With meadows of wildflowers at your feet and snowy peaks looming above you, it’s easy to see how this area in Mount Rainier National Park earned its name.
Paradise is Mount Rainier National Park’s most visited area. Enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Rainier, visit its famous inn or hike among wildflowers and waterfalls to understand why it was originally deemed a paradise.
Begin your visit at the Paradise Jackson Visitor Centre for exhibits, a film and general information about Paradise and the park. Sign up for a guided ranger tour. Buy a souvenir in the gift shop or have a snack in the cafeteria.
Visit the quaint grey Paradise Ranger Station, which greets visitors entering the area. If you plan on climbing, skiing or camping, stop in the Guide House at the Paradise Climbing Information Centre to apply for a climbing permit and get details about backcountry camping. Obtain services formerly available at the ranger station here.
For a memorable stay, check into the Paradise Inn. This stone lodge, standing in Mount Rainier’s shadow since 1916, is recognized as a shining original example of “parkitecture,” the rustic building aesthetic preferred by the National Park Service. Step out the inn’s front door to access miles of hiking trails.
Trek along the short, relatively flat Nisqually Vista Trail for views of its namesake glacier, which occupies a large part of Mount Rainier’s southwestern face. The wheelchair-accessible portion of Skyline Trail leads to Myrtle Falls, with one of the most iconic views in the park. Take a moderate 1.3-hour hike on Alta Vista Trail through the valley’s wildflowers.
From the Paradise Inn, follow Paradise Valley Road, a one-way road providing a winding journey through the wildflower-filled valley. Delight in summer’s pastels and autumn’s brilliant oranges, yellows and reds.
Head east of Paradise Valley to Inspiration Point, a scenic overlook offering awe-inspiring views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range beyond.
In sun and snow, Paradise is a great place to visit year-round. Weather necessitates seasonal closures of some areas. Check with the National Park Service to see what’s open during your visit.
