We hiked this beautiful hike while visiting Mt. Rainier and loved it! We enjoy hiking and do it rather often, we are not in what I consider tip top sharp, but we hike regularly. We agreed this trail was moderate to strenuous. We did it clockwise and it’s all uphill for the first part and downhill the second. Please wear proper shoes and take lots of water! Saw a lot of people in flip flops, NOT a good idea. The middle section to this trail is very rocky. The views are spectacular! The valleys covered when flowers and snow are beyond words. We saw lots of wildlife, 2 bear, and too many marmot and chipmunks to count. It’s a beautiful trail, just take your time and enjoy the views, there is plenty of places to rest and have a picnic. There’s a restroom about halfway through. The park service says it’s 5.5 miles with 1700 feet of elevation gain. Highly recommend this hike if you are capable, but again, please wear proper shoes and take lots of water.

We spent much longer on this trail than the suggested amount of time, since we stopped so many times to enjoy the flowers, the views, and the animals. We saw marmots, squirrels, and deer. We could see Mt Adams, Mt St Helens, and Mt Hood in Oregon. Really gorgeous hike. Amazing views of Mount Rainier itself too of course.

My fiancee and I knew we had to go to Mt Rainier when we were in Seattle for the week. The beginning climb will be intense for the uninitiated but well worth it to go all the way around. Unless you're out of water don't take any of the shorter routes or you'll miss out on some of the most beautiful views in our great nation. We started with 3L for the 2 of us and that was enough, brings snacks to keep your energy up(grapes/carrots/trail mix/etc). Good luck!