We will be in Seattle in early Sept. and are considering a day trip / tour to Mr. Rainier. The Grayline tour is much cheaper than the two others I have found - has anyone done this tour? How long of ride can we expect to Mt. Rainier? The tour is 10 hours+, I am assuming this gives us some time to wander about on our own?

Will you be without a car? If you have one, I would encourage doing the drive yourself. You can stop and start at will. We drove up there in May about 8 years ago and it was such a beautiful and memorable trip.

Have fun!! I love that area. I wish I had more info for you.

We will not be renting a car - thus our search for the best tour option!

The Grayline tour is cheaper because it's a much bigger group. I prefer smaller groups but that's a personal decision obviously.

It's about 2.5 hours each way from Seattle to Paradise. You will probably have some time up there but it would be best to verify that by calling or emailing the tour operator.

I did this tour, if I remember correctly, we stopped on the way at a waterfall that I cannot spell Snoqualmie - I Googled it. We had 2 longer stops on Mt Rainier - one longer at the lodge there for photos and to walk on the glacier, and a shorter one at the info center and restaurant.

Went with Greyline, walked over to Westin to get on the tour bus, but coming back the driver delivered everybody to their hotel. And I really enjoyed the tour, and still can picture the views. At times we felt like floating above. Unforgettable!

Would I take this tour again? You bet!