Traveling While Black: Mount Rainier
How to Spend a Weekend on Mount Rainier
About Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier, originally known as Tahoma to Indigenous peoples, is the tallest mountain in Washington and one of the most iconic peaks in the Pacific Northwest. At 14,410 feet, it dominates the skyline and is the most glaciated mountain in the continental U.S.
More than just a mountain, Rainier is an active stratovolcano. Its sheer size, natural beauty, and cultural history draw over 2 million visitors each year. For Indigenous communities, it remains a place of deep spiritual connection, while for travelers it offers some of the best hiking, views, and outdoor adventures in the state.
This was our second visit to the majestic mountain. Our first visit wasn’t the most successful (IE: we went in the fall, there was snow everywhere, and we were wearing shorts…). BUT, we are much more wiser this time around. If you want to see our first Mount Rainier fail, check out episode 3 of our YouTube show here.
At the entrance of the park
Getting There: The Drive from Seattle to Mount Rainier & Our Drive Grade Rating
From Seattle, the drive to Mount Rainier is about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on which entrance you use. On our trip to the Sunrise side of the park, we had clear blue skies and perfect visibility of the mountain the entire way. We also left a bit early, so we didn’t hit any traffic on the way to Mount Rainier. However, if you leave Seattle in the afternoon, you may hit a lot of traffic on the way. So be sure to plan accordingly.
How did the drive from Seattle to Mount Rainier rank in via our Drive Grade Rating:
Quality of views (2/2): The drive along the Chinook Scenic Byway is stunning, with views of farmland, forest, and the majestic mountain peak.
Roadside amenities (2/2): Enumclaw is the last full-service town before the park, offering restaurants, coffee shops, and a historic downtown. If you miss it, Greenwater is another great option for food, fuel, and supplies. Enumclaw and Greenwater are known as “Gateway” cities to Mount Rainier.
Roadside attractions (2/2): Between Enumclaw, scenic pull-offs, and even a casino, there’s plenty to break up the trip.
Route difficulty (2/2): The summer drive is straightforward and pretty easy. If you visit during the fall, winter, or spring, be sure to check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for any road closures due to weather.
Parking (2/2): We avoided parking stress thanks to Crystal Mountain Resort’s shuttle service to the Sunrise side of the mountain. If you do not take this shuttle, during the busy season, parking may be tough to come by at the Sunrise Visitor’s Center.
Total Drive Grade Score: 10/10
Where to Stay: Crystal Mountain Hotels at the Crystal Mountain Resort
While most people think of Crystal Mountain Resorts as a winter ski destination, summer is equally magical. We stayed at the Alpine Inn, Crystal Mountain Hotel’s oldest lodge, which still carries its cozy ski-lodge charm. There are two additional lodges on the property along with a coffee shop, restaurant, and hiking trails.
The highlight of our stay was dining at the Summit House Restaurant, the highest-elevation restaurant in Washington (6,872 feet). Getting there is part of the fun! You take a 12-minute gondola ride with sweeping views of Rainier, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood. On clear days, the views are unforgettable. The drinks were pretty unforgettable too - definitely try their mango margarita!
View from Summit House Restaurant
Best Things to Do at Sunrise
The Sunrise side of Mount Rainier National Park is known for its open views, rugged hiking, and the highest drivable elevation point in the park (6,400 feet). It’s a perfect choice for avoiding the summer crowds on the Paradise side of the mountain.
Here’s how we spent our day at Sunrise:
Explored the Sunrise Visitor Center for exhibits and park info.
Stopped at the Sunrise Day Lodge for food, drinks, and a gift shop.
Hiked the Sourdough Ridge Trail for jaw-dropping views of the mountain’s northeast face.
Enjoyed a picnic in the alpine meadows and slow down with watercolor painting.
One thing we HAVE to mention is you NEED bring bug spray and sunscreen. The mosquitos will attack you the whole time you’re on that mountain if you do not have any bug spray.
On the route to Sunrise Visitor Center!
Our Level of Fun Rating
Rainier is one of those places where you could easily spend a day or an entire week and never run out of things to do. For this trip, we rated Mount Rainier on our unique “Nature Level of Fun” scale. Spoiler alert - it got a perfect 10/10, and here’s why…
Activities (2/2): Between alpine hiking trails, the Sunrise Visitor Center exhibits, interpretive ranger talks, gondola rides, and the chance to eat dinner at the state’s highest restaurant, we never felt bored. Crystal Mountain Resorts alone offers plenty beyond skiing, lodging, dining, and even a bar, the Snorting Elk Cellar.
Amount and variety of trail options (2/2): From mellow paths through wildflower meadows to rugged climbs with sweeping views, there’s a trail for every hiking level. We chose Sourdough Ridge, which gave us just enough challenge while still being manageable. For families with kids or folks looking for shorter walks, there are plenty of options too.
Demographic Applicability (2/2): We saw everybody at Sunrise… families with toddlers, retirees, solo adventurers, and couples like us! The fact that we spotted PNW grannies outpacing us on the trail says it all: Rainier offers something for every generation and every kind of traveler.
Wildlife Opportunities (2/2): Nature is alive and well here. You’ll see marmots, chipmunks, deer, and birds, plus alpine meadows buzzing with life. Of course, there’s the “less fun” wildlife like mosquitoes…which is why we’ll remind you again: bug spray is essential.
Special landmarks or attractions (2/2): Few places in the world can rival standing in the shadow of a 14,410-foot volcano. Add in views of neighboring peaks like Adams, Hood, and St. Helens, plus the gondola ride and historic lodges, this place is very special!
Total Level of Fun Score: 10/10
Our Comfortability for Black People Rating: Mount Rainier
We always want to share not just how fun a place is, but also how comfortable it feels for Black travelers. Here’s our “Nature Comfortability for Black People” Scale breakdown for Mount Rainier:
Exposure to nature (2/2): Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, peaceful alpine meadows, and crisp fresh air, it was impossible not to feel embraced by the beauty of Rainier.
Personal feelings during the visit (2/2): From start to finish, we felt comfortable, safe, and fully able to relax in the park. The environment was welcoming and restorative. The people at Crystal Mountain Resorts were very friendly and welcoming. And course, we can’t forget our favorite saying… “NATURE LOVES BLACK PEOPLE!”
Visibility of signs and artifacts of inclusion (2/2): We noticed intentional efforts toward inclusion, like ADA accessibility projects at the Alpine Inn and diverse signage across Crystal Mountain Resort and within the park itself.
Amount of Black people seen (2/2): Representation matters, and it was uplifting to see other Black visitors enjoying the park alongside us, as well as Black staff working at Crystal Mountain.
Local Black population numbers (0/2): The surrounding area(s) have less than 1% Black residents, so there’s little local Black community presence outside of tourism staff and visiting travelers. We couldn’t give any points here.
Total Comfortability Score: 8/10
Watercolor Painting near the Sunrise Visitor’s Center
Final Tips for Visiting Mount Rainier
Our second trip to Rainier was everything we hoped it would be and more. Here are our quick takeaways to help you plan:
Best Time to Visit: July – September offers the best weather and wildflower blooms.
Where to Stay: Consider Crystal Mountain Hotels for cozy lodging and gondola access.
How to Get Around: Use Crystal Mountain Resort’s shuttle to avoid parking headaches.
Reservations: If visiting the Sunrise Corridor, book your timed entry pass in advance (July 11–Sept 1).
Essentials: Sunscreen and bug spray. Don’t skip these!
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway from Seattle or a longer adventure, Mount Rainier is one of the most beautiful national parks in the world, and it deserves a spot on your travel list!
