Where to Hike in Mount Rainier National Park With Kids: Hiking Mom Hike List
- Adrianna Skori
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
Rainier National Park in the summer is absolutely amazing. This trip just stole my heart. Our road trip started in Calgary, in a Karma rental camper van headed south toward Oregon for a charity hike supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Along the way, we chose adventure first and pulled off near Mount Rainier for what we thought would be a quick hike or two. We camped on a lavender farm just outside the park, the kids bundled into puffy layers, the air cool and still. By morning, Rainier revealed itself in soft pink skies, and we knew this place would leave a mark. I could've hiked and backpacked for weeks in the park. You can shop my storefront for hiking moms if there is any gear you need.
Mount Rainier is not a park you rush. You will not see everything in one visit, and that is part of its beauty. This is a place that invites families to explore many different trails. These are my favourite kid friendly hikes and scenic stops from our time in the park, including options that work well for younger hikers and stroller-friendly exploring. However, strollers aren't always ideal on some of the terrain but there is some paved trails to enjoy throughout the park. Here is everything I bring on a hike with my baby. Hiking with kids can connect you to places deeply and I have compiled some hike ideas for you so you can find these memories when you travel too.
Where to hike with kids in Rainier National Park:
Skyline Trail and Myrtle Falls
The Skyline Trail from the Paradise area is one of those rare hikes that delivers almost immediately. Even with kids, the views feel grand and expansive right from the start. We treated this hike as an out and back, turning around we all needed a rest. It was very hot when we hiked up and there was still snow on the ground in July. Wildflowers lined the trail, and Myrtle Falls rushed below with Mount Rainier standing tall behind it. My favourite moment is always the trailside picnics that everyone enjoys together. The beauty of Rainer is like no other. Unloading my baby out of his carrier surrounded by wildflowers was surreal. Families love this trail because it offers wide paths, constant visual reward, and the flexibility to hike as far or as short as feels right.
Reflection Lakes
Reflection Lakes offered one of the most peaceful moments of our entire trip. Sitting just off the road, it provides one of the most iconic views in the park with minimal effort required. There were a lot of mosquitos at sunset though! When conditions align, Mount Rainier reflects perfectly across the water. We arrived during soft evening light with pink skies overhead with wildflowers dancing in the light wind. I had the kids zipped into warm layers with their puffy jackets. It felt calm and deeply special. Families love this stop because it delivers an incredible payoff without committing to a long hike, making it perfect for sunrise or sunset with kids.
Nisqually Vista Trail
The Nisqually Vista Trail is a wonderful option for families looking for a manageable hike with meaningful scenery. This loop trail offers views of the Nisqually Glacier while maintaining a comfortable pace for kids. Portions of the trail are paved, making it accessible for strollers depending on conditions. The predictable footing and interpretive signs make it a great place to slow down and talk with kids about glaciers, water, and how landscapes change. Families love this trail for its short distance, educational value, and gentle introduction to glacier terrain.
Grove of the Patriarchs
When open, the Grove of the Patriarchs feels like stepping into another world. Towering ancient trees, lush greenery, and a suspension bridge create a sense of wonder that kids instantly connect with. The trail remains relatively flat, allowing children to explore at their own pace while feeling safe and supported. Families love this area for its flat terrain, curiosity driven exploration, and magical forest experience. Because closures can occur due to flooding, it is always best to check current park conditions before planning your visit.
Checklist of hikes for your trip to Rainier National Park with kids:
Approximately 1.5 to 2 km round trip to Myrtle Falls with moderate elevation gain. Wide trail with big payoff early on. Families can hike this as an out and back and turn around anytime depending on energy levels. |
Less than 0.5 km of walking from parking areas. Essentially flat with minimal elevation gain. Ideal for families wanting iconic views without committing to a hike. |
About 1.9 km loop with gentle elevation changes. Portions are paved and stroller friendly depending on conditions. Excellent option for younger kids and educational stops. |
Approximately 1.6 km round trip with very little elevation gain. Flat forest terrain with a suspension bridge. Always check for seasonal closures due to flooding. |
Roughly 0.7 km loop with flat boardwalk sections. Easy terrain and well suited for toddlers and strollers designed for packed paths. |
About 0.8 km loop with flat open terrain. Ideal for relaxed family walks, toddler pacing, and taking breaks as needed. |
Approximately 0.6 km paved loop with minimal elevation gain. One of the most stroller friendly trails in the park with expansive views. |
Kid Friendly and Stroller Friendly Exploring in the Park
Mount Rainier offers several areas that work beautifully for families with strollers or very young children. The Trail of the Shadows near Longmire provides a short loop with boardwalks, forest views, and historic elements, often manageable with strollers designed for packed paths. The Longmire Meadow Loop offers a flat and scenic walk through open meadowland, creating a relaxed experience for families wanting to stretch their legs without elevation. The Sunrise Nature Trail is one of the most stroller friendly options in the park, offering expansive views along a short paved loop with minimal effort required. Reflection Lakes also fits beautifully into this category, allowing families to experience one of the park’s most iconic views with little walking involved.
Tips for Hiking Mount Rainier With Kids
Hiking Mount Rainier with kids is all about preparation and flexibility. Starting early often allows families to enjoy calmer weather and quieter trails, while packing layers remains essential even in summer months. Letting kids set the pace and building in time for snacks and spontaneous stops helps keep the experience positive. Most importantly, turning around early is still a successful adventure, and some of the most meaningful moments happen when you slow down rather than push forward. The bugs were really bad in July and this kids kept getting surrounded by mosquitos and wasps. Here are some helpful tips to help you keep bugs away from babies while hiking. Make sure to pack a cooler full of lunches and even backpacking gear to cook dinner at the lake if needed. There was not a lot of grocery style stops near the park so it is best to get meals prepared in advance too. It is very remote once you are in the park. If you are considering which hiking carrier you'll need for the trip, my hiking carrier guide can help you.
One of my Favourite National Parks to visit!
Mount Rainier was always at the top of my dream bucket list destination with my kids. It was very beautiful and I am already planning on going back with the kids again but this time in August because that is when more wildflowers come out. I hiked so much and ym charity hike was in just 2 day and I would be hiking 26.3 miles there. This trip is one of our most treasured family memories. If you find yourself traveling through Washington with kids, I hope you make space for Mount Rainier.
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