There’s A Little Piece Of Paradise Hiding In Washington… And You’ll Definitely Want To Go There

It wouldn’t be much of a stretch to say that Washington State is paradise. We’ve got something for everyone, from our small towns to our bustling cities, and we’re blessed with all four beautiful seasons. But many people don’t know about the ACTUAL little piece of paradise found at Mount Rainier National Park. And it’s a place every Washingtonian should visit.

Paradise is the name of an area on the south slope of Mount Rainier. The area lies on the border of Pierce and Lewis Counties and includes the Paradise Valley and the Paradise Glacier, which is the water source for the Paradise River.

This beautiful area was named by Martha, the daughter-in-law of American explorer and settler James Longmire. Martha saw the sights and exclaimed, "Oh, what a paradise!" And the rest was history.

There are many roadside attractions along your drive to Paradise. Cruise down Paradise Valley Road, a one-way street that starts by the Paradise Inn and passes through a stunning meadow-filled valley. And just east of Paradise Valley Road is Stevens Canyon Road, where you’ll find Inspiration Point. This large pullout offers incredible views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range.

If you visit Paradise, be prepared to hike. With beautiful trails like the 2.6-mile Pinnacle Peak Trail and the gorgeous 1.2-mile Nisqually Vista Trail, just to name a few, Paradise is a heavenly place to get some exercise. Just remember to stay on the trails - the meadows are very fragile.

Don’t miss a stop at the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center, which is open daily from May - October and then on weekends between October and April. You’ll be able to learn much more about your beautiful surroundings, check out some exhibits and have a good meal at the cafeteria.

If you can’t seem to pry yourself away from Paradise at the end of the day… well, it’s understandable. Book a room at the historic Paradise Inn, which was built in 1916 and rests in Mount Rainier’s shadow. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of waterfalls and glaciers from the property.

Mount Rainier National Park is definitely Washington's crown jewel. But we've also got some amazing state parks that are total gems.