pamalam

Hello-
Planning a trip to Mt. Rainier National Park and I have a few questions.
Traveling from the Columbia River Gorge and planning to stop in Stonehenge.
#1 Where would be a good place to spend the night before entering the park?
#2 The best entrance to the park?
#3 Any "must sees" at the park?
Thank you,
Pam

Gardyloo

When will this be? How many days/nights do you have for this trip? Where are you headed after Mt. Rainier?

Here's the route I'd suggest. https://goo.gl/maps/Cmyc8tZ7CeJ2

East on the north bank of the Columbia to the Maryhill Museum and Stonehenge, then north on US 97 with a stop at the terrific St. John's Monastery Bakery. I'd spend the night in the Yakima Valley area, preferably in Naches along US 12, maybe at the Natchez Hotel - Lodging - Natchez Hotel and Sticky Fingers Cafe and Bakery

Enter the national park on WA 123, visit the Grove of the Patriarchs, then follow the Stevens Canyon Road (gorgeous) past the Reflection Lakes and on to the Paradise visitor center.

Reflection lakes from Stevens Canyon Rd -



Depending on when this is and on how much time you have, there are various hikes available from the Paradise area, and more from the Sunrise area on the opposite side of the mountain.

It's not inside the national park boundaries, but a ride up the gondola at the Crystal Mountain ski resort in the summer offers what I regard as the best eye-level view of the mountain there is.

pamalam

It's just going to be a 1 day stop on my way to Seattle. That's why I'm looking for the best thing to do. Wouldn't mind a short hike but not in good enough shape to do a long one! Thanks for your suggestions, I will look into them!