Autumn is not peak season for visitation in Mt. Rainier NP and I was nervous when we booked our trip for early October that we would miss the beautiful wildflowers that it is known for. However, what we experienced was like stepping into a Hallmark movie (sans the pumpkin pie making contest.)
Even though some parts of the park were closed for the season, the fall colors and low crowds made it the perfect time for a visit. The weather is variable in this area through out the year, so there is always the risk of rain, but we enjoyed one clear day and one overcast day. We did prioritize the scenic hike for the nicer day to make sure we got the best chance at the views.
We drove in from Seattle and took the northern entrance into the park and drove the stretch between there and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. They have great exhibits, a store and a snack bar if you need lunch. From there we hiked the Skyline Trail. It is 5.5 miles long with a 1,700 foot elevation gain. I'm not going to lie, I didn't want to do it but it was worth the achy joints when the views just kept getting better.
The fall colors were swoon worthy and I kept trying to fight the urge to break into the chorus of "The Hills Are Alive." We saw a herd of mountain goats, black tailed deer, pika, grouse and chipmunks and while we passed the occasional hiker, we pretty much had the trail to ourselves.
After our hike we checked into the absolutely charming National Park Inn. It is like stepping back in time when they hand you actual keys to your room. We opted for the family room that had its own bathroom which included one double bed and two twins. We had an amazing view of Mt. Rainier from our window which was good because there was no television, cellphone or internet service from that location. They do have a fireside lounge that is only open to lodge guests. It has books and boardgames you can borrow as well as complementary hot chocolate, tea and coffee. You can also order "fireside mugs" that are seasonally inspired drinks like cinnamon cider that you can take outside on the front porch to enjoy while you watch the sun set on the top of the mountain.
We ate all of our meals at the restaurant at the lodge. The staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was cozy and warm. The next closest options are around 20 minutes away if you chose to mix it up a bit but the fall decorations and picturesque views from the Inn made me want to stay forever.
After breakfast the next day we hiked the Twin Firs Loop Trail. It is a short trail through an old growth forest, but we moved slowly down the trail obsessing over everything giant tree and colorful mushroom.
We also walked to the Nisqually Suspension Bridge which is behind the National Park Inn in the Longmire area of the park. We walked down to the river and the girls enjoyed playing in the riverbed. My kids can be entertained for hours if there is something to climb or water to splash in.
There is a museum and general store right in that area as well and we enjoyed the pace of the evening at the lodge. The sunset and stargazing were stunning.
I don't think there is a bad time to visit Mt. Rainier, my family decided that out of the 20 parks we have been to, it's in our top 5! When I go back I would like to see the Sunrise area which was already closed for the season and the Grove of the Patriarchs which was closed due to a bridge that was washed out a few years ago, but I don't feel like my visit was lacking because I missed them this time!
Let me know if you are planning a visit to Mt. Rainier! It is truly magical!
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