Washington

The Best Mount Rainier Tours from Seattle

by Cedric Pentonville  |  Published February 28, 2022

Standing proud over Washington’s largest city, Mount Rainier makes for a great day trip from Seattle, especially on these top tours.

(Photo: Viator.com)

On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of Mt Rainier is visible from many parts of Seattle. At 14,411ft (4,392m), it is Washington State’s highest mountain and the fertile slopes are protected as a national park, encompassing lakes, forests and wildflower meadows. Although many centuries have passed since its last eruption, Mt Rainier is technically an active volcano, and there is a high probability of eruption in the near future. As such, tours of the mountain and national park are best with an experienced tour guide, such as these five departing from Seattle.

Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle

For a tour balancing value with a comprehensive day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, this option is among the best. It includes a narrated drive to Alder Lake Park, the day’s first stop, as well as plenty of time spent at the top viewpoint locations amid the mountain’s foothills, offering opportunities for great photos and further exploration. The added length of this tour allows guests more time to hike the various short paths of the national park, particularly the Trail of the Shadows, past marshland and through cedar forest. Tours runs from Fri-Mon. From $164 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Mount Rainier National Park Day Tour from Seattle

One of the best value day tours of Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle is this minimum six-hour trip of the national park’s highlights, including Narada waterfalls, as well as lakes and beautiful viewpoints along the southern edge of the mountain. There will also be time to visit Jackson Visitor Center, with around 2.5 hours total spent in the national park area. Please note that an additional service fee of around $13 is not included in the up-front tour price. This tour runs on Sun, Mon and Wed. From $135 per person.

Book at Viator.com

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

From Seattle: Mount Rainier Full-day Tour

For much of the year, Mount Rainier is covered in snow and inaccessible to all but the most intrepid hikers. This tour avoids the worst months, only running when most of the national park is accessible, from May to October, during which time it runs daily. The benefit of this ten-hour excursion from Seattle is that it caters to people with different preferences; there is time allowed for those who wish to hike longer, with alternate activities for those who’d rather appreciate the natural beauty with less exertion. From $174 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Mount Rainier Park All-inclusive Small Group Tour

The ultimate experience of Mount Rainier needs a guide who can add extra value when it comes to understanding the natural beauty that you’ll encounter. With highly favorable reviews from previous guests, this naturalist tour guide-led day trip will take you onto trails in search of wildlife such as elk and black bears, even providing snow shoes during the winter months. A lunch comprised of locally-sourced products is also included in the fee. Daily tours in summer, and Sun, Tue, Fri tours from November through March. From $278 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting

An alternative tour option run by the same tour operator, Evergreen Escapes, adds a few more hours to the tour duration, allowing extra time to fit in a trip to a vineyard and winery for a tasting of the locally produced wines. While in Mount Rainier National Park, you will be able to really get away from the most beaten paths on a three-hour guided hike into the wilderness. This trip is designed to be accessible to hikers of most abilities. Summer tours only on Weds and Sat. From $278 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com