonderland of color, fragrance and beauty.
The return of warm weather marks the unofficial countdown to wildflower season in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, and nowhere else in the world is as impressive as the trails and popular destinations at Mount Rainier. From Tipsoo Lake and Paradise to Spray Park and Sunrise, the high alpine wildflowers can be easily viewed, whether you travel the park by car or explore on foot. Each summer, thousands come flocking to the high-alpine meadows around Mount Rainier, hoping for a chance to witness every colorful petal, contrasting against the snowy whiteness of the looming volcano.
The wildflower display at Mount Rainier is so impressive, visitors from around the world come to the area to see, smell, and take in the gorgeousness of the flowery fields. Once the snow melts and the signs of winter are long gone, Mount Rainier National Park is often said to be one of the best places in the world for high alpine wildflowers. After spending a day here, you will agree. While there are literally hundreds of miles of trails to explore and take in the grandeur of the wilderness, there are three locations perfect for visitors of every level.
While there are many awesome wildflower hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, those looking for a hike into the gloriousness of wildflowers should explore the northeast corner near Spray Park. The hiking here is gorgeous, and the wildflowers are intense and perfectly set against the mountain. Another great hike is the always impressive Tipsoo Lake and Naches Peak Trail, along the Mather Memorial Parkway. Closed in the winter, like most of Mount Rainier, this section becomes a brilliant blanket of flowers in July and August, and the trail is only 3.5 miles round trip.
While these destinations are great, to best see the wildflower displays of Mount Rainier National Park, you’ll need to do three things:
Check Park Conditions and Wildflower Reports
Mount Rainier National park does an amazing job of keeping their website updated. With weather forecasts, road and trail conditions and even a weekly wildflower report, Mount Rainier National Park’s website will grant you the most up-to-date and accurate information. Check this page first, before leaving home. The website allows you to look like an expert on the region and the wildflowers, even if this will be your first time visiting. Do some research and start planning your trip.
Be Prepared
Once you have decided on your itinerary to see the Mount Rainier wildflowers, you need to make sure you have everything to make the trip a success. To best enjoy your day, you’ll need to get a National Parks Pass, which can be purchased at the entry gate to the park. If you plan on going to numerous National Parks, consider buying the annual America the Beautiful interagency pass for $80. There are also numerous ways to get a free or reduced cost pass on the NPS website. Once you have your pass, make sure you bring food, water, sunscreen, bug spray and a camera to capture the beauty of the wildflowers to enjoy for years.
Make a Weekend Out Of It
You can see the wildflowers in one day, but Mount Rainier is more than just one field and one entrance. The park has numerous highlights and awesome scenic drives; but few are better than the beauty of Highway 123 and Stevens Canyon Road. You’ll want to spend an entire day exploring these two roads and areas, as the wildflower displays here are jaw-droopingly gorgeous.
For those hoping to catch the beauty of the region, and access to both Sunrise and Paradise, staying at the either the Cowlitz River Lodge or Crest Trail Lodge in Packwood is the way to go. Just a short drive from the southern park entrance along the always-gorgeous Ohanapecosh River and near fields that almost always have a herd of elk grazing, the Crest Trail Lodge is the ideal jumping-off location to the eastern and southern side of the park.
If you’d rather stay close to the stunning scenery near Longmire and Paradise, a stay at the Nisqually Lodge in Ashford will give you a quick drive to the fields of flowers around Paradise. Located on the western side of Mount Rainier, this is the introduction for the majority of visitors exploring the beauty of the region.
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