OVERVIEW

Mount Rainier National Park, one of three national parks in Washington State, is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers from all around the world. True to its name, the park’s focal point and star attraction is the majestic, snow-capped Mount Rainier towering above the landscape.

Visitors to the park often enjoy activities such as hiking through its vibrant forests and blooming alpine meadows, exploring its vast glaciers, taking in the views along scenic mountain roads, observing the diverse wildlife, and or just escaping the monotony of daily life and taking in the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

This guide covers everything you need to fully enjoy Mount Rainier National Park. You’ll gain insight into the region’s natural and cultural history, uncover the best accommodations, learn the ideal times to visit, understand the entry requirements, and receive expert tips to help you plan an unforgettable adventure to Mount Rainier.

STATISTICS

Mount Rainier National Park, established on March 2, 1899, holds the distinction of being the 5th national park in the United States. In 2023, it welcomed 1.7 million visitors, earning its place as the 18th most visited national park in the country. Spanning 236,381 acres (369 square miles or 956 square kilometers), it ranks as the 27th largest national park, showcasing its impressive scale.

Mount Rainier lies at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters) elevation, making it the highest peak in the Cascade Range and Washington State. The most recent eruption of the volcano took place approximately 1,000 years ago but it has had smaller activity recorded as recently as the 19th century.

Mount Rainier contains 25 major glaciers, the most of any mountain in the contiguous U.S. The largest of these glaciers is Emmons Glacier, covering about 4.3 square miles. There are over 260 miles of trails within the park and about 10,000 climbers attempt to summit the volcano each year, with only about 50% of them succeeding due to the unpredictable weather and overall difficulty of the climb.

HISTORY

Mount Rainier began forming over 500,000 years ago through intense volcanic activity. It is classified as a stratovolcano, or composite volcano, characterized by its steep-sided cone. This distinct shape was created by successive eruptions leading to the layering of lava flows, ash, tephra, and other volcanic debris over time.

Prior to the arrival of European settlers, several Indigenous peoples inhabited the area, including the Yakama, Puyallup, and Nisqually tribes, who revered the mountain and used its resources for thousands of years.

As American explorers and settlers pushed westward, protection of the area was driven by public demand to preserve the region’s unique natural beauty and protect it from the logging and mining industries. Conservationists such as John Muir led this charge. 

Mount Rainier National Park features a diverse range of landscapes, from lush lowland forests to vibrant subalpine meadows and rugged alpine tundra. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, elk, mule deer, river otters, eagles, ptarmigans, marmots and many others.

PARK LAYOUT

General Description

Mount Rainier National Park is roughly square in shape, with the impressive Mount Rainier rising prominently in its center. The terrain radiates outward from the summit, gradually descending into distinct ecological zones. As the elevation changes, so do the park’s vegetation, wildlife, and climate, creating a dynamic and diverse environment.

A network of mountain highways encircle the mountain and form the primary access routes to the park. The western side, however, has far fewer roads and no major highways, maintaining its remote and rugged character. Highways 123 and 410 combine to form the eastern boundary of the park and provide stunning scenery throughout their route.

From the main highways, smaller roads branch out and lead visitors to popular viewpoints, trailheads, and key attractions. You won’t find a road that traverses the park’s interior, however, as the central area is dominated by Mount Rainier itself and its rugged glacial terrain.

Mount Rainier National Park has four entrances. Starting from northwest and going clockwise, these are the Carbon River Entrance, White River Entrance, Stevens Canyon Entrance, and Nisqually Entrance. 

Main Park Sections

Paradise and Sunrise are the most visited regions of Mount Rainier National Park. Paradise, situated on the frequently snow-covered southern slopes of the mountain, features several outstanding hiking trails, including the famous Skyline Trail. Sunrise, located in the northeastern part of the park, also offers an extensive network of trails and numerous panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Nestled in a lush forested valley, the small community of Longmire is home to the National Park Inn, the Longmire Museum, and several historic buildings that illustrate the area’s rich cultural and natural history. It’s worth taking some time to explore the area and hike the Trail of the Shadows, a gentle loop that takes visitors past bubbling mineral springs, old-growth forests, and remnants of Longmire’s original cabins. 

Located in the southeastern corner of the park, Ohanapecosh is known for its lush old-growth forests, where towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, some over 1,000 years old, create a breathtaking canopy. The area is also home to the pristine, crystal-clear waters of the Ohanapecosh River, adding to its serene beauty.

Interesting Fact: Named after James Longmire, one of the first settlers to explore the area, the community of Longmire was originally established as a mineral springs resort in the late 1800’s. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

With visitor numbers rising sharply over the past decade, a timed entry system was introduced and piloted in 2024 to reduce overcrowding in popular areas. Reservations were required only for access to the Paradise and Sunrise areas and were secured through Recreation.gov.

The National Park Service released a portion of reservations in three phases, starting 90 days before the intended visit at 8:00 AM PST. Additionally, next-day timed entry reservations became available at 7:00 PM PT on a rolling basis.

Each reservation was valid for one vehicle on a single day and cost $2, in addition to the standard park entrance fee. In 2024, reservations were required for the Paradise Corridor from late May to early September and for the Sunrise area from early July to early September.

Reservations provided a two-hour entry window between 7:00 AM and 3:00 PM. For example, if your reservation was from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, you had to enter the designated corridor during that time but could have remained in the area as long as you like. However, vehicles could access Paradise or Sunrise before 7:00 AM or after 3:00 PM without a reservation.

This was a one year piot program. The National Park Service is analyzing the data to determine if it accomplished the goals it set out to achieve. No decision has yet been made regarding any timed entry system for 2025.

HOW MUCH TIME TO SPEND VISITING

Mount Rainier National Park covers a vast area, with highways winding around its perimeter and weaving up and down the volcanic slopes. Because of this, what may seem like a short distance on a map can take significantly longer to drive than expected. To fully experience the park, we recommend spending at least 3 to 4 days exploring.

Day 1: Dedicate a full day to Paradise, where you can hike the Skyline Trail, photograph Reflection Lake with Mount Rainier mirrored in its waters, and take in the breathtaking alpine scenery.

Day 2: Head to Sunrise for spectacular trails and panoramic views of the Cascade Range. Consider hiking the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail for incredible vistas or exploring Tipsoo Lake and Naches Peak Loop for a scenic, rewarding trek.

Day 3: Use this day to revisit Sunrise or Paradise, or explore other gems of the park. Stroll through the Longmire Historic District, walk among ancient trees at the Grove of the Patriarchs, admire Silver Falls, or take a scenic drive along Stevens Canyon Road. For a memorable meal with stunning mountain views, dine at Crystal Mountain Resort or the Summit House Restaurant.

WHERE TO STAY

Mount Rainier National Park offers a range of accommodations, from historic lodges within the park to campgrounds and nearby towns with hotels and rental properties.

For those looking to stay inside the park, the Paradise Inn and National Park Inn provide cozy lodging in the southern region. Paradise Inn, a historic hotel with a dining room, boasts breathtaking views of Mount Rainier. Meanwhile, the National Park Inn, located in Longmire, offers a quieter, year-round retreat with rustic charm.

Camping is another great option, especially in the summer. However, sites fill quickly, so reservations are recommended. Popular campgrounds include Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River.

If you want a more comfortable option than camping but find National Park lodges too pricey, consider booking a hotel or rental property in one of the nearby towns. Ashford (southwest), Enumclaw (northeast), and Packwood (southeast) all offer convenient access to the park’s main attractions along with various lodging options.

WHEN TO GO

Mount Rainier experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal and drawbacks. The trails at lower elevations begin to open in late spring. Waterfalls start flowing again and wildlife will emerge from the harsh winter. This season is particularly ideal for photography.

Summer is often considered the best time to visit the park, though it is also the busiest. By July, wildflowers are in full bloom, and hiking trails are clear of snow, making them fully accessible. The weather is generally warm and sunny, with little rainfall. However, the park’s popularity during this season means larger crowds.

As autumn brings cooler temperatures, the landscape bursts into brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red. With summer crowds dwindling, the park becomes a haven for photographers eager to capture the stunning fall foliage.

The road to Paradise remains open year-round, though tire chains may be required during winter. With an average annual snowfall of 54 feet (16 meters), it ranks among the snowiest places on Earth. Despite the challenging conditions, the journey is well worth it, as the area offers excellent opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Mount Rainier is one of the most breathtaking national parks in the U.S. While it may not have the same level of fame as Yosemite or Yellowstone, its beauty and charm are just as remarkable. However, with a significant rise in visitors in recent years, it seems the secret is finally out.

With a vast network of hiking trails, impressive viewpoints, scenic roads, and pristine lakes, the park offers endless opportunities for exploration. Each entrance provides a unique perspective of the towering volcanic peak that defines the landscape.

Hopefully this guide gave you a solid introduction to Mount Rainier National Park, helping you know what to expect on your visit. Be sure to check out our article on the best things to do in the park so you can experience the magic of this natural wonder for yourself.