Volcano Travel · Tour
Mount Rainier Highlights: Snowshoes and Sledding Included in the Cold Months
Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
SeattleA full day at Mount Rainier, 14,411 feet of volcano, with a guide who fills the drive from Seattle with what you are looking at: lakes, old growth forest, waterfalls. In winter and spring, snowshoeing and sledding come with the ticket at no extra cost, and hiking is offered as well. Dress for it. Proper shoes and warm clothes are not optional on this one. The operator picks up at hotels and states plainly that it spends more time inside the park than other tours do. What the day covers depends on the roads. Longmire Museum, the Trail of the Shadows with its hot springs, Christine Falls under its stone bridge, Narada Falls, the quarter-mile Twin Firs loop through trees hundreds of years old, and Paradise, which most people rate the high point of the day. Winter access to Paradise is decided daily by the park, so if that stop is the reason you are booking, plan for the possibility that it is closed. In summer the guide may swap Paradise for the Sunrise Visitor Center, or add Tipsoo Lake. Neither is guaranteed and not every guide runs them. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund.
What's included
- Transport by air-conditioned fully insured Commercial Bus
- Professional guide
- Our phone lines are attended by a live Representative during Business hours
- Park Admission Fees
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- Pickup and drop-off from select downtown Seattle and airport hotels
Itinerary
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Alder Lake Park
A lake worth the stop on the road to the mountain.
Elbe
Used only when the park roads close unexpectedly. The town has the Hobo Inn, a historic Lutheran church, the Mount Rainier scenic railroad, and the largest sasquatch you are ever likely to see.
Ashford
Ashford is the base camp for climbers going up the mountain.
Longmire Museum
Animal exhibits, Native American history and stories, pioneer material, volcanology, and a transportation exhibit.
Trail of the Shadows
Second growth forest, hot springs, a walk and the history behind it. Subject to weather and road conditions.
Where we offer optional hikes, take in viewpoints, gift shop
Where the optional hikes start, with viewpoints, a gift shop, the Trail of the Shadows, the suspension bridge and the lodge.
Christine Falls Viewpoint
A much-photographed waterfall just off the road, framed by a stone bridge. Subject to weather and road conditions.
Narada Falls
One of the best looking waterfalls in the park. Subject to weather and road conditions.
Paradise Valley
Access to Paradise in the winter months is decided day by day by the park, based on road conditions. Plan accordingly if this stop is the one you want. It is an alpine meadow, and in winter the snowshoeing and hiking happen here. There is a visitor centre, gift shops and food. Most people call it the best part of the day, and the time spent here moves with the weather and the visibility.
Twin Firs Loop Trail
A quarter-mile loop through old growth forest, among trees that have stood for several hundred years.
Reflection Lakes
Small alpine lakes, in season only and not in winter. With no wind on the water the mountain comes back at you whole, and the photographs look edited. Subject to weather and road conditions.
Sunrise Visitor Center
Summer only, and it replaces the Paradise stop. Not every guide runs this itinerary, so it is rare and not something to count on. The road up is rough.
Tipsoo Lake Loop
Summer only, and it changes the standard itinerary. Not guaranteed: the guide decides on the day.
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks (Varies based on what you choose)
Good to know
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- It is recommended to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes (waterproof hiking shoes preferred, in winter boots are best). In Nov – Jun, please dress for snowy conditions. Bring a pair of extra socks
- PLEASE NOTE: You are taking a risk during the winter months. The tour route and itinerary will vary depending on the weather conditions and road closures. No refunds will be offered unless the park is closed.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
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- The seasons, weather, and elevation partially determine what you’ll see on your tour. During the weekdays, mid October-April, there are limited food services available in the National Park. Customers will have an opportunity to purchase food en route. Also, the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center located at Paradise, has limited hours during these months. *** PLEASE NOTE STARTING ACCESS TO PARADISE IS DICTATED DAILY BY THE PARK DURING THE WINTER MONTHS based on road conditions**** PLEASE PLAN YOUR TRIP ACCORDINGLY IF THIS IS A STOP YOU ARE DESIRING. No refunds will be offered unless the park is closed
- Each tour guide provides a unique experience. NO tour is the same. The day's itinerary is dictated by the guide. The schedule is based off the guide's experience with weather conditions and what is accessible in the park the day of your tour. Your tour guide will provide you with an outline of the day upon pick up.
- ****PLEASE check out the Mt. Rainier National Parks direct website for updated weather forecast and road closures - https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm ****
- Up to 15 travelers per booking.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Guiding available in: en.
Reviews
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Ratings collected by Viator and Tripadvisor