Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle
Recommended by 98% of travelers
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Seattle, USA
- 9 to 11 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Make exploring beyond Seattle city limits simple—and get up close and personal with the iconic Mt. Rainier—on this hassle-free, full-day trip. Following convenient downtown pickup, journey to Mt. Rainier National Park. Look forward to seeing scenic highlights including Christine Falls, Narada Falls, and Mt. Rainier. Experience the beauty of the area with help from a guide who knows the best ways around the park.
- See Mt. Rainier up close, and escape the hustle and bustle of Seattle
- Round-trip transit from four downtown pickup locations included
- Check off the national park's top attractions, all in one day
- Customize the itinerary to fit your interests, and choose to hike or not
What's Included
- Local, professional guide
- Transportation by air-conditioned mini coach bus
- Cooler with ice will be be provided inside the bus to keep any perishable items chilled
- All Fees and Taxes
- Snowshoes provided complimentary when conditions allow
- Gratuities (optional and not included in the price of this tour)
- Food & drinks (you can purchase lunch at grocery store stop or at the cafe in Visitor Center)
- Restroom on board
- WiFi on board
- Hotel pick up
- Children under 5 not allowed
- Itinerary below is a sample; stops are not guaranteed
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.7:00 am
Itinerary
In the morning, meet your guide and group at one of four convenient pickup points in downtown Seattle. Hop aboard the comfortable, climate-controlled minibus, and head to Mt. Rainier National Park.
Your first stop is at Longmire, home to a museum, information center, and other amenities. Learn more about the park’s history, and have the opportunity to go for a short hike.
Next, make your way inside the park, and admire its beauty. Discover the Narada Falls and Christine Falls—two scenic highlights. Enjoy up-close views of Mt. Rainier, too.
When it's time for lunch, take a break at the park's visitor center, where you can purchase your own meal (or enjoy a pre-packed meal).
In the afternoon, depending on weather conditions, you may be able to visit additional park highlights, including Reflection Lakes and Tipsoo Lake.
After a full day out, drive back to downtown Seattle. Some tours also drive through the mountain town of Elbe en route.
Your first stop is at Longmire, home to a museum, information center, and other amenities. Learn more about the park’s history, and have the opportunity to go for a short hike.
Next, make your way inside the park, and admire its beauty. Discover the Narada Falls and Christine Falls—two scenic highlights. Enjoy up-close views of Mt. Rainier, too.
When it's time for lunch, take a break at the park's visitor center, where you can purchase your own meal (or enjoy a pre-packed meal).
In the afternoon, depending on weather conditions, you may be able to visit additional park highlights, including Reflection Lakes and Tipsoo Lake.
After a full day out, drive back to downtown Seattle. Some tours also drive through the mountain town of Elbe en route.
1
Mount Rainier
6 hours • Admission Ticket Included
2
Longmire
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Narada Falls
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Christine Falls Viewpoint
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
6
Reflection Lakes
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Tipsoo Lake Loop (Pass By)
Elbe (Pass By)
7
Twin Firs Loop Trail
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Please contact local service provider to arrange pickup from a nearby location after you have received your confirmation
- Tour cannot pickup from hotels or private residences
- Enjoy lunch at a Mt. Rainier cafe or buy a picnic lunch at our grocery store stop (own expense)
- Layered clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended (temperatures can vary from rainy and cold to sunny and hot in a single day)
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Traffic and road conditions may alter tour route
- Please allow up to 11 hours for pickup and drop-off service
- We may ask that you walk a couple blocks for pickup or drop off due to traffic or road conditions
- This tour does not have storage space for luggage, strollers or wheelchairs without advance arrangements
- Ongoing construction at Mt Rainier National Park may cause tour delays
- The seasons and weather play a big role in what is available and accessible at Mt Rainier National Park. Tours mid-October through early May will be limited in number of stops & services available.
- November 12 - Spring 2026: Paradise is only accessible based on road conditions day-of
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 22 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Melanie_B
We did the 10-hour Mount Rainier tour and had such a great time. Even though the weather didn’t really cooperate, Ken made the day amazing. He was funny, knowledgeable, and kept us engaged the whole time. He always had a backup plan when the views weren’t clear, so we still got to experience a lot and never felt like we missed out.
Ken really went above and beyond to make sure everyone was comfortable and having fun. You can tell he loves what he does, and it made the long day fly by. I’d definitely recommend this tour, and if you get Ken as your guide, you’re in good hands.
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,879 reviews
Leslie_G, May 2026
Had a great time with our guide John! He was very knowledgeable and we were able to see lots of snow!
Anne_G, May 2026
The local tour company Tours Northwest “changed” our date to May 15, the day before our actual booking and the day we were flying from Florida to Seattle. Not one email or text from Tours Northwest about May 15. We flew a day earlier than required for our cruise with the sole purpose of the Mt. Rainier tour. We also had to book a hotel for an extra night only because of the Mt. Ranier tour. We were at the meeting place 15 minutes early and waited 15 minutes afterwards before calling Northwest tours. When I got them, they acted as if it was my fault! Every email or text from Viator, the booking agent, had the correct date (today). During the call, I asked them to get the mini bus to turn around and get us. They would have none of that. No Way was their reply even though THEY had the wrong date, not me. The tour says it lasts “8-10 hours, approx” so there was clearly some wiggle room and not a set minute-by-minute schedule had the bus turned around to get us. I don’t get upset easily, but this could/should have been fixed so that we could catch up with the bus.
Response from Host, May 2026
Hi Anne,
Thank you for your review; I'd like to take the opportunity to address your scheduled tour. We are so sorry you weren't able to join us at Mt. Rainier on your scheduled date. We acknowledge and take full responsibility for the error on the date of your tour; we had you down the previous day. We called, left voicemails and messaged you several times the day before but we never heard back from you. On the date of your tour, by the time you called to let us know you were waiting and we realized what had happened, the tour was at point where we could not turn around without compromising the rest of the day for the guests on board. We juggle many factors that our guests aren't always aware of and turning around simply wasn't an option at that time.
We issued an immediate refund for you and offered a complimentary tour to Mt. Rainier on any future date. We understand this didn't work with your schedule, so we offered to host you complimentary on ANY tour we offer that worked with your schedule. Your party took us up on this offer and enjoyed a day in the city with us - we even picked you up from your hotel 30 minutes outside of our pickup zone and brought you back afterwards. The rest of your party was very complimentary of this tour. We understand this wasn't the day you were looking forward to and hoped that between the full refund and complimentary tour with hotel pickup, we might help turn the day around. We hope you enjoy the next leg of your trip and wish you the best in your future travels. The offer to join another tour to Mt. Rainier in the future still stands!
Anonymous, May 2026
Excellent small group tour! Erica was so knowledgeable. Would definitely choose this tour again! Even though we didn't get to see Mt. Rainier due to clouds, we did get to enjoy the snow and so many other beautiful spots!
Jenni_D, May 2026
This was a fun and exciting tour. Our guide, Ken, told us fascinating stories about Seattle and Mount Rainier, as well as information about the trees, vegetation and wildlife. He gave those on the tour group options for activities, that ranged from sedentary to intense hiking. At Mount Rainier, Ken, provided us with a choice of snowshoes or crampons for hiking in the snow. I chose crampons. I’m glad I did because it kept me from falling or slipping so I could enjoy the breathtaking scenery. We had other opportunities to hike too, which was one reason we chose the tour we did. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants a unique, awe-inspiring experience.
Garrett_J, May 2026
Great tour all around. Mark was great - we had a great visit at the national park. Drive and stops in between were fun too!
Nilvia_u, May 2026
It was an amazing and beautiful experience so much fun and fulfilling. Lots of picturesque moments! Definitely wearing hiking shoes that are water resistant!
Shrinidhi_R, May 2026
Andreas is an exceptional guide, and we had a wonderful experience with him during our trip. He is highly knowledgeable, energetic, and engaging throughout the journey.
He explains everything clearly and thoughtfully while also sharing great insights along the way. He ensures there are plenty of opportunities for photo stops, plans restroom breaks well, and keeps the tour running smoothly and on schedule.
I would highly recommend this trip to everyone.
StaceyOlivieri, May 2026
This was an amazing tour! Andreas was very knowledgeable and an excellent guide. We made several stops in the park and were able to hike/walk in a lot of different areas. We went to Grove of Patriarchs, Paradise and the Skyline Trail, went to down to the Nisqually River, Narada Falls, Longmire, Trail of the Shadows... I'm not even sure that was all but it's what I can for sure recall! The ride was comfortable and tour bus was clean. Water was provided for guests, which was nice. We did stop at a grocery store, about an hour into the trip, so people could use the restroom and purchase lunch or snacks if they wanted. This was really convenient. Overall this was an amazing trip and I definitely recommend anybody visiting in the area that wants to be sure to get a national park visit in, to do it this way!
Rachel_R, May 2026
This tour was amazing! Andreas our tour guide was great! He was very knowledgeable about the park and Seattle. The tour itself was excellent, had so many great stops, luckily got such a clear day it was beautiful. Did a few little hikes and some snowshoeing which was so fun! Hiking shoes were helpful it got a little rocky/muddy.
Graham_G, May 2026
Better than expected, weather excellent, driver/guide went above and beyond very knowledgable and gave great advice for other trips in the Seattle area
Cindy_W, May 2026
Andreas was an excellent tour guide. He was very informative and made the day fun! We really enjoyed our day! Highly recommend!
Prajwal_C, May 2026
Worth while experience. Had an amazing day at Mount rainer, the guide John was excellent and helped us with all the requirements. He has amazing knowledge of the place and kept telling us interesting facts. Enough stops were provided for refills and restrooms. Totally enjoyed the day.
Prabodh_p, May 2026
Must visit for anyone who’s first time in Seattle. Our guide John did a fantastic job. We had a great experience. Thank you
Charmane_M, Apr 2026
John was great he took pictures for everybody (twice!) was very kind and talkative and informed so he gets 5 stars. The trip itself I'll give 3 stars for the amount of money you pay.
graham_m, Apr 2026
Very experienced guide who engaged with his tour thought out the day- Andraus was great in providing knowledgable information on tour and explanations for each area
Melody_M, Apr 2026
This was a great tour to Mt. Rainier. Everything was very organized, and the pick-up was right on time.
We stopped at a supermarket on the way to buy lunch, which is a nice option, but not required. You can also eat at the Visitor Center, which has a small menu with items like pizza, hot dogs, sandwiches, and snacks.
The stops included Longmire, Narada Falls, the Visitor Center, and even a spot to see giant fir trees. There was also an option to snowshoe at the Visitor Center, and the guide provided the equipment. On the way back, we stopped for ice cream, which was a fun touch.
The van was very comfortable and not overcrowded. Our guide, John, was attentive to the group and even took photos for everyone, which is especially appreciated if you’re traveling solo.
I wouldn’t hesitate to book this tour again if I have the opportunity.
Kira_T, Apr 2026
A fantastic day with Erika to Mount Rainier yesterday. We were so impressed with her knowledge throughout and the snow shoes were a total bonus! The whole day went smoothly and kept to schedule perfectly. Would definitely recommend and will likely be back if we have more family come to stay with us who fancy a day trip!
Jamie_P, Apr 2026
I wanted to visit Rainier, but being from Texas, I do not have experience driving on icy or snowy roads and the park requires chains for tires until longer in the season than I would be visiting. I decided to book a tour so I could still visit the park, experience snow shoeing for the first time and be able to look around more during the drive through the park. I’m so glad I did, because it began snowing as we were driving into the park and it was a beautiful drive to Paradise (which the park had open on the day of my visit.) I do not get to see the mountain, but there’s something to be said about visiting during snow- it has its own beauty. Our guide was very good at keeping in touch with me for pick up, was full of knowledge about the park and the little towns we drove through to get to the front of the park, did a great job of making sure the tour stayed on time but allowed us plenty of time to explore the different areas we stopped at and even took photos for each group at the entrance sign. It was a wonderful and unexpectedly winter day in the park and I’m glad I got to play in the snow and learn to walk with snow shoes before flying home to my usual triple digit weather. The tour bus is definitely the way to go if you’re traveling solo but want some safety in numbers or if you want some time to simply stare out the window instead of driving. It was also the only way I could have the experience with the tire chain rule and it was nice to not worry about the hassle of that on a rental vehicle or knowing how to install. We were all friends by the end of the trip and sharing group photos and it was an overall wonderful experience. I would absolutely book with this company again in the future and consider the money spent well worth it.
Amanda_H, Mar 2026
What a great experience! It was cold and rainy all day, but it was still such a good time. Erika was an amazing guide, and really knew the area well. Snow shoeing was a 10/10 experience, highly recommend.
Lucia_E, Feb 2026
This is a well oiled tour machine. Left on time and given plenty of opportunities to be stocked up on food, with restroom breaks. Was able to explore the major sights at Mt. Rainer, we were lucky to have a retired ranger who was very knowledgeable about the park. Expectations were clear and time was very well managed. Worth it if you have a spare day in Washington.
Bud_J, Jan 2026
Overall it was great! However the guide was pushy an about time. We felt extremely rushed all day. The scenery was beautiful
Annette_P, Dec 2025
Oh man this trip was so much fun!! I like the snow, especially to throw snow balls & make snow angels...funny thing was when my daughter asked if we could build a snowman...& I told her uuuhhh, that takes some serious time & we don't have enough time to build one.
Taylor_S, Dec 2025
Erika our tour guide was amazing! This was a last minute trip and so glad we did it! Highly recommend!
Mary_C, Nov 2025
Very good tour.Andreas was very knowledgeable. We had such a good time. It's perfect walking for the day.
Christina_L, Nov 2025
Our guide Andreas was knowledgeable. His command of the national park geography, history and topography was impressive and inspired us to go to another park. On the return drive he spent time providing in-depth information on the Seattle experience.
Gary_H, Nov 2025
A wonderful exposition of the glorious Mt Rainier National Park. The tour guide, John, was warm, knowledgeable and funny. The tour was long but provided the right balance of guided experiences and self-discovery. An inspiring day's outing.
Anonymous, Oct 2025
Best ever!!!! So nice so kind and cool trip.
While heading to Mr. Rainer, we had got so beautiful knowledges about SEA in details.
Also we can catch photo shots and runrun for making memories. So thanks
Julie_Y, Oct 2025
John was a fantastic tour guide. We loved being driven and stopping at all the perfect spots to enjoy all of Seattle towards Mt. Rainer. It was a perfect clear day! I highly recommend this tour. Well worth the money!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks, Julie!! We’re so glad you joined us.
Stephanie_H, Oct 2025
Drove to the Longmire gate and it was closed. We sat at the entrance for 3.5 hours in the parking lot. Went on a hike to pass the time. Ate grocery store food from one stop. Second stop was to get get hot chocolate. Wasn’t from gov’t shutdown so don’t go there. The restaurant and gift shop sure had enough employees. The sign clearly said on Oct 24 the gate closes at 4 pm and will reopen daily if weather permits. The tour agency should know if it will not open and have alternative plan. They didn’t have to pay entrance fee nor gas to drive anywhere but 1 mile max into park and refused any refund. 11/11 people on our bus wasted $180 each.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Stephanie,
We're sorry to hear you didn't find value in your tour to Mt. Rainier with us. I'd like to take the opportunity to address a few things you mentioned. First, our tour listing states that tours mid-October through mid-May are limited in access and resources. The national park looks different depending on the seasons! They assess daily which roads are safe to travel on and which aren't, and our goal is always to see as much of the national park as possible in one day, no matter the time of year. We communicated this to you the day before your tour as well as the morning of the tour to make sure you still wanted to go and you agreed both times you were up for it!
While we did stop at the park entrance for a photo opportunity, we didn't sit at the entrance for 3.5 hours -- we went to Longmire, which is 6.5 miles into the park and a popular stop for visitors with all of the opportunities there. During the time at Longmire, some guests hiked to Carter Falls while others hiked the Trail of the Shadows. Guests also enjoyed hot chocolate by the fire in the Inn, walked to the Nisqually suspension bridge, and spent time at Twin Firs in addition to the Old Growth Forest. The restaurant and gift shop employees are not employees of the National Park Service, they are private concessions, which is why they are able to stay open during the shutdown. October 24 was the date you went on the tour, not a "hard date" for road closures at the park. The road to Paradise has been experiencing intermittent closures due to weather/shutdown (not enough employees to plow for safe roads) for a couple of weeks now. We strive to provide safe, informative and valuable tours to our guests and feel we delivered that experience for you.
Abigail_W, Oct 2025
Definitely worth looking into if you’re in the Seattle area! Pickup was very convenient and clearly communicated which I really appreciated. Extremely well organized! Andreas was knowledgeable and personable, too.
From $208.56
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