Any opinions on Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park?
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 300
Hello, trying to plan a trip to the Pac northwest, but I'm limited on time. If you had to choose between the two, which would you choose. (Mt. Rainier, or Olympic.)
I have about 4 days, and could do both. Are they both amazing? Will be driving around, any particular routes to take?
What are the recommended trails to hike at Rainier and Olympic. Will be going with someone that's not a hard core hiker, but he'd be up for a 1 or 2 hour walk.
I will be based out of Portland, any particular drives I should make out to the coast? Thanks.
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,127
I haven't been to Olympic so I can't comment. The drive up to Mt. Rainier is fantastic so long as you're not afraid of heights while driving. You'll see lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery. Be sure to bring binoculars in case you can see people trudging up to the top. Without binoculars they'll just look like little ants. Be sure to check out the old fashioned hotel at the top of the drive. Go inside and pretend to be a guest and walk all around. That alone was memorable.
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,697
Haven't been to Olympic either, so can't give a preference. Just wanted to say if you end up choosing Rainier, leave time for Mt. St. Helens. Amazing to see the destruction in person (or was when I went, it's been quite a few years ago now).
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,165
Olympics. They are more unusual and there is more variety. The rain forest is really a rain forest, the trees are not quite redwoods, but they are huge, and you can go to wild beaches and watch sea lions. There are elk but fewer bears than in the Cascades. The Hoh river trail is the most accesible, although I like the Quinault better. Go to Hurricane ridge and look at Rainier. Rainier is great too. Mt St. Helens definity worth a visit too.
