There are some flat paths that are easy. There was at least one trail that was a challenge. They also have the option of staying on the bus.

Customer service at Northwest Tours are 24/7. They are extremely nice and cooperative on answering questions. However, in my opinion, 1 (one) year old plus heat and bugs do not combine for a nice time.

On Sunday May 22nd. here was 5 to 7 feet of snow on the trail at Paradise Park adjacent and north of the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, Mt. Rainier National Park. Our Tour Guide told us to stay on the well traveled snow trail. If a hiker had walked into a ravine covered with snow that hiker could possibly break through the snow shelf and sustain injuries. Myrtle Falls is probably not that far away from Panorama Point. However, I don't remember our Tour Guide saying anything about Myrtle Falls. As to the feasibility of hiking to Myrtle Falls from the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center during a specific tour that remains a decision for the Tour Guide to make on the behalf of the tour group.

You have the option of staying on the bus and enjoy the view of this gigantic mountain. They do stop for lunch at the lodge (paradise Falls) I think its called. You can get off the bus at the doorstep. Not that much walking to find a table and eat your lunch.

I was the first to be picked up for the tour and that pick up time was set for 06:50AM

Depending on the activity level of the group AND the weather, the tour guide will make a decision on whether or not to go to the "Sunrise" side or the "Paradise" side. And within each of those sides are different hiking trails.

My tour was on a weekday and was scheduled to begin at 07:30. Hotel pick-ups began around 6:50AM and hotel drop-offs were around 5:00-5:30PM

That's a tough call. Both on my ride up AND through the hiking trail, I did not see ANY animals brought up. I believe the visitor center, which is where the tour bus is parked, is at ~6000 ft elevation, so that could be a reason why pets aren't allowed? Best to call the agency to make sure.

We had 7 people total in the van - from 3 different groups. We each sat in our own row. Not certain of van capacity. Maybe there was room for 2 more and then 1 more could have sat in the passenger seat.