Last updated: November 1, 2022
Thing to Do
A Half-Day in Paradise
NPS/R. Korf
Even if you don't have a lot of time, enjoy glacier views, blooming wildflowers, and the rich cultural history at Paradise during the summer season!
Start with a short hike to Myrtle Falls on a portion of the Skyline Trail. This gentle half-mile-wide paved trail gains 100 feet as it traverses a subalpine meadow to a waterfall with views of Mount Rainier. You might even see marmots happily munching on wildflowers! This trail is one mile total, plan on spending 45 minutes.
Back at the main upper parking lot, visit the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center to learn more about ecology and history of the area- and what it might take to climb the mountain! A 21-minute park film, which begins every half hour on the quarter hour, explains the dynamic landscape and ecology of Mount Rainier. Spend 30 minutes to one hour exploring the exhibits and watching the film.
Next, visit the historic Paradise Inn (built 1917) to enjoy the architecture and perhaps pick up a snack or souvenir. If you missed wildflower season, beautiful lanterns illustrated with Paradise wildflowers are a nice substitute. Plan on spending 30 minutes to one hour.
If you'd like to stretch your legs one more time, go to the Nisqually Vista Trail. The 1.2 mile paved loop begins from the lower parking lot, with sweeping views and reliably good wildflowers. The trail gains 200 feet of elevation, and typically takes about 45 minutes. (A self-guided tour is available on this app!)
Details
Duration
2-4 Hours
Parking could take additional time, as well as traveling to the main Paradise area if parking in one of the overflow parking lots. There are 4 suggested activities; visitors can choose which ones best fit their interests and time constraints.
Activity
Hiking
In addition to short walks, visitors to Paradise can also enjoy museum exhibits, shopping, watching the park film, wildlife and wildflower viewing, and more.
Age(s)
Suitable for all ages.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets are not allowed on park trails or inside the Paradise Inn or visitor center (service animals permitted). Pets are permitted in the parking lots and along paved roads only.
Activity Fee
Yes
Park entrance fee required. No additional fees necessary for the activities, though visitors may want to purchase snacks or souvenirs in Paradise Inn.
Location
Paradise
Paradise is the most popular destination in the park, located in a subalpine meadow south of the peak at 5400 feet elevation. It is approximately an hour east of the Nisqually Entrance and about an hour west of Steven's Canyon Entrance. Parking can be extremely challenging during July and August. Arrive early in the day or later in the afternoon, or visit on a weekday in order to avoid crowds.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer
Paradise is open year-round but the activities described here are available during the summer season. Myrtle Falls and Nisqually Vista Trails are typically accessible mid-July to late September. Check with a ranger for up-to-date conditions.
Time of Day
Day
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is typically open 9:30 am to 6 pm during the summer season. Paradise Inn is typically open 8 am to 8 pm. Trails are open any time of day. Visitors can choose which order to do each activity according to visitor center hours and sunrise/sunset. Check for current hours of operation before visiting.
Accessibility Information
The plaza and parking lots around Paradise are paved and plowed, though they may be wet as the snow melts in June and July.
The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center and Paradise Inn are ADA accessible and have ADA accessible restrooms. The park film is captioned and assistive listening devices are available. There is an audio description tour available for the visitor center exhibits.
Myrtle Falls and Nisqually Vista Trails are both paved and at least 5 feet wide. A ramp, just to the right of the Muir Steps staircase at the main trailhead, allows access for wheelchair users and strollers. This ramp connects directly to the Myrtle Falls Trail. Visitors can use the ramp to access the Avalanche Lily and Deadhorse Creek Trails in order to access Nisqually Vista Trail. Myrtle Falls Trail gains 100 feet over half a mile, and is stroller friendly and accessible for most wheelchair users with assistance. Nisqually Vista Trail gains about 200 feet over the 1.2 mile loop, and is stroller friendly. The Avalanche Lily and Deadhorse Creek Trails include about 150 feet of elevation gain/loss, concentrated on Deadhorse Creek Trail and a short section of Avalanche Lily. All trails in the Paradise area include some short but steep slopes that should be undertaken with caution.
The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center and Paradise Inn are ADA accessible and have ADA accessible restrooms. The park film is captioned and assistive listening devices are available. There is an audio description tour available for the visitor center exhibits.
Myrtle Falls and Nisqually Vista Trails are both paved and at least 5 feet wide. A ramp, just to the right of the Muir Steps staircase at the main trailhead, allows access for wheelchair users and strollers. This ramp connects directly to the Myrtle Falls Trail. Visitors can use the ramp to access the Avalanche Lily and Deadhorse Creek Trails in order to access Nisqually Vista Trail. Myrtle Falls Trail gains 100 feet over half a mile, and is stroller friendly and accessible for most wheelchair users with assistance. Nisqually Vista Trail gains about 200 feet over the 1.2 mile loop, and is stroller friendly. The Avalanche Lily and Deadhorse Creek Trails include about 150 feet of elevation gain/loss, concentrated on Deadhorse Creek Trail and a short section of Avalanche Lily. All trails in the Paradise area include some short but steep slopes that should be undertaken with caution.