Seattle BallooningHot Air Balloon Rides in Front of Mt. Rainier, Just South of Seattle
5.0
610+ Reviews
Seattle Ballooning is a commercial hot air balloon tour operator just south of Seattle, offering sunrise and sunset flights in front of Mt. Rainier. Our FAA certified pilots fly closer to the mountain than anyone else, creating one of the most unique and unforgettable things to do near Seattle, Washington.
Seattle Hot Air Balloon Rides in Front of Mt. Rainier
Seattle Ballooning offers hot air balloon rides directly in front of Mount Rainier, launching just 25 minutes south of Downtown Seattle, Washington, in the Puget Sound. Our hot air balloon flights are designed so that Mount Rainier stays in front of you from takeoff to landing.
Many guests book this tour to check hot air ballooning off their bucket list, and it’s easy to see why. It is widely considered one of the most unique and memorable experiences near Seattle for people visiting the Seattle area.
The Most Trusted Hot Air Balloon Company in the Pacific Northwest
Seattle Ballooning is the highest-rated hot air balloon company in the Pacific Northwest, with over 600 verified five-star reviews. We offer sunrise and sunset hot air balloon flights throughout the region, operate seasonally from May through October, and are currently booking for the 2026 season in Seattle, Walla Walla, and select balloon festivals across Washington State.
Our hot air balloon flights are consistently recognized among the best hot air balloon experiences in the Northwest and ranked among the top Seattle attractions by visitors and locals. It’s a reputation we’re proud of and work hard to live up to.
Two World Class Flights
GIFT OFFLIGHT
As seen on...
Adventure Reviews
Where a balloon launches determines what you’ll see. Seattle Ballooning flies just south of Seattle in a launch corridor that lines up with Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains. Our hot air balloon tour is designed to showcase Mt. Rainier. The mountain stays in front of you from takeoff to landing, making this one of the most remarkable ways to experience it.
Many companies advertise Mt. Rainier views but launch far north. From those locations, Rainier often appears smaller, off to the side, or briefly visible. We fly where the mountain fills the horizon, offering a view many never expect.
Along the way, you’ll see sweeping views of downtown Seattle, the Space Needle, Tacoma, Lake Tapps, Auburn, and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges.
We keep our flights small, with hot air balloon baskets carrying 2, 6, 8, or 10 guests, so the experience never feels crowded. Guests are part of the process, from watching the balloon inflate to stepping into the basket. Once in the air, the flight feels calm, quiet, and surprisingly immersive. For a moment, it feels like the world slows down.
We offer shared hot air balloon tours and private balloon flights, depending on how you want to experience the day. Both options are part of our Mt. Rainier hot air balloon rides near Seattle.
Shared flights are our most popular option. You will fly with a small group, and the experience feels personal. Many people enjoy sharing the moment, and groups often finish the flight feeling like they’ve experienced something special together. Shared flights work well for first time flyers, couples, and anyone looking to experience Mt. Rainier from the air without booking the whole balloon.
Private flights are reserved exclusively for your group and are often chosen for proposals, anniversaries, birthdays, or when guests want the basket to themselves.
A private ride offers more flexibility and privacy while keeping the same flight quality, views, and pace.
Both shared and private flights offer the same scenery, pilots, and experience. The difference is simply how many people you choose to share it with.
Private flights are also well suited for corporate events and team building. We can accommodate groups of different sizes and tailor the flight to the occasion, whether that means a small sunrise flight or a larger group flying together.
Seattle Ballooning is run by career balloon pilots who fly the Seattle area daily and care deeply about how the experience feels for every guest. Their familiarity with the terrain, the wind patterns, and Mt. Rainier shapes every decision during the flight, from how the balloon moves through the air to the quiet adjustments that keep the experience smooth and memorable.
Many of our pilots fly even when they are not working. On their days off, they take their own balloons out simply because they enjoy being in the air. You feel that passion in the stories, the humor, and the way the day unfolds. Nothing is scripted. It’s simply pilots who genuinely love what they do.
Our pilots have a 100 percent safety record and have been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, and Nickelodeon. Every one of our commercial balloon pilots is FAA certified, a top hot air balloon competition pilot, and an experienced balloon pilot instructor.
When you fly with Seattle Ballooning, you are flying with people who genuinely love being in the air and care about how the experience feels from start to finish.
Seattle Ballooning offers sunrise and sunset hot air balloon rides near Seattle, flying directly in front of Mount Rainier. The hot air balloon season runs from May through October. It’s one of the most unforgettable things to do in Seattle, and many guests tell us it was the best thing they did while visiting Washington State.
Do not miss the chance to check hot air ballooning off your bucket list or celebrate a special occasion in a way you will remember long after the flight. Got questions? Check our flight FAQs
If you are visiting the Seattle area, celebrating something meaningful, or ready to experience Mt. Rainier from the air, we would genuinely love to share this flight with you.
Flights are weather dependent, and we’ll always prioritize safety and clear communication if conditions require rescheduling.
