Mount Rainier National Park

Established in 1899. 235,625 acres (97% is designated Wilderness). Includes Mount Rainier (14,410'), an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. The park contains outstanding examples of old growth forests and subalpine meadows.

Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1997 as a showcase for the "NPS Rustic" style architecture of the 1920s and 1930s.

Whether hiking on its flanks, climbing its summit, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on its slopes, camping along its glacier-fed rivers, photographing wildflower displays in subalpine meadows, or just admiring the view, nearly two million people come to enjoy the grandeur and beauty of Mount Rainier each year.

Tahoma Woods, Star Route
Ashford, WA 98304-9751
360-569-2211 - Headquarters
360-569-2177 - Headquarters
360-569-2211 x. 3314 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Closest airports served by major airlines are Seattle, WA (85 miles), Yakima, WA (115 miles), and Portland, OR (168 miles). Mileages are one-way, to/from Ashford, WA. Rental cars are available at airports.

By Car
Year-round access to the park is via SR 706 to the Nisqually Entrance in the SW corner of the park. Limited winter access is available via Hwy. 123 in the SE corner of the park. The Carbon River/Mowich Lake area (NW corner) is accessed via SR 165 through Wilkeson. Summer access is available via Hwy. 410 on the N and E sides of the park.

By Plane
There is no public transportation to or in Mount Rainier National Park.

Private carriers provide bus and van service. Gray Line Tours (800-426-7532 or 206-626-5208) offers daily trips from Seattle to Paradise from May 1 to September 30. Rainier Shuttle (360-569-2331) offers daily shuttle service from SeaTac Airport to Ashford or Paradise from May 3 to October 10. Ashford Mountain Center (360-569-2604) offers shuttle services from June through September to/from Sea-Tac airport and destinations within the park.

Getting Around
There are 147 miles of roads and 240 miles of maintained trails in the park.

There are five areas which serve as bases for exploration:
- Longmire (southwest corner)
- Paradise (south side)
- Ohanapecosh (southeast corner)
- Sunrise/White River (east side)
- Carbon River/Mowich Lake (northwest corner).

Parking can be difficult or impossible to find on sunny summer weekends at Paradise, Sunrise, Grove of the Patriarchs, and at trailheads between Longmire and Paradise. Try to visit these areas on weekdays, arrive early in the day, and carpool to the park. Parking is not permitted along road edges.

Park roads are winding and road shoulders are narrow. The maximum speed limit is 35 mph in most areas. Allow plenty of travel time during your visit.

Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, elevation, and latitude. The climate is generally cool and rainy, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s. While July and August are the sunniest months of the year, rain is possible any day, and very likely in spring, fall, and winter.

As one of the snowiest places on Earth, Paradise is worthy of a winter visit. From November to late May, expect to find 10 to 20 feet of snow on the ground. Approximately 630" of snow falls in an average winter at Paradise--in the winter of 1971-72, Paradise established a world's record with 1122" of snow!

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Auto Touring
• Biking
• Camping
• Climbing
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Snow Skiing
• Backpacking
• Mountaineering
• Nature Walks
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
Mount Rainier National Park offers excellent opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and mountain climbing. Most roads are open from late May to early October--all provide stunning views and access to a variety of hiking trails and other sites.

While many visitors attempt to "see the park in day," you may wish to concentrate on one or two areas of the park and explore them in detail. Keep in mind that parking is limited on sunny summer weekends and holidays.

Possibilities:
Explore the Longmire Historic District in the SW corner of the park. On the road from Longmire and Paradise, see Christine Falls or Narada Falls. At Paradise, see the Jackson Visitor Center, the Historic Paradise Inn, or hike a trail through the world-famous subalpine meadows. Between Paradise and Ohanapecosh, see Reflection Lakes, Box Canyon, or the Grove of the Patriarchs. Explore old growth forest at Ohanpecosh. Between Ohanapecosh and White River, consider a short sidetrip east to Tipsoo Lake. Sunrise is a popular destination from July to October. It provides outstanding views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers, and trails through subalpine meadows. In the NE corner of the park, see the Carbon River rainforest and/or Mowich Lake (note: road to Mowich Lake is unpaved and does not open until early July).

Please see our "In Depth" expanded website for detailed information on trails, safety, and mountain climbing.

Click on image to enlarge.