Mazama Ridge – Wonderland – Skyline – Lower Lakes Trail, Mount Rainier N.P.

We live so close to Mount Rainier National Park that we frequently visit. This fall my friend and I went up to Paradise area and did the Mazama Ridge – Wonderland – Skyline – Lower Lakes Trail. Here’s what you need to know before you go.

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through the links in this article.

Mazama Ridge – Skyline – Wonderland – Lower Lakes Trail
Mount Rainier National Park
Paradise Visitor’s Center & Inn
5.3 Miles Round Trip, Moderate
NO Dogs
This trail actually goes in a circular loop around four different trails in the Paradise area. Since there are not signs for this specific trail 9as it includes four different trails) we kept track of where we were on the All Trails App. I highly recommend having it on you because even the maps at Paradise do not outline this specific trail. We went in September and the wildflowers were gone but the fall colors were just starting to emerge. It was a beautiful sunny day. You will need to pay $30 to enter the park or an America the Beautiful Pass, which offered to Military for FREE.
Find out more info on the America the Beautiful Pass HERE.
View the trail on All Trails HERE.

You will park at the Paradise Visitor’s Center & Paradise Inn for this trail. There are restrooms, picnic tables, maps, and park rangers at the Visitor’s Center. This is also where you can stamp your National Parks Passport. A gift shop and some limited food options are located inside the lodge.

I loved this trail because of how many different views and sights we got of Rainier, valleys, waterfalls, and wildlife. This trail had the most wildlife I’ve ever seen at Rainier in one day.

Myrtle Falls Mount Rainier — Myrtle Falls, Mount Rainier

Keep an eye open for Marmots as they are all over the Myrtle Falls area. They are medium size animals (bigger than my dog Muffin) and are often mistaken for beavers.

We saw quite a few deer on the trail as well. They were not afraid of us and minded their own business ignoring us.

Once you get on the Lower Lakes Trail it opens up into a large valley with gorgeous views of rainier behind you and these other ridges in front.

Faraway Rock is the highest point during the hike. The view is breathtaking.

Once you get back down you’ll walk along the road for a small length beside Reflection Lake. It offers amazing views of Rainier with it’s reflection.