Explore the gateway towns of Mount Rainier National Park

Stop into the Pie Goddess for a slice of Peanut Butterfinger Pie—the shortbread-style pie crust is flaky and filled with decadent layers of creamy Butterfinger filling, chocolate, and whipped cream. Pies are made fresh throughout the day and there are savory options as well.

The best views of Mount Rainier are actually not from within the national park, since you are so close to the mountain. One of the best places to see Mount Rainier is from the Crystal Mountain Resort. For a splurge, stay at the Crystal Sky Camp, a luxury all-inclusive glamping experience at 6,000 feet. After a scenic ride on the Mount Rainier Gondola, you’ll step off at the top to a bird’s-eye view of the northeast side of the mountain and four other nearby volcanoes. You’ll also be a few steps away from the Summit House, Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating and views in every direction.

If you stay at Crystal Mountain or at one of the other resorts or campgrounds in the area, a must-see event is sunrise at Sunrise Point. Sitting at 6,400 feet, Sunrise Point is the highest point in the park reachable by car; enjoy the excellent views as the sun rises and begins to tint the surrounding area a pink color that changes as the sun makes its way further in the sky (well worth an early morning wakeup call). After sunrise, head to the visitor center and the Sunrise Day Lodge, which has food service and a gift shop.

This area on the eastern side of Mount Rainier National Park is home to an old-growth forest, waterfalls, and a scenic drive to Paradise. Make a stop at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, just past the Stevens Canyon entrance to the park for information on the area. The “Grove of the Patriarchs” is an easy 1.1-mile hike which meanders past giant western red cedar, Douglas firs, and western hemlock trees.

Although Paradise often has snow well into July, there are plenty of hiking opportunities, from short easy trails to strenuous all-day hikes. As you make your way through the park from Paradise, keep an eye out for two waterfalls, both of which are located just a short distance from the parking lots.

The Paradise Village Hotel and Restaurant was renovated to resemble a Ukrainian village, reflecting the owner’s heritage. The restaurant and bakery offer a variety of Eastern European food—make sure to try the Ukrainian galushki (similar to Italian gnocchi or Russian piroshki). The food is good and the portions are generous, but what really brings people here is the infamous Cannibal Hot Tub, a large metal cauldron slowly heated over a wood fire.

Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park is also known as the Ex-Nihilo Sculpture Park. “Ex-NiHilo” is Latin for “something created from nothing,” and artist Dan Klennert spent years transforming random pieces of metal into creative works of art before moving to a warmer climate and passing the torch to artist Jay Bechtold. Today, Bechtold produces new pieces for the sculpture park, which is open year round with a suggested donation.