"I went to Seattle for a conference & took some extra days to hike & see Washington. I chose this peak because so many said it was beautiful. It really was! I camped in the lovely La Wis Wis campground the night before. I took the Tatoosh Trail from the north TH. It was a steep steady climb up through the woods for 2.5 miles & 2500+ feet of gain. Eventually the trail opens into beautiful meadows. The flowers were past peak, but there were still lots. At points there were stunning views of Rainier. Throughout were views of all the Cascades & the big volcano peaks. And wild blueberries everywhere! The trail wound around the ridges to finally gain the summit ridge & stunning views. The hike wasn't difficult as the trail was very good, but it was a serious leg-burner with steady steep climbing the whole 5+ miles up. Most of the people I met commented on the unrelenting steepness. The humidity was a lot for this desert gal! Anyway, this was so, so beautiful & I enjoyed it immensely. I saw 4 other parties during the course of the hike. Afterward, I camped at a really nice spot down the road from the TH. The road was very good for the most part, with some big potholes to watch out for." — StudioHoodoo • Aug 28, 2025

"Stayed the night in one of the very best campsites I've ever experienced. The full moon allowed some rad night photos. The best kept secret of Mount Rainier is that the best hike is outside the park. There was still some snow in the gullies coming form the north trailhead, but it was moderately soft and easily kick-stepped." — TynanRammGranberg • Jul 8, 2017