Better hiking/scenic area (Snoqualmie, Rainier: quality, snow, Dutch)

[Neal2009]

I am in Oregon and am planning a 5 day hiking trip in July for a large group and was wondering which area is most scenic and has better hiking, the Mt Rainier area or the glacier peak/alpine wilderness. I am looking for high peaks and quality scenery.

Any experience outdoors people who could help me out? Which in your opinion would make for a better 5 day hiking trip?

Thanks!

[Heiwos]

In July I say it's the Alpine Peaks Wilderness, because there's too much snow around Rainier then. Even the Alpine region can be tricky in July. The guidebooks can help a lot, and there's some trail-specific forums that you can find with a search. (By mid-August, Rainier is divine; if I had never been, I'd go there first. 5 days of looking at the mountain might get boring though.) Consider the Kendall Katwalk - Dutch Miller Gap area, north of I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass. You'd get nice views of Rainier and probably Glacier Peak from that one.