Hiking Guide: Beat the Crowds at Mount Rainier’s Grand Park
Ever since moving to Washington in 2022, I’ve heard about Grand Park and seen photos from there. But an opportunity to hike up there had never presented itself – until now. And holy smokes, it is a stunning area that is also easy to access!
My friends and I had a gorgeous evening soaking up the Mount Rainier views with no one else around. Talk about a luxury not everyone gets to have!
Below, you’ll get all the information you need to hike into Grand Park and have a great outing. Whether you’re a photographer or just a hiker who enjoys nature, getting up here is 100% worth it, and it’s truly one of the best views of the volcano you can find!
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Hiking to Grand Park in Mount Rainier
Hike Stats
- Distance: 7-9 miles, depending on where you turn around
- Elevation: 1,500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Road quality: Dirt road, decent, bumpy, good for a normal car
- Time on trail: 3-5 hours
- Trailhead Location
- My GAIA route
Trail Report for Visiting Grand Park
I turned off Highway 410 and headed onto the dusty, bumping forest road to the Grand Park Trailhead. Maps said it would take around 30 minutes, but in the 4Runner, I was able to shave five-plus minutes off.
Once I parked, I threw on my pack, opened my hiking poles, and sped off up the trail. My friends had left some 45 minutes earlier (traffic delays held me back), so I moved at a much faster pace than I usually would.
Less than 20 minutes into the hike, I passed Lake Eleanor and soon was jogging downhill into the first meadow below Grand Park. This area is less than a quarter long before the next uphill begins. Unbeknownst to me, the mosquitoes would get unbearably bad here and basically not allow me to take a break over the next 1.5 miles and 1,200 feet of gain. Anytime I needed a second to catch my breath, they swarmed and buzzed. (I’m scratching at bites as I write this!)
Entering into Grand Park
Finally, the uphill ceased, and the view of Rainier broke through. She was glamorous and HUGE. It’s actually mindblowing how big Mount Rainier looks from Grand Park. I estimate I walked about half a mile before finding my friends, dropping my pack, and exploring the sights and wildflowers.
On this Thursday, only four of us were in the area, making it totally peaceful! Overall, I was photographing and hanging out for over 90 minutes, which gave me ample time to find compositions and enjoy the evening.
After watching the sunset and the brief orange glow on Rainier, the light began to fade. Our group packed up and headed down the 3.7-ish miles to the cars. Once we ventured into the forest, we all turned on our lights and made quick work of the trail.
Outside of the mosquitoes, it was a perfect evening in a perfect place! With how crowded places can feel these days, it’s nice to experience nature in a quieter and slower fashion.
Things to Know for Hiking to Rainier’s Grand Park
Where is Grand Park Located in Mount Rainier
Grand Park is a wide-open flat grassland on the north side of Mount Rainier National Park, a bit secluded from the normal tourist activity. When in Grand Park, you can see Fremont Lookout to your left when looking at Mount Rainier.
While it is inside the park boundaries, you start the hike from the north, which is National Forest land. Soon after starting the hike, you’ll cross the park’s boundaries.
Finding the Trailhead
The main Grand Park trailhead is Eleanor Lake Trailhead, 10 miles up Forest Service Road 73. If you’re coming from Seattle, you’ll turn right off Highway 410 and onto the dirt road. (The turn-off is 8.3 miles from the park’s entrance.)
From here, you’ll wind your way into the forest towards Mount Rainier. Overall, the road is in fine shape. There are a TON of potholes of medium to large sizes, meaning that either you need to have a higher clearance vehicle or drive slow. In my 4Runner, I was able to cruise through these without much issue. But I’m sure in a normal car, you’d have to be more gingerly with it.
If you plug this into your maps, you’ll get there just fine.
Once you’ve parked, look for the Eleanor Creek sign (it’s the only sign in the area) and start heading up!
Tips for hiking to Grand Park
It’s a pretty casual hike with not a long to worry about. It’s unfortunate there’s a downhill in the middle because, on the way back, you really don’t want to do it!
You can travel fast on this trail. I reached the beginning of the larger Grand Park meadow in just over an hour. (Then, I started to doddle for photos.)
- Bring a bug spray – mosquitoes were TERRIBLE
- Have an extra layer for when the sun drops below the trees
- Bring a headlamp if hiking back in the dark
- Bears can frequent the area, so keep an eye out
How hard is the hike?
Hiking to Grand Park is the classic definition of a moderate hike. Yes, the mileage is a bit high, but at least a third of it is mostly flat. For the most part, it’s chill and easy. The uphill section from the first meadow into Grand Park felt challenging, but I also wasn’t allowed to stop due to swarming mosquitoes. Once you reach the meadows, it’s entirely flat, which was a relief!
I was able to hike fast, almost 3.5 miles per hour, for the entire hike, so if you want to be fast here, you can!
When we went in mid-July, there were a few downed trees you had to step over, but I expect trail crews to clear those up at some point.
Overall, this is perfect for families and those looking for a fun hike in a National park without being overly exhausted and tired.
When is the best time of year to visit Grand Park?
Summertime! Outside of the mosquitoes, this is a beautiful place to go, enjoy the views, and be mostly free of the crowds. Compared to the other places in the park, it’ll feel empty. When I was there on a Thursday evening, only my group was there.
It was really lovely!
The next best option is fall. Although this area doesn’t have many fall colors, the views of Rainier will still be impressive.
After that, winter and spring are less than ideal. I assume the road is closed in winter, and spring will mean the area is super muddy and wet.
Will I have cell service?
There is no cell service on the trail or at the trailhead. Put your phone on airplane mode and enjoy your time in nature!
More Photos of Grand Park at Mount Rainier
Leave No Trace
When you hike into Grand Park, do your best to stay on the trail and not trample wildflowers. However, it’s a bit hard, considering there’s only one trail, and it’s about 12 inches wide. It’s unrealistic to expect people not to go anywhere, so be smart and careful about where you walk in the meadows.
Other Questions about Hiking to Grand Park at Mount Rainier
What i the elevation of Grand Park?
Grand Park sits at 5,600 feet and is a nearly flat stretch of meadows to the north of Mount Rainier and below Fremont Lookout. While the trail does have a small roller coaster tendency, it’s easier to say it’s flat because you’ll hardly notice the elevation change.
Can I backpack at Grand Park?
All overnight stays in Mount Rainier National Park require a wilderness permit. But you cannot camp in Grand Park. The closest camping areas are Lake Eleanor Camp, Fire Creek Camp, and Berekely Park Camp.
If I had to choose one, I’d choose Berkeley Park. It’s an excellent middle area from the Sunrise Visitor Center and allows you nice access to a few different places.
Approximate Distance to Grand Park:
- Lake Eleanor Camp: 3 miles
- Fire Creek Camp: 1.75 miles
- Berkeley Park Camp: 2.5 miles
Do I need a timed entry permit to hike here?
Nope! This area does not require a timed entry permit. If you need a nice day hike before entering the park’s Sunrise portion at 3 p.m., I highly recommend hiking to Grand Park.
You also do not need to pay an entrance fee to visit this area.
When is Wildflower season at Mount Rainier National Park?
That’s a tough one because it seems to always fluctuate, as elevation, temperature, and snowpack all contribute. That said, the middle of July through the middle of August will give you some pretty gorgeous views throughout the park.
The Skyline Loop Trail from Paradise is exquisite, as does the Naches Peak Loop and the fields around the Sunrise Visitor Center.
What lenses should I bring?
For visiting Grand Park, I brought my 24-105 to capture the vastness of the landscape and my 70-200 for close-up shots of the glaciers. I also brought my 16-35 in case I wanted some wide angle with the wildflowers, but there were enough flowers to need the extra wide angle.
Water Sources on the Trail
There is a main water source at Lake Eleanor, as well as the creek on the early portion of the hike. Additionally, you’ll have a little pond in the first meadow you’ll pass through after your downhill. But for most people who do this as a day hike, you should be fine with whatever water you bring with you.
Are there any bathrooms
There are no bathrooms at the trailhead or along the trail. The last gas station is a few minutes before you turn off Highway 410 and head up the long dirt road.
Are dogs allowed in Mount Rainier National Park?
I’m sorry, but you’ll have to leave the dog at home. Per National Park rules, dogs and pets are not allowed on trails in Mount Rainier National Park.
What are other good hikes in the area?
- Suntop Lookout
- Burroughs Mountain
- Fremont Lookout
- Naches Peak Loop
- TIpsoo Lake
- Crystal Peak Trail
Final Thoughts on the Grand Park Hike
Mount Rainier’s Grand Park is a fantastic place to enjoy the beauty of the volcano, wildflowers, and some peace and quiet in a busy world! If you’re looking to explore a less visited place, lace up your boots and head out here. You’ll be so glad you did!
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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