Most visitors to Mount Rainier National Park enter from the north or west — through Enumclaw, through the Nisqually Entrance. But Lewis County residents know a different route: Highway 12 east from Centralia through Packwood to the park's south entrance at Paradise. It's quieter, less crowded, and arguably more scenic — and it puts you right at one of the most beautiful spots in the Cascade Range.
Paradise
Paradise is the crown jewel of Mount Rainier National Park. At 5,400 feet elevation, the Paradise area offers wildflower meadows that explode in color from late June through August. The Skyline Trail, a 5.5-mile loop from the Paradise Visitor Center, delivers panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and the surrounding Cascade peaks. It's one of the finest day hikes in the Pacific Northwest.
The Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail circles Mount Rainier for 93 miles through some of the most spectacular mountain terrain in North America. While most hikers start from the more popular northern trailheads, the southern approach via Spray Park or the Box Canyon trailhead (accessible from Packwood) offers a less crowded entry point. A full circuit takes 10-14 days and requires advance permits.
Goat Rocks Wilderness
Between Packwood and White Pass, the Goat Rocks Wilderness offers alpine hiking that rivals anything in the Cascades — without the national park crowds. The Knife Edge Trail on the Pacific Crest Trail is a moderate-to-difficult hike with jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and the volcanic crags of the Goat Rocks. The Johnson Ridge area is accessible in summer and offers wildflower meadows and glacier views.
Packwood as Your Base Camp
Packwood sits at the crossroads of Highway 12 and the road to White Pass, making it the perfect base camp for a mountain adventure. The town has lodging, dining, and a gear shop or two — plus the famous Packwood Flea Market on Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. In winter, White Pass Ski Area is just 20 minutes away.
You don't have to live in Seattle to access world-class mountain hiking. Lewis County puts you at the doorstep — and you'll have the trails mostly to yourself.
