Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park centers on the spectacular 14,410-foot stratovolcano that dominates the Washington landscape. Established in 1899 and covering 368 square miles, the park offers alpine wildflower meadows at Paradise, ancient old-growth forests at Ohanapecosh, and panoramic views from Sunrise. The park receives record snowfalls at Paradise—averaging 641 inches annually—and contains both glaciers and temperate rain forest environments. Whether you're day-hiking to waterfalls, backpacking the 93-mile Wonderland Trail, or summiting the peak with a guide, Mount Rainier delivers Pacific Northwest wilderness at its most accessible.

July and August are the sunniest months with summer highs in the 60s and 70s°F, ideal for wildflower viewing at Paradise and most trail access. Facilities at Paradise and Ohanapecosh operate daily from late May through mid-October, while Sunrise opens July through early October. From November to late May, expect 10 to 20 feet of snow on the ground—Paradise averages 630 inches of snowfall per winter. The park creates its own weather; the summit is often capped with lenticular clouds, making conditions unpredictable even when lowlands are clear.

Three main approaches serve the park: the Southwest Entrance (Nisqually Entrance) between Ashford and Longmire is closest to Seattle and Paradise facilities; the East Entrances along WA-410 past Greenwater and WA-123 through Ohanapecosh serve Yakima and eastern Washington visitors. The Nisqually Entrance and Longmire facilities are open year-round; the rest of the park has limited access outside summer. The Northwest Entrances on WA-165 are permanently closed due to bridge deterioration. Gray Line of Seattle offers round-trip bus tours from downtown Seattle but does not provide one-way trips.

Entrance fees are valid for seven days with unlimited re-entry. Per-person foot/bike entry costs $15, motorcycle $25, single vehicle $30, with a $55 Mount Rainier Annual Pass available. No entrance fee is required to access State Routes 410 or 123 on the east side, including the Ohanapecosh campground. The Wonderland Trail requires permits for overnight camping; food may be cached at ranger stations along the trail.

The park has no internal public transit; visitors need private vehicles to access different areas. Roads connecting major destinations like Longmire to Paradise are plowed throughout winter. The Northwest Entrances on WA-165 are permanently closed, blocking access to Carbon River Ranger Station and Mowich Lake. There are no gas stations within the park—fill up before entering.

In-park lodging includes the National Park Inn at Longmire (open year-round, $107-$143 per night) and Paradise Inn (open late May to early October, $99-$149 per night). Campgrounds include Cougar Rock (173 sites, $20 per site), Ohanapecosh (188 sites, $20 per site), White River (112 sites, $20 per site, first-come-first-served), and Mowich Lake (10 walk-in tent sites, free). Ashford, the only town with services within 20 minutes of a park entrance, offers additional lodging options.

Dining within the park is limited to cafeterias at Paradise Jackson Visitor Center and Sunrise Lodge, plus restaurants at Paradise Inn and National Park Inn. Ashford and Greenwater offer the closest external dining options. Water is available at all visitor centers; beverages may be purchased from gift shops.

The park offers over 100 named hiking trails ranging from 0.5-mile nature walks to multi-day backcountry routes. Popular day hikes include Skyline Trail (5.5 miles) from Paradise, Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 miles) for glacier views, and Grove of the Patriarchs (1.5 miles) showcasing 1,000-year-old cedars. The 93-mile Wonderland Trail encircles the mountain and is considered one of the world's best backpacking routes. Summit climbs require permits and guided services like Rainier Mountain Guides or Alpine Ascents International. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing at Paradise.

Weather can change rapidly—always carry raingear, jackets, sunscreen, and water. The park is geologically active; rockfalls, floods, and mudslides are unpredictable in valleys and along streams. If you hear rumbling or water levels rise, move to higher ground immediately. Maintain at least 100 yards from bears and respect all wildlife—elk and other animals can be equally dangerous. Never feed wildlife and store scented items (food, deodorants, toothpaste) in bear-proof containers. On glaciers, solid ground often hides deep crevasses; glacier travel requires experience or professional guides.

Cell service is extremely limited throughout the park. WiFi is not available in backcountry areas. Visitor centers may have limited connectivity but should not be relied upon. Prepare for disconnection and inform others of your plans before entering wilderness areas.

Major nearby cities include Portland, Oregon's largest city and cultural capital, and Seattle, located in Mount Rainier's shadow with vibrant city life. Washington's other national parks include North Cascades (home to 50% of all glaciers in the lower 48 states) and Olympic National Park (UNESCO World Heritage site with temperate rain forest, mountains, and wild coastline). Other Cascade Range volcanoes include Mount Baker (ski resort) and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, famous for its 1980 eruption.