Seattle | Next up is Mount Rainier, Mount Rainier National Park

| Next up is Mount Rainier, Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier National Park: A Guide to the Dreamy Natural Scenery Around Seattle Mount Rainier National Park is like a bright pearl embedded in the area around Seattle. Its magnificent snow-capped mountains and charming natural scenery attract countless tourists to explore. Here is a guide to help you plan your trip. 1. Preparation Documents and clothing: Bring valid ID. The weather in the park is changeable, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. If you visit in summer (July–October), bring a light jacket and warm clothes, such as a fleece jacket or windbreaker, and rain gear. It is recommended to wear waterproof and non-slip hiking boots when hiking. Equipment and supplies: Prepare enough food and drinking water, as there are limited supply points in the park. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery. If you plan to hike, you can bring trekking poles, a map, or download an offline map app. 2. Park Overview and Scenic Features The park is mainly divided into the Paradise and Sunrise areas. - Paradise: Beautiful scenery and a popular area of the park. It has the famous Skyline Trail, where you can enjoy the majestic snow-capped mountains and wildflowers along the way. The best time to visit is from late July to early October. - Sunrise: Mainly rugged mountain scenery and a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. It is relatively less crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility of nature. 3. Transportation Guide The park is about a 2-hour drive from downtown Seattle. If you drive, you can use the park's southwest gate, Nisqually Entrance, for navigation. If you don't want to drive, you can check whether local travel companies offer day or multi-day bus tours to the park. 4. Travel Guide Paradise - Hike the Skyline Trail: This trail is the essence of the area, with a total length of about 5–7 miles and a hiking time of 3–5 hours. From the starting point, the beautiful snow-capped mountains gradually unfold, and the wildflowers bloom in summer, like a fairyland. There are several viewing platforms along the way where you can stop and enjoy different views of Mount Rainier. - Visit the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center: Learn about the park's history, geology, and ecology. The center's staff can provide hiking route suggestions and weather information. Sunrise - Watch the sunrise and sunset: Check the sunrise and sunset times in advance and choose a suitable viewing point. At sunrise, the sun shines on the snow-capped mountains, and the golden light and the white mountains complement each other. At sunset, the afterglow dyes the sky orange-red, which is magnificent. - Easy hiking: There are several easy hiking trails in the area, such as Burroughs Mountain Trail, where you can stroll and enjoy the primitive natural scenery. 5. Food Recommendations - In the park: There are snack stalls near some visitor centers, offering sandwiches, hot soup, coffee, and other light meals, which are suitable for replenishing energy during hiking. - Around the park: On the way back to downtown Seattle, you can stop in nearby towns, such as Enumclaw, where there are family-run restaurants serving traditional American food, such as burgers, steaks, and pies. 6. Accommodation Options In the park: Paradise Inn is an iconic accommodation in the park, built in 1916 and full of historical charm. Reservations must be made several months in advance, especially during the tourist season. Around the park: There are various accommodation options in downtown Seattle, from luxury hotels to budget homestays. If you want to be closer to the park, you can choose homestays or small hotels in towns such as Enumclaw and Ashford to experience the quiet country life. 7. Precautions Check the weather forecast in advance. Bad weather, such as heavy rain or snow, may affect hiking and sightseeing and even close some roads and attractions. When hiking on the trails, follow the signs and do not deviate from the route without permission to avoid getting lost or encountering danger. There are many wild animals in the park. Keep a safe distance and do not feed them.