My.Rainier Hiking and Seasons (Seattle, Naches: how much, hotel, camping)

[BurnInTheMil]

My fiancee (soon to be wife) and I are planning our honeymoon and My.Rainier/Seattle have been on our list for a long time. We love the outdoors, hiking, biking, etc...
I know My.Rainier has all we are looking for, however I also know it would be cold/snowy if we wait too late in the year to go.

That being said, what is latest in the year that would be good and suitable to our trip?

[Haakon]

It depends on how high you want to go and how much cold and snow you're willing to deal with. The Boy Scouts here do winter camping on Rainier and sleep in snow shelters.

The Sunrise entrance is only open a few months of the year, essentially July-September, before and after that the road is closed, that probably gives you some idea of what most people would consider reasonable weather for Rainier hiking. Sunrise - Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

The Paradise entrance is lower and gets more traffic, the visitor center there closes except for weekends in October, which is also when the hotel closes: Paradise - Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

Rainier is very popular and can be quite crowded, plan to go early and make reservations if you plan to camp.

[bloom]

I was up at Sunrise a couple weeks ago on a clear day and it was excellent - 6 miles/1000 feet hike.
What should I prioritize for next trips later in August and then in September? Which time of year is best?

- Naches and Snow Lake
- Paradise (Skyline/Golden Gate trail (or Paradise trail??)) (and Snow Lake if time)
- Spray: Is just the Falls worth it (can u see mountain); Park seems a bit much 2,200 feet, 7 miles rt.

[analogkid84]

The road up to Sunrise is usually closed by late September/early October, depending on first snows. Paradise is open year 'round, for the most part, though winter travel will require chains being used/carried. There are other lower elevation places to hike around the area as well. Don't rule out going up to the Crystal Mt. resort and getting a nice room there to "base camp" out of. Great place to then venture out for hiking/biking in the area, as well as taking the gondola up and eating at the restaurant (only through late Sep). Mt. Rainier Gondola | Crystal Mountain Resort In general, I would say to plan your outing for not much later than early to mid October. If El Nino conditions persist, then there will likely be an extended summer.

[BurnInTheMil]

We were leaning towards early September so all the info is good to know!