The Best Photo Shoot Locations for Mt. Rainier Views | Puyallup Photograper

If you're a family looking for jaw-dropping backdrops, a couple dreaming of the perfect wedding day setting, or just someone who wants to make memories that actually look as good as they felt — Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state is calling your name.

The mountain is massive and magical, and the landscape around it has something for everyone: wildflower meadows, waterfalls and reflective lakes. But let's say you aren't up for the drive to the national park and want something more local to Pierce or King County, there are still options for a laid-back family photo session that still catch that view in the background. Here are my four favorite places to take photos that you'll actually want to hang on your wall!

1. Tipsoo Lake— No big hike required!

Tipsoo Lake is one of my favorite locations of anywhere I've ever shot! It's one of those places that looks so dreamy, you can't believe it's real. The best part is you don’t have to be super adventurous to get to see the incredible views. You can pull right into the Tipsoo Lake parking lot and you're ready to shoot. 

What makes Tipsoo one of my best locations for families is how easy and relaxed it is. The short hike around Tipsoo Lake is totally doable with little ones — no epic hiking required! It's actually quite a small lake, but my favorite part of this area is the view!  Imagine your beautiful family laughing and smiling together while the skyline looks like a painting of Mt. Rainier in the background. That's the kind of photo that becomes a holiday card, a canvas print, and a forever memory. 

Timing matters here, though! It’s snowy here for a good part of the year. Snow often doesn’t start melting till June and is likely fully ready by July. Wildflowers start blooming late July and carry through into September, so these months are peak season for a photo shoot.  The ridges that surround the lake do start blocking the light earlier, which is why the best time to do a session is about 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset.

2. Paradise — Myrtle Falls & the Skyline Trail

The name says it all. Paradise, located inside Mount Rainier National Park, is one of those places that genuinely takes your breath away every single time. Start at the Paradise visitor center, hop on the most popular trail in the park, and in just a few minutes you'll be standing in front of Myrtle Falls with the mountain framed right behind it. It looks like a screensaver, but it's real! Keep in mind, Myrtle Falls is crowded with visitors from ALL over. We can steal our chance to take photos right on the bridge, though it will be a quick portion of the shoot to ensure we don't block the way. 

For families, the Skyline trail is paved and pretty short — totally manageable, even with a slight incline. It's a great adventure that feels special without being exhausting, which is exactly what you want when you've got kids in tow. And for couples looking for a wedding day location that feels truly magical, this is it. A Mount Rainier elopement may be just what you're looking for! Wildflowers, a waterfall, and a glacier-covered mountain? Yes, please!

If you have a little more energy, continue on the Skyline trail for great views that just keep getting better the further you go. Golden light in the late afternoon pours over the meadows in a way that makes everything glow, and you'll find yourself stopping every few steps to take another shot. Whether you're doing a full lifestyle family session or just wandering with your phone, Paradise never lets you down. 

The first time I came here was early August, which is definitely lovely, but I was blown away by the colors of fall in October! While the car line to get into Mt. Rainier National Park did take a very long time that time of year, it was WORTH it!

3. Tehaleh in Bonney Lake — A Local Gem for Mountain Views

If you aren't into the adventure sessions, but still want a PNW vibe with the mountain, here's a spot that not everyone knows about! Tehaleh is a beautiful community nestled in the hills of Bonney Lake, and it has some of the most stunning mountain views you'll find anywhere in the surrounding communities of Pierce County — no park entrance fee, no crowded trailhead, no long drive.

On a clear day, Rainier absolutely dominates the horizon from up here. It's one of my favorite places for a relaxed, natural family photo session because there's so much variety in a small area — open grassy spaces, tree-lined paths, and that gorgeous mountain backdrop! Not to mention, there's a great place to get coffee, food or an adult beverage after your shoot called the Post and Pour. Not only is it a beautiful spot to see Mt. Rainier, it's got a tasty menu too!

If you've never visited, put it on your list. It's a hidden gem in the best way, and it's especially stunning on cool evening when the mountain is bright with fresh snow. Pure magic for photos, and a wonderful way to experience the mountain without a full-day commitment.

4. Van Lierop Park in Late Spring

Okay, this one is a little different — but still noteworthy! Van Lierop Park in Puyallup is an unsuspecting spot that transforms into a flower wonderland in late spring. We're talking rows and rows of lupine wild flowers, with Rainier peeking out in the distance on clear days. While this may require a little extra editing magic to get the clear view without power lines 🥴 I'm up for the challenge!

For a lifestyle family session, Van Lierop in late spring is honestly hard to beat. Kids running through rows of bright blooms, parents laughing, everyone surrounded by color — these are the kinds of images that feel joyful and real. Plus, late spring is a great time of year because the rain is (practically) a thing of the past and wildflower season is literally in full bloom! 

The best time to visit is mid-to-late May when the blooms are fully showing off, and golden light in the late afternoon turns the whole field into something out of a fairy tale. If you've been on the fence about a spring session, Van Lierop will make up your mind for you.

Ready to Book Your Session?

Whether you're headed into Mount Rainier National Park or staying closer to home around the Bonney Lake or Sumner area, there is no shortage of stunning spots to make incredible images together. For summer wildflowers, remember that wildflowers start blooming late July — plan Tipsoo Lake and Paradise for that window. For spring color, Van Lierop in April is unbeatable. And for easy, gorgeous mountain views year-round, Tehaleh in Bonney Lake is always a yes.

Come ready to play and laugh! I can't wait to photograph you in these places I love so much!