Van Trump Trail
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Van Trump Trail
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The Van Trump Trail in Mount Rainier National Park is a 9.3mi moderately trafficked hard out and back hike. This trail takes you through the splendid Van Trump Park, which is full of wildflowers during midsummer. If you’re feeling extra energetic, you can use this trail to access Camp Hazard en route to the Rainier summit.
Getting there
The trailhead for Van Trump Trail is located on Longmire-to-Paradise Road just southwest of Christine Falls. Park at the lot on the lefthand side of the road.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | June-October |
| Pets allowed | No |
| Family friendly | No |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Out and back |
Van Trump Trail
Elevation Graph
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Van Trump Trail Description
The hike on Van Trump Trail is no joke, with lots of elevation gain to contend with over 9.3mi. It’s part of a much longer and more complicated approach to the Mount Rainier summit, but for the casual hiker, the highlight tends to be Van Trump Park, a pretty spot filled with flowers.
The trail begins off Longmire-to-Paradise Road at a parking area on the lefthand side. Take a second to enjoy Christine Falls and then hike alongside Van Trump Creek on Comet Falls Trail. Crossing Comet Falls can be difficult depending on the water level, so take care on the way across. Enjoy Comet Falls, then take Van Trump Trail as it steeply climbs.
Van Trump Park is about 3.4mi in. Take some time to savour the views here, and then if you’re continuing, keep on climbing until the trail terminates at The Turtle (9997ft). To return, retrace your steps to the parking area.
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