Rainier, Oregon, is a small town located in the Columbia County. The 2010 census recorded a population of 1,895. It’s located on the south bank of the Columbia River, across from Kelso and Longview. You’ll find a great selection of outdoor activities and attractions in this town.
Sunrise Nature Trail
At more than six thousand feet in elevation, Sunrise Nature Trail is one of the highest points accessible by car in Mount Rainier National Park. It features breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and the surrounding valleys. A huge meadow dotted with wildflowers makes it an ideal place to watch the sunrise.
The Sunrise Nature Trail is located on the Eastern side of Mount Rainier, above the turquoise-green lakes. A short drive from Sunrise, you’ll find the Wonderland Trail and Old Campground Trail. The trail loops back up to Sunrise. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a longer walk on the ridgetop to see more panoramic views of Rainier’s peaks.
The Sunrise Nature Trail is a perfect family hike and is also suitable for beginners. The half-mile trail is marked and wide, with great views of Mount Rainier. You can take the trail either way, clockwise or counterclockwise. The counterclockwise trail has a marginally gentler slope. Start at the Sunrise visitor center, then turn left at the trail junction. From here, you’ll reach the subalpine meadows of the Sunrise region. During the warmer months, the meadows become dotted with wildflowers.
After your hike, be sure to visit Myrtle Falls. This waterfall is located at the end of a paved path. You can also access Myrtle Falls from a wide parking area at the waterfall’s base. This trail is part of the Skyline Loop Trail. It’s a great way to experience the waterfall at the base.
Grove of the Patriarchs
The Grove of the Patriarchs is a scenic 1.5-mile round-trip trail through an ancient grove of trees. The grove features ancient trees as large as three and four stories. You’ll enjoy the scenery and the history as you hike through this popular Rainier attraction.
The Grove of the Patriarchs is accessible from Highway 12 or SR 123. You can also access the trail from Stevens Canyon Road, which intersects the Eastside Trail. The trailhead is located near Packwood, Washington. Once you get off the highway, make sure to look for the trailhead sign.
The trail begins on a suspension bridge that crosses the Ohanapecosh River. From there, you can continue on a trail that divides into two directions. Once on the island, you’ll find yourself walking through a beautiful forest of Douglas fir, Western hemlock, and red cedar. You’ll find plenty of signs along the way to guide you along the trail.
The trail to the Patriarchs is easy and accessible for most people. It’s mostly flat, with just a few inclines. The trail is also lined with enormous trees and a boardwalk. While you’re hiking in the forest, you may find yourself in awe at the stunning sights along the way.
If you’re looking for a beautiful trail in Mount Rainier National Park, the Grove of the Patriarchs is a must-see. It’s a half-mile-long nature trail that follows the Ohanapecosh River through a dense forest. The trail also includes a suspension bridge, boardwalk, and a spot to relax along the river.
Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is a great hike, offering a variety of options from short treks through meadows to the full Skyline Loop, with a new view at every turn. The trail ends at Camp Muir, where hikers can take in the alpine air and enjoy some of the best views of the mountain short of the summit.
The Skyline Trail begins near the visitor center and ascends in a clockwise direction. The trail is marked by stone steps, so it’s a good idea to hike in a clockwise direction. In summer, the trail is a pleasant stroll through rolling meadows, where you can spot hoary marmots.
The Skyline Trail also offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier. This hiking trail can be enjoyed on its own or as a loop with other hiking trails. Located at the midpoint of Mount Rainier, the Skyline Trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The trail is open all year long, making it an ideal choice for families.
The Skyline Trail begins at the Paradise lodge and heads up the mountain straight. On some sections, the trail curves to the right. While the scenery is impressive, it’s also a dangerous trail due to its steep, step-like snowfields. It’s 5.5 miles long and gains 1450 feet in elevation.
The Skyline Trail loop is part of a network of interconnecting trails in Mount Rainier National Park. You can access the trailhead by walking behind the Jackson Visitor Center. Depending on your preference, you can hike the trail counterclockwise or clockwise. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Rainier and neighboring Oregon.
Kautz Creek Trail
If you’re looking for something different to do in Rainier, consider hiking on the Kautz Creek Trail, which is located in Mount Rainier National Park. This 1.5-mile trail winds through old-growth forest and is a scenic viewpoint. It’s also one of the few hikes in the park that allows dogs.
The trail begins with a log-bridge crossing and continues to climb to the ridge above Kautz Creek. During the climb, the grade moderates slightly as it passes through primeval forest. As you gain altitude, the trail leads you through a meadow with wildflowers and huckleberries. There’s also a view of Mount Rainier from this viewpoint.
If you’re interested in learning about the history of Rainier, you should visit the Longmire Museum, which was built in 1928. The museum is filled with historical exhibits and information about the region. The museum also offers horseback riding, which is suitable for all levels of riders.
The trail begins near the restroom in the Mowich Lake walk-in campground. There are several viewpoints along the way, including Mount Adams, Gobblers Knob, and Mount Wow. From here, you can also take a detour to see the Mount Ararat summit ridge. The summit ridge also offers good views of Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens.
The Kautz Creek Trail is an arduous hike that ends at Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground, where early mountain guides stayed. Today, it is the perfect place to view wildflowers and wildlife. It also offers incredible views of Mount Rainier. Information on current trail conditions is available at visitor centers, wilderness information centers, and ranger stations throughout the park. You can also access the trail by crossing the Kautz Creek footbridge at the visitor center.
Narada Falls
Narada Falls is a waterfall in the Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state. Located between its two tiers, this waterfall is easily accessible from the Mount Rainier Highway. It’s also an excellent place to take pictures of the stunning Mount Rainier landscape. The park has a number of hiking trails and picnic areas to enjoy the waterfall.
Narada Falls is one of Mount Rainier’s less-traveled trails. The best time to visit the falls is in mid-June, when snowmelt makes the trails open to hiking. There is an excellent overlook at the base of the falls, and you can also view the waterfall from a hundred-year-old bridge.
The name Narada comes from the Hindu deity Narada, a revered storyteller and traveler. His name means ‘pure’, and there are several sources that suggest the falls were named after him. The name was also suggested by Theosophists who believed that the word Narada meant ‘uncontaminated’. The name was eventually adopted as the name of the waterfall in 1893. However, some maps still label it Cushman Falls, suggesting the name was never officially changed.
Narada Falls is 168 feet tall. Visitors can either take a short trail or hike the entire trail. Both routes are accessible from the parking area. The hike is not very long, but it’s steep. The lower part of the waterfall requires traversing tricky rock ledges. Because of its steepness, this hike is moderately FATMAP.
The hike to Narada Falls takes about thirty to an hour, and the time depends on the skill level of hikers, how much time they wish to spend taking pictures, and their health. The upper falls are also accessible by car. Parking is available near the falls. The upper falls pullout is located near restrooms.