Excursion Mt. rainier national park tour at Seattle

Visit Mt. Rainier National Park to savor Mt. Rainier's hidden beauty, explore on foot with waterfall walks, giant trees, alpine vistas, fall colors and keep a lookout for wildlife. Depart by bus for a 2 to 2.5-hour bus ride from Seattle to stroll through the old-growth forests near Longmire, where Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar trees dwarf visitors, and the bubbling of natural springs fill the crisp air. Weather permitting, experience waterfalls and big mountain views as you wind to higher elevations.

Your first stop is at Longmire Park Museum. Take a short walk on the Tail of Shadows Nature Walk (0.75 miles /1.2km and mostly flat). Continue on to view and feel the cool mist of Christine Falls, a waterfall on Van Trump Creek in Pierce County, Washington. The falls are 69 feet high and are best known for the Christine Falls Bridge spanning the lower drop. The upper drop is 32 feet high and is almost impossible to film in tandem with the oft-photographed 37-foot lower tier.

The tour continues to Narada Falls for a nature walk down to the viewpoint (0.75 miles, 125 feet elevation gain/loss). The journey continues to the Paradise region for snowcapped mountain views, independent exploration, visit the world class Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center and enjoy a Gourmet picnic lunch.

The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is a day-use facility located in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. The facility offers exhibits, films, guided ranger programs, a bookstore, a snack bar, a gift shop, and public restrooms, as well as informational brochures and maps.

In the late afternoon, depart the Mt. Rainier National Park and drive by bus approximately 2.5 to 3 hours back to Seattle.

Note

Please note: This tour involves a long bus ride from Seattle to/from Mt. Rainier; depending on traffic, this ride can be 2.5 to 3 hours each way. There is 1.5 miles/2.4km of walking over uneven natural terrain, making parts of this tour not recommended for guests with limited mobility. Weather in October can be wet/cold. There may very well be snow falling in the Mt. Rainier National Park. Guests are recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes as trails may be wet/muddy/snowy, and warm, layered clothing is strongly recommended, as well as sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, backpacks to carry gear on the nature walks.