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Going Wild for Wildflowers at Mount Rainier National Park

by Scott

People love wildflowers. Actually, that is an understatement. People go crazy for wildflowers each and every summer, flocking to the high-alpine meadows around Mount Rainier, hoping for a chance to witness every colorful petal. Each summer, visitors from around the world for a chance to see, smell, and take in the gorgeousness of the flowery fields. Mount Rainier National Park is often viewed as the best place in the world for wildflowers, and after spending a summer day here, you will agree. 

While nearly any trail around Mount Rainier will leave you stunned at the impressive beauty of this mountain, the following seven trails are our best bets to not just see wildflowers, but to also have an amazing experience. Mount Rainier National Park has 260 miles of maintained trails for you to discover, and these six wildflower viewing destinations are just a few of the highlights. For more information on wildflowers here, please visit Mount Rainier National Park’s wildflower guide webpage. Updated wildflower information can also be found here.

Mount Rainier’s Best Wildflower Day Hikes

Grand Park

Mt Rainier, cloud layer, Grand Park wildflowers. Image by Peter Stevens, Flickr
Mt Rainier, cloud layer, Grand Park wildflowers. Image by Peter Stevens, Flickr

Distance: 9 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
When: July, August, September
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/ZOiyv
Get Trail Info

Dege Peak

Wildflowers along Dege Peak in Mount Rainier National Park. Image via Mathias at The outdoor Society
Wildflowers along Dege Peak in Mount Rainier National Park. Image via Mathias at The Outdoor Society

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 600 feet
Difficulty: Easy
When: Late June, July, August
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/Z8u2g 
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Naches Loop and Tipsoo Lake

Look for patches of broadleaf lupine like this one blooming in areas where snow may have been late melting out. NPS, Bev Killam
Look for patches of broadleaf lupine like this one blooming in areas where snow may have been late melting out. NPS, Bev Killam

Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 500 feet
Difficulty: Easy
When: Late June, July, August
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/2B7I9
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Skyline Trail

A black-tailed deer wades through one of the lush wildflower meadows at Paradise. NPS, Steve Redman
A black-tailed deer wades through one of the lush wildflower meadows at Paradise. NPS, Steve Redman

Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
When: Late June, July, August
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/j4w9X
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Summerland

Lupine & Heather, from Summerland in Mount Rainier National Park. Sean Munson, flickr.
Lupine & Heather, from Summerland in Mount Rainier National Park. Sean Munson, flickr.

Distance: 8.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000ft
Difficulty: Moderate
When: Late June, July, August
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/QMUjB
Get Trail Info

Burroughs Mountain/ Mount Fremont

Mount Rainier and Wildflowers from Burroughs. Image via Tim Bocek, Flickr
Mount Rainier and Wildflowers from Burroughs. Image via Tim Bocek, Flickr

Distance: 4.7 to 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 900 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
When: July, August, Early September
Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/Z8u2g 
Get Trail Info

MORE MOUNT RAINIER AREA HIKES

Mount Rainier from Above Spray Park in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier from Above Spray Park in Mount Rainier National Park

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