Mount Rainier National Park Best Photography Spots

Mount Rainier National Park is a stunning recreation area, one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific Northwest. From its magnificent glacier-covered peak to its rugged wildlands and vast alpine meadows, the park offers a wide variety of activities for the whole family.

Amidst evergreens, rhododendrons, and boulders, visitors can climb active glaciers, hike along sparkling streams or navigate trails lined by wildflowers and berry patches.

Photography Guide compiled a list of some mind-blowing spots in Mount Rainier National Park for Photography. These are great for sending you on an adventure and also for your next photography tour.

THE BEST GEAR TO TAKE PICTURES IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK

A good camera and the holy trinity are the pieces of gear we recommend. A lens with a comprehensive view. 14-24mm or a similar range. A 24-70mm or equivalent lens and, of course, a 70-200mm or similar lens.

If you don’t have these lenses, don’t worry; something similar will work fine. You should also get a tripod if you want to take great pictures of sunsets at night.

Mount Rainier National Park Best Photography Spots

1. White River

The White River is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. There are a lot of things to do, like hiking, viewing cascading waterfalls, and capturing picturesque views on camera. The river and trail are home to a variety of wildlife including deer, beavers, and salmon. Since it’s been a hotspot for photographers for years, you’ll see other photographers often.

2. Carbon River Valley

One of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park, the Carbon River Valley runs along a glacier-carved valley flanked by snow-covered peaks and draped in lush green ferns. The Carbon River Road makes for a great day hike, with views of Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mount Rainier.

3. Beautiful wildflowers and Mount Rainier

One of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park, the wildflower displays in this section of the park have been known to change dramatically across a four-day period. Follow the boardwalks over rocky terrain and watch as you cross over a meadow dotted with wildflowers and lush ferns. 

4. Tatoosh Mountain

Tatoosh Mountain is an active volcano located just north of the meadow. It’s one of the iconic features that come to mind when people think about Mount Rainier National Park. The mountain is popular for mountaineering, hiking, and photography. Its peak takes on different faces throughout the year as snow and glacier cover changes with weather conditions.

5. Tipsoo Lake

Tipsoo Lake is one of the most popular destinations for photographers wanting to capture Mount Rainier and its surroundings from above. There are a couple of places where you can sit at the edge of the lake, overlooking Mount Rainier and you’ll never run out of things to take a picture of. Even if it’s cloudy it’s still a stunning view.

6. Spray Park

One of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park, Spray Park is an easy, interpretive hike that provides a quick escape from the summer crowds. This park has a great variety of local wildlife to be found including deer and elk as well as its namesake waterfalls that are visible right after the first meadow upon entering. Spray Park is located in the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park and is about 9 miles south of the Carbon River Entrance on Nisqually Road.

7. Reflection Lake

A visit to Mount Rainier National Park wouldn’t be complete without taking in the beauty of Reflection Lake. Situated just a short drive from Paradise on the south side of Longmire, this serene lake is one of the best photography spots in the park. The best time to shoot is early morning or late afternoon when the light is best and you have fewer visitors. The lake sits at roughly 6,400 ft above sea level and offers incredible views of Rainier’s nearby glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and green forests.

Mount Rainier National Park Best Photography Spots

8. Naches Peak Loop Trail

Naches Peak Loop Trail is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. This trail passes through beautiful meadows and forests and offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. Hikers may encounter wildlife such as elk, black bears, or cougars.  You’ll enjoy seasonal wildflowers and chances to see elk and mule deer in late summer. This wilderness trail is moderately strenuous, so you should wear a hydration pack and take snacks with you.

9. Paradise River

The Paradise River offers one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park! Home to wildlife, waterfalls, and even ice caves, you’ll be amazed at what you discover in this beautiful spot. It’s the perfect hike for families or groups of friends because it’s relatively easy. It features a wide range of terrains that are ideal for beginner hikers and families with children. The scenery is just stunning, with views of Mount Rainier that will leave you breathless!

10. Edith Creek

Edith Creek is a popular spot for nature photographers. It’s located on the Nisqually River and offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Valley. The creek itself is a popular place to see spawning salmon but also holds other wildlife like deer and bears. Edith Creek is a hidden gem in Mount Rainier National Park. Hiking through the forest to this beautiful creek takes you away from crowds and stresses, and makes for an enjoyable day trip. With so much beauty nearby, you’re sure to have a memorable experience!

11. Sunbeam Creek

Sunbeam Creek is one of the most scenic spots in Mount Rainier National Park, and one of the best photography spots anywhere. Lots of rocks make for great viewpoints but beware for this portion of the hike is not groomed for avalanche control and therefore has a lot more snow on it than other areas during winter months. On a sunny day, this little stream sparkles like a cascade of diamonds. Make sure to take a look at it on your way up to Sunrise or when you’re coming back down from Panorama Point.

12. Cayuse Pass

Cayuse Pass is a trekking route in Mount Rainier National Park to the southwest of Mount Rainier over Cayuse Pass and Cayuse Lake. The trail starts at the White River Entrance and ends at the Nisqually Entrance. The 53-mile round trip hike has 2850 feet of elevation gain, making it one of the more difficult routes in the park, but also one of its more rewarding.

13. Christine Falls

The Christine Falls trail is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. The falls are one of the most accessible and easy-to-navigate trails, as well as being only a short hike from the car. Lush greenery accompanies your path through forests and bridges.

15. Narada Falls

The Narada Falls trail is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. Just like its name, the falls will mesmerize you with their beauty. Whether it be during summer or winter, this waterfall is sure to have you wondering what else Mother Nature has in store for you on this journey through life. The falls are easy to get to via a 1.5-mile trail where you will hike through old-growth forests and past Narada Creek.

Mount Rainier National Park Best Photography Spots

16. Stargazing

Mount Rainier National Park is home to some of the most stunning night skies in the Lower 48 states. This is a photographic paradise! More than 130,000 stars are visible on a clear night at Paradise, along with some of the most breathtaking views of our solar system’s planets, satellites, and galaxies. Access the park after dark by taking advantage of your shuttle bus service at Longmire or Paradise.

17. Tolmie Peak Trail

The Tolmie Peak Trail is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. This trail offers stunning views with minimal effort and a moderate climb at the end. The viewpoint is located off the South Fork Snow Creek Road, which can only be accessed during the summer months thanks to snowfall and road closures each winter. It’s quite a drive from Seattle, but well worth it.

18. Eunice Lake

Eunice Lake is located in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s one of the best photography spots in our area, with a few different hiking trails that lead to amazing views of the lake. If you enjoy hiking and photography like me, you’ll want to book an extended stay at one of these cabins so you can wake up early for sunrise shots!

19. Bear Grass

The Bear Grass meadows are covered in aspens providing stunning fall color, just as crowds begin to thin out. In early spring, these meadows will be a riot of color from all the wildflowers that grow here. If you want to get away from it all, even on a busy summer weekend, start here at Sunrise Point.

20. Wonderland Trail

The Wonderland trail is recognized as one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. The best time to visit the Wonderland Trail is during the summer when it’s not snowing. Conquer the Wonderland Trail and capture Mount Rainier at its most majestic. This classic hike is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park, offering opportunities to view cascading waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and scenes of this magnificent mountain every season.

21. Nisqually Glacier

Nisqually Glacier is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. From the surface of the glacier, you can view deep crevasses and ice caves that form as the ice melts and refreezes each summer. Trails in the area are well maintained by park staff, so it’s very safe to hike even if you are new to glacier hiking!

22. Mazama Ridge

The Mazama Ridge trail is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. The views from this hike are stunning, with expansive views of the Cascade Mountain range, Mount Rainier, and even the distant peaks of Glacier Peak. Mount Rainier looms majestically over the nearby lake and beautiful scenery as you climb up along this well-maintained trail.

23. Paradise point

Paradise Point is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. This iconic view showcases a dramatic foreground and stunning mountain peaks. The Paradise point overlook is a popular place to take in the beauty of Mount Rainier. A short hike with extraordinary views awaits you as you look out over the park and the surrounding area. It is the perfect place for hiking, fishing, and picnicking, this park makes for a great family-friendly adventure.

24. Myrtle Falls

Myrtle Falls is an excellent spot for photos and can be reached by a moderately-strenuous trail. It is located in Mount Rainier National Park, just past the road’s end of the Carbon River Entrance. The falls are fed by springs from two separate water sources. The lower falls start with a narrow frozen cascading drop that in summer thaws into a huge flowing plunge above the pool below.

Mount Rainier National Park Best Photography Spots

25. Sourdough Ridge Trail

At about 7.5 miles, Sourdough Ridge Trail is one of the longer trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Its location at an elevation higher than most other Mount Rainier hikes in the park makes it an ideal destination for photographers looking for a high-elevation shot of alpine meadows and icy peaks in the distance. There’s only enough water on this trail, so be sure to bring plenty yourself. Keep in mind that backcountry permits are required for overnight trips.

26. Cushman Crest

Cushman Crest is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. This trail gives you a bird’s eye view over the Paradise Valley and if you’re lucky, you might even spot mountain goats on the rocky ledges. With an elevation gain of just over 1000 feet and a relatively flat profile, the Crest is an excellent round-trip option for those looking to explore without putting in too much exertion.

27. Emmons Moraine

Emmons Moraine is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. Large, bright, and beautiful, it has a unique mix of snow-covered mountains on one side, rocky cliffs, and small waterfalls on the other. This is an excellent place to stop when hiking through this part of the park.

28. Alpine Meadows

Alpine meadows are one of the most visually striking vistas in Mount Rainier National Park. This vast area affords hikers and wildflower enthusiasts alike a plethora of opportunities. Inland from Paradise Valley, enjoy views over one of the largest expanses of lupine found anywhere on Earth. The mountain peaks offer sublime views during both sunrise and sunset.

29. Mt. Fremont Trail

Mount Fremont is the tallest peak in the Tahoma Range and offers a variety of day trips for mountain climbers and hiking enthusiasts. With 360 views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range, this trail is one of the best photography spots in Mount Rainier National Park. The lower portion of the trail features wildflowers in late June, while the upper portion leads to an incredible view of Tahoma.

30. Pinnacle Peak

Witness breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding region. This is one of the most popular trails in Mount Rainier National Park, with views that change depending on the time of year. From spring through fall, enjoy wildflowers meadows. If you only have time for one hike, this should be it. Pinnacle Peak offers one of the best views from a mountain top in Mount Rainier National Park, you can see on both sides of the mountain for miles into other Alpine Meadows.

THESE ARE THE BEST PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK

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