Ever since moving to Washington in 2022, I’ve heard a lot about Grand Park, seeing others’ photos from there. But an opportunity to hike up there had never presented itself — until now.
And holy smokes, it is a stunning area that is also easy to access! My friends and I had a gorgeous evening soaking up the Mount Rainier views with no one else around. Talk about a luxury not everyone gets to have!
Below, you’ll get all the information you need to hike into Grand Park and have a great outing. Whether you’re a photographer or just a hiker who enjoys nature, getting up here is 100% worth it, and it’s truly one of the best views of the volcano you can find!
Hiking to Grand Park in Mount Rainier
Hike Stats
- Distance: 7-9 miles, depending on where you turn around
- Elevation: 1,500 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Road quality: Dirt road, decent, bumpy, good for a normal car
- Time on trail: 3-5 hours
- Trailhead Location
- My GAIA route
Trail Report for Visiting Grand Park
I turned off Highway 410 and headed onto the dusty, bumping forest road to the Grand Park Trailhead. Google Maps said it would take around 30 minutes, but in the 4Runner, I was able to shave five-plus minutes off.
Once I parked, I threw on my pack, opened my hiking poles, and sped off up the trail. My friends had left some 45 minutes earlier (traffic delays held me back), so I moved at a much faster pace than I usually would.
Less than 20 minutes into the hike, I passed Lake Eleanor and soon was jogging downhill into the first meadow below Grand Park. This area is less than a quarter long before the next uphill begins. Unbeknownst to me, the mosquitoes would get unbearably bad here and basically not allow me to take a break over the next 1.5 miles and 1,200 feet of gain. Anytime I needed a second to catch my breath, they swarmed and buzzed. (I’m scratching at bites as I write this!)
Entering into Grand Park
Finally, the uphill ceased, and the view of Rainier broke through. She was glamorous and HUGE. It’s actually mindblowing how big Mount Rainier looks from Grand Park. I estimate I walked about half a mile before finding my friends, dropping my pack, and exploring the sights and wildflowers.
On this Thursday, only four of us were in the area, making it totally peaceful! Overall, I was photographing and hanging out for over 90 minutes, which gave me ample time to find compositions and enjoy the evening.
After watching the sunset and the brief orange glow on Rainier, the light began to fade. Our group packed up and headed down the 3.7-ish miles to the cars. Once we ventured into the forest, we all turned on our lights and made quick work of the trail.
Outside of the mosquitoes, it was a perfect evening in a perfect place! With how crowded places can feel these days, it’s nice to experience nature in a quieter and slower fashion.
Things to Know for Hiking to Rainier’s Grand Park
Where is Grand Park Located in Mount Rainier
Grand Park is a wide-open flat grassland on the north side of Mount Rainier National Park, a bit secluded from the normal tourist activity. When in Grand Park, you can see Fremont Lookout to your left when looking at Mount Rainier.
While it is inside the park boundaries, you start the hike from the north, which is National Forest land. Soon after starting the hike, you’ll cross the park’s boundaries.
Finding the Trailhead
The main Grand Park trailhead is Eleanor Lake Trailhead, 10 miles up Forest Service Road 73. If you’re coming from Seattle, you’ll turn right off Highway 410 and onto the dirt road. (The turn-off is 8.3 miles from the park’s entrance.)
From here, you’ll wind your way into the forest towards Mount Rainier. Overall, the road is in fine shape. There are a TON of potholes of medium to large sizes, meaning that either you need to have a higher clearance vehicle or drive slow. In my 4Runner, I was able to cruise through these without much issue. But I’m sure in a normal car, you’d have to be more gingerly with it.
If you plug this into your maps, you’ll get there just fine.
Once you’ve parked, look for the Eleanor Creek sign (it’s the only sign in the area) and start heading up!
Tips for Hiking to Grand Park
It’s a pretty casual hike with not a long to worry about. It’s unfortunate there’s a downhill in the middle because, on the way back, you really don’t want to do it!
You can travel fast on this trail. I reached the beginning of the larger Grand Park meadow in just over an hour. (Then, I started to doddle for photos.)
- Bring a bug spray — mosquitoes were terrible
- Have an extra layer for when the sun drops below the trees
- Bring a headlamp if hiking back in the dark
- Bears can frequent the area, so keep an eye out
How Hard is the Hike?
Hiking to Grand Park is the classic definition of a moderate hike. Yes, the mileage is a bit high, but at least a third of it is mostly flat. For the most part, it’s chill and easy. The uphill section from the first meadow into Grand Park felt challenging, but I also wasn’t allowed to stop due to swarming mosquitoes. Once you reach the meadows, it’s entirely flat, which was a relief!
I was able to hike fast, almost 3.5 miles per hour, for the entire hike, so if you want to be fast here, you can!
When we went in mid-July, there were a few downed trees you had to step over, but I expect trail crews to clear those up at some point.
Overall, this is perfect for families and those looking for a fun hike in a National park without being overly exhausted and tired.
When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Grand Park?
Summertime! Outside of the mosquitoes, this is a beautiful place to go, enjoy the views, and be mostly free of the crowds. Compared to the other places in the park, it’ll feel empty. When I was there on a Thursday evening, only my group was there.
It was really lovely!
The next best option is fall. Although this area doesn’t have many fall colors, the views of Rainier will still be impressive.
After that, winter and spring are less than ideal. I assume the road is closed in winter, and spring will mean the area is super muddy and wet.
Will I Have Cell Service?
There is no cell service on the trail or at the trailhead. Put your phone on airplane mode and enjoy your time in nature!