00:00
Mount Rainier National Park is a haven of majestic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a multitude of recreational opportunities. The park provides an array of activities, from scenic drives to challenging hikes, suitable for visitors with varying interests and abilities. You can explore the park by car, enjoying the spectacular vistas along routes like the drive to Paradise, or by foot on its numerous trails. The Skyline and Wonderland trails are particularly notable for their breathtaking views and vibrant wildflower displays.
Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the diverse trails, which range from leisurely walks through ancient forests to more strenuous ascents up rocky vistas. Pet owners will appreciate that many trails are pet-friendly, allowing dogs on leashes to join in the exploration.
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with deer, elk, and potentially black bears commonly sighted. For the best experience, always maintain a safe distance and use appropriate gear like binoculars to observe animals without disturbing them.
Mount Rainier National Park invites visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty, offering robust experiences in a spectacular mountain environment.
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington State, is accessible from several major cities in the Pacific Northwest. The park is a prominent feature in the Cascade Range and draws visitors from around the globe.
Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the closest major airport, located about 85 miles (137 kilometers) northwest of the Nisqually Entrance, the main southwestern entrance to the park. The drive from Seattle takes approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Portland
Portland International Airport (PDX) is another option, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) south of the park. The drive from Portland can take around 2.5 hours via Interstate 5 North and State Route 7.
Tacoma
For those coming from closer locales, Tacoma Narrows Airport is a smaller option, providing an easy gateway to the region but with more limited flight services.
Driving is the most practical way to reach and explore Mount Rainier National Park.
Seattle
Visitors from Seattle can access Mount Rainier National Park via two primary routes. The more direct route involves taking Interstate 5 South to Highway 512 East, transitioning to Highway 7 South towards Elbe, and then connecting to Highway 706, leading directly to the park’s main Nisqually Entrance. Alternatively, for a scenic drive, travelers can take Interstate 5 South to WA-410 East.
Portland
From Portland, head north on Interstate 5, connect to Highway 12 East in Chehalis, and follow it to Highway 7 North to reach the park’s entrances. This route offers a scenic drive with several entry points to the park, making it convenient for those coming from the south.
Yakima
Those traveling from Yakima should take State Route 410 West. This route passes directly through the northeastern part of the park, providing access to the Sunrise Visitor Center and offering spectacular views of the park’s natural features.
While public transportation options are limited, during the summer months, the park does offer a shuttle service from Ashford, WA, to the Paradise Visitor Center. This service helps visitors access one of the park’s most popular areas without the need for personal vehicles.
Car rentals are available at major airports such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Portland International Airport. For those flying into Tacoma Narrows Airport, it’s recommended to arrange car rentals from nearby Tacoma, as the airport itself does not host on-site rental facilities.
All visitors are required to purchase an entrance pass upon entering Mount Rainier National Park. Passes are available at all park entrance stations and online before you arrive at the park. Entrance pass options include one-day passes, vehicle passes valid for seven consecutive days, and annual passes. Visitors may have to show their park’s pass upon entering the park. Mount Rainier will be fully cashless at all entrance stations starting May 26, 2023, accepting only electronic payments like credit, debit, or digital wallet systems.
For those preferring to use cash for purchasing entrance passes, you can do so at several local businesses en route to the park. In Ashford, options include Ashford Creek Pottery, Ashford Valley Grocery, Ashford General Store, and Whittaker Mountaineering. Near the SR123/South Entrance, Blanton’s Market in Packwood also offers this service. These locations allow for the convenience of acquiring passes before reaching the park entrances, facilitating a smoother entry process.
Purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is advisable if you plan on visiting other national parks or federally managed lands throughout the year. This pass covers year-round entrance fees to Mount Rainier and all other U.S. national parks, plus many national monuments, wildlife refuges, and historic sites. It supports the park’s goals to minimize administrative costs and enhance visitor services.
Inside Mount Rainier National Park
Paradise Inn is one of the most iconic accommodations, located at Paradise, one of the most scenic areas of the park. This historic hotel provides guests with stunning views of Mount Rainier and easy access to the surrounding meadows and hiking trails. Open seasonally, it offers a range of amenities including a dining room with traditional Northwest cuisine.
National Park Inn at Longmire provides year-round lodging and is another excellent option for those wishing to stay inside the park. It offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with a full-service dining room and comfortable rooms.
Camping
For those who prefer to sleep under the stars, Mount Rainier National Park hosts several campgrounds. Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River Campgrounds offer tent and RV sites with basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby access to restrooms and potable water.
Outside Mount Rainier National Park
The gateway communities surrounding Mount Rainier, such as Ashford, Enumclaw, and Packwood, provide a wide range of accommodations, from rustic cabins and cozy bed and breakfasts to more traditional hotel rooms. These locations offer easy access to the park along with the comforts of home, making them ideal bases for longer stays.
Crystal Mountain
Just outside the northeastern edge of the park, Crystal Mountain Resort offers accommodations that range from standard hotel rooms to luxurious condos with sweeping views of Mount Rainier. During the winter, it’s a popular base for skiing and snowboarding, while summer visitors enjoy hiking and gondola rides to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Summer at Mount Rainier National Park, from July to early September, is the ideal time for hiking and sightseeing, thanks to warm weather and clear skies. The vibrant wildflower meadows are in full bloom, and all park facilities are operational. However, this is also the busiest season, so visitors should be prepared for crowds.
As fall sets in from late September to October, the park is adorned with stunning autumn colors, and the cooler temperatures provide a more peaceful visiting experience. Some facilities may begin to close as winter approaches, so it’s wise to check availability and prepare for changing conditions.
Winter, spanning November to March, transforms the park into a snowy wonderland, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Access is mostly limited to the lower areas around Paradise, with most high-altitude roads closed due to snow. Visitors can enjoy the serene, frosty landscape, particularly around the Paradise area, which remains a hub for winter sports.
For a day trip, start your journey at the Longmire Museum to delve into the park’s rich history. Proceed to engage in brief but enriching hikes such as the Twin Firs Loop Trail and the Carter Falls Trail, offering a quick immersion into the park’s diverse ecology. Conclude your day with a scenic drive up to Paradise, walking the Nisqually Vista Trail for sweeping glacier views, and winding down with a stunning sunset at Reflection Lake for memorable vistas.
For a weekend getaway, dedicate one day to the southwestern section of the park, including hikes like Comet Falls and an exploration of Longmire’s historical area. Spend the second day driving to Sunrise, the highest point accessible by car, and engage with challenging hikes such as the Sunrise Rim Trail or head to the quieter Owyhigh Lakes Trail. This schedule allows for in-depth exploration and appreciation of the park’s natural beauty.
With several days at your disposal, explore extensive parts of the park. Consider dedicating a day to each major area. Beyond the hikes and scenic points mentioned, venture into less frequented spots like Shriner Peak Trailhead or explore the park’s eastern side, visiting Tipsoo Lake and potentially hiking the Glacier Basin Trail.
To avoid crowds at Mount Rainier National Park, consider visiting during off-peak times such as weekdays or in the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall. During these periods, the park is quieter, and facilities may be less crowded, although some may be closed. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can also help you dodge peak crowd times, particularly in popular areas like Paradise and Sunrise.
Exploring less-traveled areas of the park, such as the Carbon River area, Mowich Lake, or the trails accessible from the White River and Ohanapecosh entrances, offers a more secluded experience. Opting for lesser-known trails like the Bench and Snow Lake Trail or the Spray Park trail can also provide tranquility away from the popular routes. Staying overnight within the park, either at a campsite or a lodge, allows for early morning and late evening explorations when day visitors are fewer.
Christine Falls Bridge, constructed in 1927, elegantly arches over Van Trump Creek, offers a striking example of rustic design that complements its natural surroundings. The bridge provides a perfect frame for the captivating Christine Falls, a two-tiered waterfall that drops a total of 60 feet, with the lower cascade beautifully visible through the bridge’s arch. Its stonework, intended to blend with the landscape, enhances the scenic beauty of the area.
This point offers a spectacular panorama of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and surrounding valleys. Historically a hazardous part of early automobile routes, it has been transformed into a safe and stunning viewpoint. Originally a treacherous narrow road, it was frequented by early motorists after the park allowed cars in 1910. Over time, significant safety improvements like rock walls and guardrails were added. Today, visitors can safely enjoy breathtaking views from Ricksecker Point.
Narada Falls, dazzles visitors with its 168-foot plunge over basalt cliffs, creating a misty spectacle that’s especially powerful during the snowmelt. Named by Arthur F. Knight, a leader in the Theosophical Society, “Narada” reflects purity, inspired by Hindu philosophy. This two-tiered waterfall features a broad horsetail flow that gracefully narrows into a striking vertical drop, captivating onlookers and photographers alike.
Paradise is a breathtaking landscape celebrated for its stunning summer wildflower meadows and serene winter snowscapes. Renowned as one of the most picturesque spots, it provides a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, snowshoeing, and photography, against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Rainier. The area features the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, offering educational resources and guides for exploration. Trails from Paradise lead to iconic sites like Myrtle Falls, showcasing the park’s natural beauty.
A timed entry reservation is required May 24, 2024, through September 2, 2024 from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm to enter the Paradise Corridor. You can make reservations online at https://www.recreation.gov/.
Tucked away by Mount Rainier’s Paradise River, Ruby Falls offers a hidden gem experience. Unlike its grander counterparts, it boasts a two-tiered charm. The upper cascade graces the Narada Falls bridge, while the lower plunge hides beneath. A short walk on the Narada Falls Trail unveils its beauty. Though not massive, Ruby Falls holds historical significance. The original park road once crossed near the falls, making it a past park star.
The Longmire area offers a range of trails for all skill levels. The Trail of the Shadows is an easy 1-mile loop through meadows and historic sites. For more adventurous hikers, Longmire serves as a starting point for sections of the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile loop offering stunning views and diverse landscapes around Mount Rainier.
Experience the powerful beauty of Carter Falls on this 1.5-mile round-trip hike that starts near Cougar Rock Campground. The trail takes you through dense forest and along the Nisqually River to the impressive falls.
Ideal for families and those looking for an accessible path, this 1.1-mile loop offers stunning views of the Nisqually Glacier. The paved trail is best visited in summer when wildflowers blanket the surrounding meadows.
The Box Canyon segment on the Wonderland Trail is a highlight, featuring dramatic canyon views and a 0.5-mile loop trail that lets you delve into the region’s rugged terrain and lush forests. This trail provides an accessible yet immersive experience into the natural beauty of Mount Rainier National Park.
Experience the stunning Glacier Basin area with a 6.5-mile round-trip hike that starts at the White River Campground. This trail offers views of the Inter Glacier and access to diverse alpine terrain.
The Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, starting from Sunrise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park, offers a 5.6-mile round-trip hike with an 800-foot elevation gain. This moderately challenging trail leads to the historic Fremont Fire Lookout, showcasing expansive views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range.
The Sunrise Rim Trail starts at the Sunrise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park, covering a 1.5-mile round trip with a 300-foot elevation gain. This scenic route offers expansive views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier, making it a picturesque yet manageable hike for most visitors.
Perfect for a quick and easy introduction to Mount Rainier’s ancient forests, the Twin Firs Loop Trail is a 0.5-mile loop that meanders through towering evergreens and lush undergrowth, offering a serene experience just a short distance from the main road near Longmire.
For those seeking a challenging climb, Shriner Peak offers a strenuous 8.5-mile round-trip hike with rewarding panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area from the fire lookout at the peak.
Mount Rainier is famous for its spectacular wildflower displays, particularly in the Paradise area. The best time to visit for wildflowers is typically from late July to August. Trails like the Skyline Trail offer expansive views of colorful meadows that are not to be missed.
Driving the scenic routes within the park, such as the road to Sunrise or the Stevens Canyon Road, provides stunning views of Mount Rainier and access to various trailheads and picnic areas. These drives are perfect for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the park from the comfort of their vehicle.
The park is home to several stunning waterfalls, with easy access to view points. Comet Falls, one of the tallest in the park, can be reached via a hike that’s as rewarding as the destination. Narada Falls is another popular waterfall that is easily accessible from the main park road.
Explore diverse habitats that are home to an array of wildlife, including mountain goats, marmots, and black bears. The Mount Fremont Lookout Trail and the trails around Sunrise offer some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially during the quieter hours of early mornings and late evenings.
During the winter months, Mount Rainier transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. The park offers guided snowshoe walks and maintains several areas like Paradise, which is popular for winter sports enthusiasts. Remember to check for road closures and required permits for winter activities.
Extra Layers: The weather at Mount Rainier can change rapidly, so it’s essential to be prepared for all conditions. Pack a waterproof jacket, fleece, and base layers to adapt to varying temperatures, especially since it can be quite cold at higher elevations, even in summer.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support are crucial for navigating Mount Rainier’s rugged terrain. Make sure your boots are well-broken-in to avoid blisters. Pack multiple pairs of wool or synthetic socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable.
Daypack: A comfortable backpack is vital for day hikes. It should be large enough to carry water, snacks, extra clothing, and your navigation tools.
Sun Protection: The sun can be intense at higher altitudes, so include a broad-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and sunscreen with high SPF.
Water Bottles: Always carry enough water, as dehydration is a risk during vigorous hikes. A hydration system or water bottles with a total capacity of at least two liters per person is recommended. Streams and lakes are available for refilling, but you should treat water with a filter or purification tablets.
First Aid Kit: Include basic first aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, and personal medications. Consider adding moleskin for blisters and an EpiPen if you have severe allergies.
Hiking Poles: These can be very helpful for maintaining balance on uneven terrain and reducing strain on knees during descents.
Headlamp: Essential for any hikes that might extend into dusk or start early in the morning. Always pack extra batteries.
Portable Phone Charger: Cell service can be spotty, but it’s wise to keep your phone charged for photos and emergencies. A portable charger is invaluable.
Plastic Bag: Carry a sturdy bag to pack out all your trash and help keep the park clean. This is especially important at Mount Rainier where wildlife is abundant and human impact needs to be minimized.
Bear Canister: While not required everywhere, a bear canister is recommended if you plan to backpack and camp in the wilderness areas of Mount Rainier to protect your food from wildlife.
Navigation Tools: A map and compass or a GPS device are crucial, even on well-marked trails, as weather conditions can obscure trail markers.
