About Mount Rainier
Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. , spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Group Camping · Climbing · Mountain Climbing · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Food
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. In the app, tap one to log it.
- Skyline Trail7.0 mi
- Wonderland Trail93.0 mi
- Alta Vista Loop1.6 mi
- Paradise Glacier Trail5.0 mi
- Spray Park Trail4.1 mi
- Carbon Glacier Trail6.0 mi
- Camp Muir Trail9.0 mi
Camping
Approximately 534 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (July – August).
Best time to visit
Peak season: July – August. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and elevation. 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 very likely in spring, fall, and winter. Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable.
In the higher elevations, like Paradise, winter can last from November to May with many feet of snow on the ground.
Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. Vehicle must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.$30
- Entrance - Per Person — Walk-up or single bicycle fee. Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days.$15
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.$25
- Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle.$100
- Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. NOTE: There are no current road restrictions for unmodified motor coaches of the standard length in the park. However, be aware that roads in the park are steep, narrow, and winding. In particular, it is recommended that RVs and vehicles with trailers longer than 25 feet LOA not travel up the Sunrise Road beyond the White River Campground intersection.$200
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: Seattle, WA. Park center: 46.850°, -121.750°.
Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state. Several major cities in Washington- Seattle, Tacoma, and Yakima- and Portland, Oregon, are within 200 miles of the park. For GPS to Nisqually Entrance use: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Mount Rainier National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Per Person: $15. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25.
When is the best time to visit Mount Rainier?
Peak season is July – August. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and elevation. 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 very likely in spring, fall, and winter. Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable.
Can you camp in Mount Rainier National Park?
Yes — about 534 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Mount Rainier National Park?
Seattle, WA is the nearest major city. Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state. Several major cities in Washington- Seattle, Tacoma, and Yakima- and Portland, Oregon, are within 200 miles of the park. For GPS to Nisqually Entrance use: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304.
What are the best hikes in Mount Rainier?
Popular trails include Skyline Trail (7.0 mi), Wonderland Trail (93.0 mi), Alta Vista Loop (1.6 mi), Paradise Glacier Trail (5.0 mi). The park has roughly 260 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.