Mount Rainier National Park

Scenic viewpoints in Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park features a diverse range of vantage points, including historic 1930s fire lookouts like Gobbler’s Knob and Shriner Peak. These locations provide clear views of the Nisqually and Emmons Glaciers, as well as the 180-foot deep slot canyon at Box Canyon. Higher elevations like Panorama Point and Sourdough Gap offer 360-degree perspectives of the Cascade Range, including Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, while lower viewpoints focus on subalpine meadows and glacial moraines.

Scenic Viewpoints — Map

A

Box Canyon

A 180-foot deep slot canyon carved by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River, featuring visible glacial striations on the surrounding rocks.

Purplepumpkins / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Gobbler's Knob Fire Lookout

The Gobbler's Knob Fire Lookout is a fire lookout tower in the extreme western region of Mount Rainier National Park at an elevation of 5…

C

Shriner Peak Fire Lookout

The Shriner Peak Fire Lookout is a fire lookout tower in Mount Rainier National Park.

D

Panorama Point

Located at 6,800 feet along the Skyline Trail, this point offers views of the Nisqually Glacier and the Tatoosh Range, extending to Mount Hood on clear days.

E

Inspiration Point

A roadside turnout on Stevens Canyon Road providing a broad perspective of the mountain's southern face and the Tatoosh Range.

F

Glacier Vista

A high-altitude overlook on the Skyline Trail providing a close-up perspective of the Nisqually Glacier’s crevasses and ice falls.

G

Myrtle Falls Viewpoint

A viewpoint for a 72-foot waterfall that drops into a rugged gorge with Mount Rainier positioned directly in the background.

H

Nisqually Vista

An accessible loop trail overlook showcasing the lower reaches and terminal moraine of the Nisqually Glacier.

I

Ricksecker Point

A one-way loop road turnout offering views of the Nisqually Valley and the mountain's southern glaciers.

J

Canyon Rim Viewpoint

An overlook located near Stevens Canyon that provides views into the deep canyon carved by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River.

K

Yakima Park Viewpoint

Located in the Sunrise area at 6,400 feet, this spot provides views of the Emmons Glacier and subalpine meadows.

L

Emmons Vista

Two overlooks providing views of the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier by surface area in the contiguous United States.

M

Glacier Overlook

A high-elevation point near the Sunrise area offering views of the Emmons Glacier and the White River valley.

N

Silver Falls Overlook

A viewpoint for a powerful 40-foot waterfall on the Ohanapecosh River, surrounded by old-growth forest.

O

Sourdough Gap

A mountain pass on the Pacific Crest Trail offering views of Mount Rainier and the Norse Peak Wilderness.

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