Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is located in the state of Washington in the United States. It is encompassed by the Cascade Range, which is known for its active volcanoes. Mount Rainier, standing at a towering height of 14,410 feet, dominates the park and is the focal point of its stunning natural beauty.

Historically, Mount Rainier has a rich cultural background. Native American tribes such as the Yakama, Puyallup, and Nisqually have revered this majestic peak for centuries. It was named after British Rear Admiral Peter Rainier in 1792 and was designated as the nation's fifth national park in 1899, making it the oldest park in Washington.

Visitors to Mount Rainier National Park will be astounded by its breathtaking landscapes. The park boasts over 260 miles of hiking trails, offering adventurers of all levels an opportunity to explore its rugged terrain and discover hidden gems. The Wonderland Trail, a challenging 93-mile circular trek around the mountain, is a favorite among experienced hikers. Mount Rainier's glaciers are also a remarkable sight, with the Emmons Glacier being the largest in the contiguous United States.

In addition to its natural wonders, the park offers various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, fishing, and even winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park also features visitor centers where individuals can delve into the park's history, geology, and ecology through educational exhibits and ranger-led programs.

Nearby attractions make Mount Rainier National Park an even more enticing destination. For those seeking more outdoor adventures, the park is located close to Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park, both renowned for their stunning landscapes and recreational opportunities. The city of Seattle is also within reach, offering a vibrant urban experience with attractions like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while engaging in numerous recreational activities. Its historical significance, awe-inspiring landscapes, and proximity to other attractions make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

Mount Rainier National Park is nestled in the central part of the state of Washington, USA. Located about 60 miles southeast of Seattle, this stunning park sprawls across the western slopes of the Cascade Range. Its iconic centerpiece, Mount Rainier, stands majestically at 14,410 feet, dominating the landscape and casting its shadow over the surrounding region. With its rugged terrain, abundant old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls, Mount Rainier National Park showcases the breathtaking natural beauty that the Pacific Northwest is renowned for.

Address & Contact

55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
Driving Directions
Phone: 3605692211
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park would be during the months of June, July, and August. These months have the highest average maximum temperatures ranging from 71°F to 80°F, making it pleasant for outdoor activities. In addition, the average monthly precipitation during this period is significantly lower compared to other months, ranging from 0.5 inches to 0.7 inches. This means that visitors can enjoy the park without heavy rainfall. Furthermore, these months also see the highest average visitor counts, indicating that they are popular but still manageable in terms of crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Mount Rainier National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hands-On Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Climbing Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Backcountry Hiking Skiing Snowmobiling Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Living History Snow Play Snowshoeing Self-Guided Tours - Auto Group Camping Freshwater Fishing Dining Citizen Science Mountain Climbing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Mount Rainier National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Native American Heritage Transportation Tunnels Tragic Events Floods Cats (wild) Fish Fire River and Riparian Trails Unique Species Wilderness Mining Watersheds Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Grasslands Meadows Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds Scenic Views Waterfalls Monuments and Memorials Deciduous Forests Roads, Routes and Highways Elk Coniferous Forests Geothermal Rare Endangered Volcanoes Bridges Landscape Design Rainforest

Visitor Centers

White River Wilderness Information Center

Open during the summer, the White River Wilderness Information Center (WIC) located at the Winter River Entrance. The WIC has an information desk staffed by wilderness rangers. Rangers at the WIC assist with wilderness permits, trip planning, and providing maps and trail condition updates.

Campsites within or near Mount Rainier National Park

Cougar Rock Campground

Cougar Rock Campground is located on the south side of the park, on the road between Longmire and Paradise. It is in a steep valley with the Nisqually River across the main road. Thick forest extends through the whole campground providing privacy for campsites. Access to the Wonderland trail is across the road with waterfalls a moderate hike away. Less than 15 minutes of driving can take you to the trails and facilities at Longmire or Paradise.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Campground Site Fee), 10.00 (Discount Campground Site Fee), 60.00 (Group Site Fee)
Total Campsites: 179
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Ohanapecosh Campground

Ohanapecosh Campground is tucked in the forest along the banks of the Ohanapecosh River at an elevation of 1,914 feet. It is located in the southeast corner of the park along State Route 123. Under the tall trees, the campsites are relatively private. Trails that begin at the campground lead to Silver Falls and the Grove of the Patriarchs. Stop by the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center for information and exhibits.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Campground Site Fee), 10.00 (Discounted Campground Site Fee), 60.00 (Group Site Fee)
Total Campsites: 179
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

White River Campground

Located on the eastern side of the park below Sunrise, White River campground takes its name from the river flowing beside it. Tucked into a steep canyon, curves can be tight. When open for the summer, it is always first-come, first-serve. The Wonderland trail runs through the campground on its way up to Sunrise or Summerland.
Fees (US$): 20.00 (Campground Site Fee), 10.00 (Discounted Campground Site Fee)
Total Campsites: 88
Toilets: Flush Toilets - seasonal
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - seasonal

Hotels within or near Mount Rainier National Park

Alexander's Lodge

With a stay at Alexander's Lodge in Ashford, you'll be 1.1 mi (1.7 km) from Mount Rainier National Park and 18.7 mi (30 km) from Mount Rainier. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 37515 State Route 706 E, Ashford, Washington 98304
Web: Link

Crystal Chalets Condominiums at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort

When you a stay at Crystal Chalets Condominiums at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort in Enumclaw, you'll be near ski lifts, just steps from Cascade Range and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 33613 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Crystal Mountain, Enumclaw, Washington 98022
Web: Link

Mountain Meadows Inn

With a stay at Mountain Meadows Inn in Ashford, you'll be 6.6 mi (10.6 km) from Mount Rainier National Park and 24.2 mi (39 km) from Mount Rainier. Planning an event in Ashford? This bed & breakfast has facilities measuring 200 square feet (19 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 28912 WA-706, Ashford, Washington 98304
Web: Link

Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier

When you a stay at Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier in Ashford, you'll be on a river, within a 5-minute walk of Cascade Range and Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 35707 SR 706 E, Ashford, Washington 98304
Web: Link

Crystal Mountain Hotels

When you a stay at Crystal Mountain Hotels in Enumclaw, you'll be near ski lifts, just steps from Cascade Range and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The front desk is staffed during limited hours.
Address: 33818 Crystal Mountain Blvd., Enumclaw, Washington 98022
Web: Link

Paradise Inn

With a stay at Paradise Inn in Paradise, you'll be just steps from Cascade Range and Henry Jackson Visitor Center. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a safe deposit box at the front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 52807 Paradise Rd E, Paradise, Washington 98304
Web: Link

Twin Maples

With a stay at this vacation home in Packwood, you'll be steps from Cascade Range and a 4-minute drive from Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 147 Tatoosh View Drive, Packwood, Washington 98361
Web: Link

Elk Country Cabin

With a stay at this cabin in Packwood, you'll be just steps from Cascade Range and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Address: 120 Fairway Drive, Packwood, Washington 98361
Web: Link

Antler Ridge

Located in Packwood, this cabin is a 1-minute drive from Cascade Range and 8 minutes from Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Guests will find features like Internet access.
Address: 188 Timberline Point, Packwood, Washington 98361
Web: Link

Cottonwood Chalet

With a stay at Cottonwood Chalet in Packwood, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Cascade Range and 7 minutes by foot from Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Guests will find features like Internet access.
Address: 109 Cottonwood Lane, Packwood, Washington 98361
Web: Link