Paradise + Myrtle Falls • 2–2.5 hrs from Seattle

Want to see Mount Rainier without committing to a long, difficult hike? Paradise is one of the easiest ways to get the full Mount Rainier experience in a day.

Sitting at about 5,400 ft, Paradise is surrounded by subalpine meadows with Mount Rainier towering above them. In summer, the meadows fill with wildflowers — and one of the park’s most iconic waterfalls is only a short walk from the visitor center.

This is a lot of scenery for a relatively easy day.

<aside> 💡

Before you go

• Parking: Go early — Paradise fills quickly in summer
• Pass: National Park entrance fee/pass required
• Maps: Download offline before entering
• Layers: Paradise sits at 5,400 ft — bring a jacket
• Trails: Snow can remain into summer
• Entry: No timed-entry reservation required in 2026 </aside>

The Route

From Seattle, enter through Nisqually Entrance and follow the road to Paradise.

📍 First stop — Paradise

Paradise sits at 5,400 ft, right below Mount Rainier. In summer, the area fills with wildflower meadows and huge mountain views — without needing a major hike.

Start around the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center.

🚶 Walk to Myrtle Falls

Follow the Skyline Trail from Paradise.

~1 mile round trip • ~100 ft elevation gain • 35–60 min

📍 Second stop — Myrtle Falls

A 60-ft waterfall surrounded by Paradise meadows, with Mount Rainier directly behind it on a clear day.

Take the short path down to the lower viewpoint for the full waterfall.

🥾 Optional — Nisqually Vista Trail

Want a little more before leaving?