You can't get the perfect PNW outdoor experience without checking out a few Mt. Rainier Hiking Trails. There are plenty of day hikes that will add to your Washington travel bucket list.

Phil has been hiking in Mount Rainier National Park since 2014 and he claims it never gets old. Every time back he is just as amazed and excited as the first time.

Hiking Mt. Rainier might seem like a crazy notion but we're not talking about summiting or thru-hiking. There are day hikes in Mt. Rainier that give you plenty of views without needing to go all out on an expedition.

Since Mt. Rainier National Park is a little under two hours from Seattle, you can easily make a day trip and be transported from the busy city to one with nature. Be prepared for rain and snow so dress warmly with waterproof clothes.

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Comet and Christine Falls

If you could only do one hiking trail in Mt. Rainier it should be Comet and Christine Falls. Who doesn't love a good waterfall hike?

It's about 4.5 miles out and back and you get to see not one but TWO waterfalls. It does have a decent elevation gain so be prepared for a bit of a challenge.

This trail has plenty of views along the route so even if you don't want to go the full route you can always turn around after seeing the first waterfall.

To get there start on Highway 706 towards Paradise Ranger Station and stop at the Comet Falls trailhead (also known as the Van Trump Park trailhead). This is a pretty popular trail so try to go early (before 8 am on weekends) in order to find a parking spot.

Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail

Mt. Fremont Lookout trail is one of the best spots for seeing the top of Mt. Rainier without actually hiking to the summit. The total hike is a little under six miles out and back with moderate elevation gain.

To get there drive up Sunrise road off of Highway 410 and park at the Sunrise Visitor Center. The trail will first take you through some meadows but then you get to the open part with plenty of mountain views.

The viewpoint itself and the path leading to it are very open and windy. The surroundings almost create a wind tunnel so be ready.

*Quick side note, Sunrise road is closed in the winter so this trail may not be an option depending on the timing of your trip.

Sunrise Rim Trail

Getting to the Sunrise Rim Trail is the same as Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail. You'll take Sunrise road and park at the Sunrise Visitor Center.

The entire trail is a 5.5-mile loop and even though it's still slightly challenging, this is one of the better options for newer hikers. When it comes to views, this is also one of the best options as you get to see Mt Rainier, the Northern Cascades, and the Tatoosh Range.

The first part of the trail takes you by a meadow which is a nice change from the rocky scenery. Similar to other hikes, if you don't want to go the full loop you can always go out a mile or two and still get plenty of views.

*Quick side note, Sunrise road is closed in the winter so this trail may not be an option depending on the timing of your trip.

Wonderland Trail

Okay so we had to include the Wonderland Trail in this list but we are not talking about the whole thing. The entire trail is a 93-mile loop going around Mt. Rainier.

What we're talking about is a day hike going a few miles out and then back. Even just walking a few miles and turning around gives you lots of picture opportunities and a different way to see Mt. Rainier.

If you are hoping to camp at Mt. Rainier, this would also be a great option as there are plenty of campground along the trail. Pyramid Creek is probably the easiest one to get to since it's only a few miles from a trailhead.

People typically start at one of the ranger stations. Since we only did a snippet we began at the Sunrise Visitor Center taking the Sunrise Rim trail to Wonderland Trail maybe half a mile.

The easiest place to get to Wonderland Trail is the Longmire Ranger Station Wonderland Trail. This is also a great option since the road to get there is open all year.

Skyline Trail/Panorama Point

Panorama Point is one of the steeper trails from this list but it is also one of the more recommended options. It's only about four miles out and back but with similar elevation gain as the other options.

Not only does this hike have a waterfall (again, who doesn't love a good waterfall), but it has so many views of the National Park. Not only is there a great view of Mt. Rainier but you get to see Mt. Adams as well.

It also has a more mountain feel than some of the other options with more rocks and snow along the trail. Basically, when you think of Mt. Rainier, this is the scenery you are picturing.

The trailhead is easy to get to from the Paradise Ranger Station with lots of parking. There are also more bathroom options around the trailhead compared to some of the other trails.

Summerland Trail

If you want a challenging Mt. Rainer day hike then Summerland Trail is for you. It's about 8.5 miles with a little over 2,000 feet of elevation change.

This hike is not for the faint of heart so make sure to come prepared with hiking gear and water. We bring our water packs filled with emergency hiking gear and a 2L water bag.

Getting to the trail is a little tricky. You will drive on White River Road/Sunrise Road and be on the lookout for the trailhead. You will find the trailhead with a sign just after a bridge around a curve so it can be tough to miss if you aren't taking your time and keeping an eye out!

There is a small parking area across the road from the trail but since there aren't a lot of spots and this is a popular hike you will want to arrive early. This way you for sure get a spot and avoid the crowds.

Next time you're in Washington try out some of these Mt. Rainier day hikes. We like going in the Fall because it's less busy than the summer season but all the roads are still open.

Even if a full hike is not for you, at least check out some of the trails and go as far as you feel comfortable. Even five minutes on these trails have stunning views!