The view of Mount Rainier in the Box Canyon area is one of the more unexpected and dramatic glimpses of the mountain on the southeastern leg of the Wonderland Trail. As you hike through the Box Canyon area, the trail winds along forested ridges and exposed slopes carved by ancient lava flows. Eventually, it opens up to reveal a breathtaking, full-on view of Mount Rainier’s southeastern face, including its sprawling glaciers and snowfields. This perspective feels particularly massive; Rainier dominates the skyline, rising abruptly above the dark green forested valley below. Because it’s slightly removed from the central viewpoints near Paradise and Sunrise, this angle offers a quieter, more solitary look at the mountain’s immensity.
Whether you’re day hiking or thru-hiking, it’s a great spot to take a break, soak in the view, and appreciate the sheer scale of the landscape.