This is the fifth installment in a new series where we highlight great can’t-miss routes around the world.
Seattle, Washington: Mt. Rainier National Park Loop
There is no doubt that Mount Rainier is one of the most recognizable mountains anywhere in the world. It’s proximity to Seattle, means it’s visible from much of the city and only just plays second fiddle in the city’s skyline to the famous space needle.
But even better than the visual impact of Mount Rainier are the wonderful roads and riding in and around the National Park. This route out of Packwood, heads north toward Mount Rainier, then Paradise, and then makes an arc around the eastern side of the mountain before heading east and making a loop toward the south and Rimrock Lake.
HIghlights include Paradise Road from the Nisqually River and then along Unicorn Peak, the out-and-back up to the Sunrise Visitor’s Center, followed by a great section of road approaching Naches Peak and Tipsoo Lake (see reflecting lake shot). While the roads along either the north or south of Rimrock Lake are both epic in their own right. There are seasonal road closures all along this route, so make sure you check their status before heading out.
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