That majestic mountain in the distance is closer than you think. A visit to Mount Rainier from Kent is a perfect day trip, and there are some fun stops along the way.
- Northwest Trek
Kids of all ages won’t want to miss Northwest Trek wildlife and adventure park. A narrated, 50-minute tram tour features more than 200 North American animals grazing in fields, meandering through forests and sometimes standing alongside the tram. Young ones will love the nature-inspired Kids Trek playground. Adventurers will like the zip-line challenge courses.
- Historic Elbe
Make a lunch stop at Elbe. Grab a burger and home-made shake at Scale Burger and hop aboard the Mount Rainier Railroad for a fun, friendly and picturesque ride across the glacial-fed Upper Nisqually River through the Mount Rainier foothills. The train tour includes a visit to a logging museum.
- Welcome to Paradise
Spring time is a must time to visit Mount Rainier. Fewer crowds make for a more leisurely visitor experience. And while a lot of the park is still under snow, you’ll have access to some great sites and activities. The scenic drive to Paradise offers switch-backing roads and peak views and leads you right to the base of the 14,411-foot mountain. Stop in at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center to find out what Mount Rainier is all about and learn more about what to do and see. A family-friendly walk from Paradise on the Edith Creek Trail will take you to Myrtle Falls and one of the most photographed views in the park. Remember, Mount Rainier makes its own weather, so be prepared. Check ahead to confirm road and facility status. Learn more about how to make the most of your Mount Rainier visit.