Mount Rainier National Park

The views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers are guaranteed to impress.

Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 368-square miles and is located just east of Tacoma, Washington. It is glacier-capped and reaches an elevation of 14,410 feet. The highest point you can reach by car is 6,400 feet. From there, you can admire Mount Rainier and other nearby volcanoes, including Mount Adams. The park has another stunning area called Paradise Overlook, which is 5,400 feet up. This national park features mountain views, summertime wildflower meadows, and various hiking trails.

This iconic peak is an active volcano and is the most prominent peak in the Cascades. Visitors will also be inspired by the glaciers, including Carbon Glacier and Emmons Glacier, the largest in the continental United States. The mountain is popular for climbing, and more than half of the park is covered by alpine forests. Paradise on the southern slope is one of the snowiest places in the world. Begin at the Longmire Visitor Center, where you can explore the Wonderland Trail that encircles the mountain. There are over 260-miles of maintained trails within the park, so don't hesitate to travel further to find more secluded areas.

Purchase a permit and enjoy a backcountry backpacking and camping excursion with your buddies. There are also three drive-in campgrounds or historic inns available if you don't want to rough it out in the wilderness. If you're visiting anywhere near Seattle, a trip to Mount Rainier will be one to remember.