Mount Rainier National Park is one of Washington State’s three national parks (the other two being Olympic National Park and North Cascades) and is definitely a recommended stop for anyone who enjoys mountain vistas, relaxing nature trails, and scenic waterfalls.
What is special about Mount Rainier is that it is a stratovolcano that is still active today (although the last eruption was in 1894) and, at 14,410 ft, it is the highest peak not only in Washington State but also in the entire Cascade Range.
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Location and Directions
Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington State about 60 miles south of Seattle. So, if you are coming from the Emerald City, it will take you a couple of hours to reach the park. From Portland, on the other hand, you will have to be prepared for a 3-hour drive to travel the 155-mile distance between the park. If you are also planning to travel through Oregon, you read more information by clicking on our article about the best things to do in Oregon.
There are seven entrances (four main and three secondary) to access the park. Each entrance leads to different parts of the park, so I recommend that you have in mind which route and which attractions you want to visit before choosing one over another. Some are open year-round, while others only seasonally. Therefore always encourage you to check the official website for updated opening days.
- Nisqually Entrance: This entrance is located in the southwest area of the park and is open year-round. Here you will find a station to pay the entrance fee. One can use this entrance to reach Longmire and Paradise.
- Carbon River Entrance: Located in the northwest area of the park, this entrance is also accessible throughout the year. In case you choose this option, bear in mind that once you pass the entrance you must park your car and continue on foot using the park trails. Therefore, only use this entrance if you want to go hiking in this region of the park. There is no station to pay here, but you can pay at Carbon River Ranger Station located about 2.5 miles before the entrance.
- White River Entrance: This entrance is located on the west side of the park and is only open from June to October. There is a station (White River Ranger Station) where you pay the entrance fee. Use this entrance to reach Sunrise.
- Stevens Canyon Entrance: Like the previous entrance, the Stevens Canyon Entrance is also located in the western part of the park. I recommend accessing the park here if you want to visit Stevens Canyon Road and Paradise. It is only open from June to October and there is a station where you can buy the entrance pass.
In addition to those already mentioned, there are three more access points located along the course of roads leading into the park. Unlike the other entrances, these are gateway arches along the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park:
- Chinook Entrance: This is located in the eastern part of the park. It will be encountered by those who are traveling along SR410, also known as Chinook Pass, which goes under the Chinook Entrance Arch pedestrian bridge. It is accessible only from June to October.
- SR123/Ohanapecosh Entrance: This one is located along SR123 and is open from May to November.
- SR 410/North Entrance: This entrance is only accessible during the summer months. It is located in the northern part of the park shortly after 410 joins SR123.
Park Information
The park is open 24 hours a day every day of the year. However, this does not mean that all attractions and roads are accessible year-round, so I encourage you to always consult the park’s official website to check for closures.
Generally speaking, the park is also open during major holidays, but I still encourage you to look at the website in case you are planning a visit on a holiday.
Accessing Mount Rainier National Park costs $30 per car, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person (if entering by foot or bicycle). The pass is valid for 7 consecutive days. Otherwise you can also use the convenient America The Beautiful annual pass.
If you want to enter the park at night, or when there is no operator present at the entrances, you still have to pay for the pass at the official location, in the boxes provided, or at the first chance you get when the staff is on duty.
Mount Rainier Tour from Seattle
If you don’t want or can’t use a car and you’re interested in taking advantage of a guided tour from Seattle, take a look at this approximately 12-hour day trip. The activity is for small groups and includes a narrated journey past lakes, waterfalls and historic towns to Mt Rainier.
Things to Do at Mount Rainier National Park
The park is very large, and getting from one area to another can be time-consuming. Therefore, if you only have one day to devote to Mount Rainier National Park, I suggest that you choose only one area, while if you have two days, you can add at least one more. Of course, it all depends on what activities you would like to undertake (e.g., whether to hike, or be content to admire the view along the road and from the main overlooks).
Keep in mind that the most popular areas are definitely Paradise and Sunrise so if you are short on time I suggest you choose between these two. However, remember that, especially during the summer months, you will be visiting the most crowded areas of the park.
Paradise
Paradise is located on the southern side of Mount Rainier. As I mentioned earlier this is one of the most popular and visited areas in the entire park. The area is accessible year-round, but the road connecting Longmire to Paradise is closed at night during the winter months.
Let’s take a look at the best attractions here.
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- Paradise Inn: This is a historic building dating back to 1917 which makes it the oldest hotel in any of the national parks. It can also be a good stop for lunch or a snack. Did you know that in 1945 U.S. President Harry Truman played the piano at this hotel?
- Stairs to Paradise: Once you park your car at the Paradise Inn, this is definitely one of the first things you will see. As you climb the stairs, Mount Rainier will come into view. Carved onto the steps is a quote by the famous naturalist John Muir who described this place as “the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountain-top wanderings.” It is definitely the perfect spot to take the first picture upon your arrival.
- Reflection Lake: One of the most famous places in the park. The iconic pictures of the lake feature Mount Rainier reflected in its clear, placid waters. To reach Reflection Lake, it is necessary to drive the Stevens Canyon Road from the Paradise Inn for about 3.7 miles. Unfortunately, I remind you that this road is only accessible during the summer.
- Pinnacle Peak: South of the lake, on the opposite side of the parking lot, there is a trail that leads up to Pinnacle Peak. This is a trail of just under 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,584 ft that becomes quite challenging especially in the last part. Even without going all the way to the end of the trail one can still enjoy incredible views of the valley and Mount Rainier.
- Skyline Trail: Hiking this trail that takes you to Panorama Point is one of the best experiences one can have at Mount Rainier National Park. Unfortunately, completing the entire 6-mile loop is challenging both because of the time required (at least 3 hours) and because it is physically demanding (the elevation gain is around 1,800 ft). However, those who decide to undertake this trail will not be disappointed both in the beauty of the views they will experience and the variety of landscapes they will be able to observe, from forests, to the scenic Myrtle Falls. If you do not have the opportunity to complete the entire trail, I suggest that you go all the way to the Myrtle Falls Viewpoint (only a 10-minute walk from the Paradise Inn) to see these magnificent waterfalls.
- Alta Vista Trail: This trail has a loop in one section and the total length is just under 2 miles. This trail is ideal for those who do not have a lot of time but still want to glimpse at some of the stunning views in this area of the park.
- Nisqually Vista Trail: This is a loop trail just over a mile in length that traverses the forest and leads to a natural terrace overlooking Mount Rainier. It is a very easy trail that is suitable for the whole family, and it is definitely a good option if you are short on time.
- Ruby Falls and Narada Falls Trail: If you want to see two spectacular waterfalls you can embark on this 2.5-mile trail (round trip). You can also reach Narada Falls by car and park in the parking lot nearby.
- Snow and Bench Lakes Trail: Next, we move on to the mountain lakes of this park, and thanks to this trail, you can admire in them all their beauty. If you want to visit both of them, you will have to plan to walk about 2 miles round trip. One thing that is special about Bench Lake is that in the appropriate weather conditions, the lake becomes a mirror and you can see the reflection of Mount Rainier on the surface.
- Inspiration Point: As the name suggests, this is one of the park’s most popular viewpoints. It is easily accessible without having to take a trail since it is located on Stevens Canyon Road (the same road that leads to Reflection Lake).
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Sunrise
Along with Paradise, this is one of the most popular areas in the park. Sunrise is located on the northern side of Mount Rainier and is the highest point that can be reached by car, so you can imagine what kind of views will await you.
The two landmarks in Sunrise are the Sunrise Visitor Center and the Sunrise Day Lodge, where you will find a large parking lot and all the resources you need to plan or make a stop before you continue on your visit.
Keep in mind that this area is only accessible during the summer months. Generally, Sunrise Road is accessible by car from late June and closed in early October. However, I encourage you to check the park’s official website for updates on the status of the roads.
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- Sunrise Point Lookout: A popular viewpoint located along Sunrise Park Road. The lookout has a parking lot.
- The Palisades Lake Trail is a fairly popular trail that takes you to the main mountain lakes in this area. Hiking it in its entirety can be very time-consuming and strenuous (in fact, we are talking about 7 miles round trip) but you can decide when to stop and how many lakes to explore. The trailhead is at Sunrise Point Lookout.
- Sourdough Ridge Trail: On this trail you can see Mount Rainier and the magnificent surrounding landscape. To get the best view from above, you should make your way to Mount Fremont Fire Lookout but I would recommend it only to those with time and experience hiking. You will be walking about 5.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,115 ft. About halfway (after just under 3 miles from the beginning of the trail) you will find Frozen Lake, which can be a good point to turn around if you don’t feel up to completing the entire trail.
- Sunrise Nature Trail: A short loop trail about 1.5 miles long that starts at the picnic area in Sunrise. You will still be able to behold the beautiful vistas of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range.
- Silver Forest Trail: This is another short trail that is just under 2 miles long(round trip). You will go deep into the forest and then when you emerge you will be amazed by the panorama before your eyes.
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Longmire
Longmire is not as busy as Paradise or Sunrise. However, in 1899, when Mount Rainier officially became a national park, this was where the park headquarters were located. The park headquarters building remains and has been converted into a museum that tells the story of how Mount Rainier National Park came to be. This area was named after the explorer James Longmire who built his home here.
The National Park Inn is located in this area and can be a good option both for an overnight stay in the park or to take a break after visiting the surrounding area.
This area is accessible throughout the year.
- Christine Falls: These fascinating waterfalls can also be easily reached by car since they are located on Paradise Road.
- Rampart Ridge Loop Trail: This 4.6-mile trail with a considerable elevation gain of 1,410 ft winds through a relaxing forest and reveals unforgettable views of the Nisqually River Valley and Mount Rainier.
- Trail of the Shadows: This loop trail is easier than the previous one (just 0.7 miles). You will explore hot springs surrounded by forest and you can still catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier in several places.
- Ricksecker Point: An easily accessible viewpoint located along Ricksecker Point.
- Eagle Peak Trail: A long and difficult trail (About 7 miles with approximately 3,000 ft of elevation gain) that goes to the top of Eagle Peak where you can admire the view.
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Ohanapecosh
Ohanapecosh is located on the southeastern side of the park, and these are the main attractions you can visit:
- Ohanapecosh Hot Springs: In the immediate vicinity of the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center you can hike the short Hot Springs Nature Trail, a loop that is about half a mile long that will take you to the hot springs.
- Silver Falls Trail: Silver Falls are definitely one of the most popular attractions in the area. The trail forms a loop that is just under 3 miles round trip that enters a centuries-old forest and takes you to the falls on the course of the Ohanapecosh River. You can also access the trail from the Hot Springs Nature Trail, which is perfect if you want to visit both attractions. Allow for about 2 hours to complete the entire loop.
- Box Canyon / Box Canyon Tunnel: To get to this scenic spot you must travel along Stevens Canyon Road (closed during the winter months) and reach the Box Canyon Bridge where you will be able to view from above the narrow canyon, carved by the Muddy Fork Cowlitz River, as well as the distinctive Box Canyon Tunnel. From the parking lot near the trailhead, you will take a short trail that leads to the viewpoint.
- Shriner Peak: This is a very challenging trail both in terms of length and elevation gain (8 miles round trip with 3,280 ft of elevation gain) but if you have the opportunity to reach the Fire Lookout on this trail you can enjoy a view that is considered among the best in the entire park.
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Other Park Attractions
Here is a short list of other attractions that can be found beyond the areas we have talked about so far.
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- Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout: This scenic overlook is located in the northern part of the park. The trail you must take to reach it is 5.6 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,542 ft.
- Tipsoo Lake: This is a picturesque lake along the course of State Route 410. There is a 0.8-mile loop trail that circles the lake. There is a nice trail that also starts at the lake called the Naches Peak Loop Trail that skirts Naches Peak and offers beautiful vistas of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area.
- Crystal Lakes: The trail to reach Crystal Lakes begins on State Route 410 and is very challenging. In fact, you have to hike about 7.5 miles round trip. There is also a longer version that is more than 8 miles long that instead of taking you down to the lake goes all the way up to Crystal Peak where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the area.
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Museums and Visitor Centers
- Longmire Museum: What was once used as the ranger headquarters has been turned into a museum on the natural and geological history of the park.
- Ohanapecosh Visitor Center: During the months that Ohanapecosh is open you can find park rangers at the visitor center ready to provide you with all the information you need for your visit.
- Sunrise Visitor Center: At the visitor center, you can find information, exhibits and a gift shop. It is only open during the summer.
- Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center: This is the visitor center in Paradise. It stays open throughout the year but has reduced hours in the winter.
- Carbon River Ranger Station: You can pay here to access the park if you are coming through the Carbon River Entrance in the northwest area of the park.
- Longmire Wilderness Information Center: Here in Longmire’s historic administration building, you can find, among other things, a 3-D map of the entire park.
- White River Wilderness Information Center: Located adjacent to the White River Entrance, during the summer months there are rangers ready to help you plan your visit.
Visiting Mount Rainier National Park in the Winter
From November through May, everyone who is planning on driving to visit Mount Rainier National Park is required to have chains on their tires.
The most easily accessible area during the winter is Paradise. However, during the 2022-2023 winter season, due to staff shortages, park rangers were not able to keep the area accessible every day of the week but only on weekends. At the time I am writing this article, there is no word yet on whether these restrictions will continue to be in place in the future.
In case you are not able to access Paradise, I would like to remind you that Longmire can be visited every day of the week, except, of course, if the weather conditions are bad (please check the official website of the park for all updates on weather conditions and closings).
To prepare yourself in case you face harsh weather conditions at Mount Rainier National Park, read the advice of the park rangers and always remember to use common sense.
Can You Climb Mount Rainier?
Yes, it is possible to climb Mount Rainier. However, this task requires 3 to 4 days time and is recommended for hikers with experience and physical fitness. Additionally, you must have a proper permit. Go to this website and you will find all the information you need to know if you plan to hike up to Mount Rainier or hike other trails in the park.
Places to Stay Visiting Mount Rainier
For those who would like to find accommodations inside the park, here are two options to choose from:
- The National Park Inn in Longmire
- The Paradise Inn in Paradise
Otherwise, you can find many convenient options in the vicinity of Mount Rainier National Park, for example, in Packwood or Ashford.
