Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle
Active
8h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit Mt. Rainier with our professional, enthusiastic and informative tour guides. Travel in our clean, comfortable mini-coaches with large windows, high back seats and heat + A/C.
The season will determine the route and accessibility of your tour! In the summer, experience old-growth forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and thundering waterfalls on this tour of glacier-clad Mt. Rainier. Winter tours spend more time at Longmire with complimentary snow shoes. Hike and walk a little or not at all: there are options for all abilities. Enjoy lunch at a Mt. Rainier cafe or buy a picnic lunch along the way. No two tours are the same! Your guide will provide the best tour available on any given day.
Return to Seattle through memorable Pacific Northwest scenery. Bring a camera on this spectacular Mt. Rainier tour as well as comfortable walking shoes. Layer both warm and cool weather clothing as mountain temperatures can vary from rainy and cold to sunny and hot during a single day.
Available options
7:35AM Seattle Public Library
7:35AM: Seattle Public Library: This meeting location is our Seattle Public Library pickup, located at 1000 4th Ave Seattle, WA. Wait on the 4th Avenue side.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Seattle Public Library - Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
6:35A Seattle Public Library
Meeting Location: Meet on the 4th Ave side of the Central Branch Library at 1000 4th Ave. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Seattle Public Library - Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
7:15A SeaTac Matt Griffin YMCA
Meeting Location: Meet at the Matt Griffin YMCA SeaTac located at 3595 S 188th St. SeaTac. Parking is complimentary for guests on the left side<br/>Starting point:<br/>3595 S 188th St, SeaTac, WA 98188, USA
6:45A Urban Coffee House
Meeting Location: This meeting location is our Urban Coffeehouse pickup, located at 1900 4th Avenue. Please wait on the 4th Ave side. <br/>Starting point:<br/>1900 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
8:15A Matt Griffin YMCA/SeaTac
Meeting Location: Please meet at the Matt Griffin YMCA by 8:15am. Parking is complimentary for guests; lease park on the left side in the lot. <br/>Starting point:<br/>3595 S 188th St, SeaTac, WA 98188, USA
7:55AM MoPop
7:55AM MoPop Meeting Location: This meeting location is our MoPop/Seattle Center pickup, located at 325 5th Ave N, Seattle.<br/>Starting point:<br/>325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
7:45AM Urban Coffeehouse
This meeting location is our Urban Coffeehouse pickup, located at 1900 4th Avenue. Please wait on the 4th Avenue side.<br/>Starting point:<br/>1900 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
6:55A MoPop Meeting Location
Meeting Location: This is our MoPop Meeting Location. Please wait at the circle driveway on the north side of the Museum at 325 5th Ave N.<br/>Starting point:<br/>325 5th Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
What's included
Snowshoes provided complimentary when conditions allow
Local, professional guide
All Fees and Taxes
Transportation by air-conditioned mini coach bus
Cooler with ice will be be provided inside the bus to keep any perishable items chilled
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
No 2 tours are the same! Our goal each day is to showcase as much of the national park as possible during our time in the park. Routes and stops look different depending on the season.
2
Longmire, home to the original park headquarters & more recently, the National Park Inn, Longmire museum & Wilderness Information Center, is a popular stop on all tours. Opportunity for restrooms, short hikes & photos here.
3
Stop 3
Tours mid-April through mid-October stop here for guests to get a view of the top of the falls. When weather permits, some tours are able to hike to the lower falls for more photo opportunities!
4
Stop 4
Christine Falls is a 69-foot waterfall with 2 drops located on the road to Paradise. Tours will often stop here for photos of the lower falls including the bridge which helps frame a perfect waterfall photo! (Accessible seasonally)
5
Visitor Center - Have lunch at the restaurant, cafe, or bring your own sack lunch. Hiking opportunities available. Scenic views and wildlife. This is a popular stop on tours mid-April through mid-October.
6
Stop 6
While this is not a guaranteed stop, tours will try to stop here during peak season (July/August) for the postcard-worthy photo of Mt Rainier & it's reflection in the still lake. This is not always an accessible stop.
7
Some tours (not all) will visit Tipsoo Lake, a subalpine lake within Mt Rainier National Park
8
Drive through the picturesque mountain town of Elbe, WA en route to the national park
9
This is a popular stop on tours year round!
What's not included
Gratuities (optional and not included in the price of this tour)
Food & drinks (you can purchase lunch at grocery store stop or at the cafe in Visitor Center)
Restroom on board
WiFi on board
Hotel pick up
Children under 5 not allowed
Itinerary below is a sample; stops are not guaranteed
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.8
1,140 reviews
5★
1010
4★
101
3★
18
2★
4
1★
7
Tripadvisor
4.9
680 reviews
5★
631
4★
34
3★
8
2★
3
1★
4
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please contact local service provider to arrange pickup from a nearby location after you have received your confirmation
Tour cannot pickup from hotels or private residences
Enjoy lunch at a Mt. Rainier cafe or buy a picnic lunch at our grocery store stop (own expense)
Layered clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended (temperatures can vary from rainy and cold to sunny and hot in a single day)
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Traffic and road conditions may alter tour route
Please allow up to 11 hours for pickup and drop-off service
We may ask that you walk a couple blocks for pickup or drop off due to traffic or road conditions
This tour does not have storage space for luggage, strollers or wheelchairs without advance arrangements
Ongoing construction at Mt Rainier National Park may cause tour delays
The seasons and weather play a big role in what is available and accessible at Mt Rainier National Park. Tours mid-October through early May will be limited in number of stops & services available.
November 12 - Spring 2026: Paradise is only accessible based on road conditions day-of
Meeting point
Please meet in front of the Matt Griffin YMCA location. There is parking onsite. Our guests should utilize the lot on the left side of the building, at least 1/2 way down the building.
Important notes
Please note: A meeting location is required for this tour/activity (as specified on the tour/activity description page). Pickups from our meeting locations commence prior to tour start time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time. You must contact Tours Northwest at toll free: 1-888-293-1404 at least 48 hours before your tour/activity date to verify your pick-up time and pick-up location. If you are not staying at a hotel within their pick-up range, the best meeting location information will be provided to you. If you are not arriving within the specified time frame, please make contact prior to your travels, or immediately upon arrival of your destination.
About Seattle
Seattle, known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban culture, is a city where innovation meets nature. Nestled between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, it offers a unique blend of tech-driven progress and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for a diverse range of travelers.
Top Attractions
Space Needle
An iconic symbol of Seattle, the Space Needle offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes from its observation deck.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Expensive ($35-50 for adults)
Pike Place Market
One of the oldest and most famous public markets in the U.S., Pike Place Market is a vibrant hub of activity with shops, restaurants, and street performers.
Market
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for shopping and dining
Chihuly Garden and Glass
A stunning exhibit of Dale Chihuly's glass art, featuring intricate and colorful installations in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Museum
1-2 hours
Moderate ($24-32 for adults)
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
A museum dedicated to contemporary popular culture, featuring exhibits on music, science fiction, and video games.
Museum
2-3 hours
Moderate ($24-32 for adults)
Seattle Waterfront
A bustling waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and attractions, offering beautiful views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.
Scenic
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for attractions and dining
Discovery Park
The largest park in Seattle, offering beautiful trails, beaches, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Nature
Half-day to full day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Seafood
Fresh seafood is a staple in Seattle, with local specialties including salmon, Dungeness crab, and oysters.
Main course
Contains seafood, may contain allergens
Coffee
Seattle is famous for its coffee culture, with numerous coffee shops and roasters offering high-quality brews.
Drink
Vegetarian/vegan options available, may contain caffeine
Marionberry Pie
A local favorite, Marionberry pie is made with Marionberries, a type of blackberry grown in the Pacific Northwest.
Dessert
Vegetarian, may contain gluten
Philly Cheesesteak
A Seattle twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, featuring locally sourced ingredients and unique toppings.
Main course
Contains meat, may contain allergens
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Kayaking
Rock climbing
Spa treatments
Yoga
Picnicking
Scenic drives
Best Time to Visit
June to August
This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions. The weather is generally pleasant, and there are numerous festivals and events taking place.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Time Zone (PT) (GMT-8)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Seattle is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any urban area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
- • Use reputable tour guides and taxis
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and credit cards
Getting there
By air
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport • 14.5 miles (23.3 km) from downtown
By train
King Street Station
By bus
King Street Station Bus Terminal, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Link light rail is clean, efficient, and covers many key areas of the city. It's a convenient way to get around, especially for tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown
Belltown
Pike Place Market
Capitol Hill
Fremont
Ballard
Day trips
Mount Rainier National Park
85 miles (137 km) from Seattle • Full day to overnight
A stunning national park featuring the iconic Mount Rainier, as well as beautiful trails, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Snoqualmie Falls
28 miles (45 km) from Seattle • Half day
A breathtaking waterfall and park featuring beautiful views, hiking trails, and a historic lodge.
Bainbridge Island
12 miles (19 km) from Seattle (by ferry) • Half day to full day
A charming island featuring beautiful scenery, local shops, and a variety of dining and outdoor activities.
Festivals
Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) • Late May to early June
Bumbershoot • Labor Day weekend (late August to early September)
Seattle Pride • Late June to early July
Pro tips
- Visit the Space Needle at sunset for the best views of the city and surrounding landscapes
- Explore Pike Place Market early in the morning to avoid crowds and see the famous fish throwing
- Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a scenic and relaxing day trip
- Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) for a unique and interactive experience
- Try the famous Seattle coffee and pastries at local cafes and bakeries
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
