Discover the majestic beauty of Mount Rainier, Washington's towering stratovolcano. Experience pristine alpine wilderness, ancient glaciers, and breathtaking wildflower meadows that create memories to last a lifetime.
Experience the iconic Paradise area with its stunning wildflower meadows and panoramic views of Mount Rainier. Perfect for families and nature lovers seeking the classic Mount Rainier experience.
Explore the less crowded Sunrise area with its alpine lakes, ancient forests, and spectacular summit views. Includes guided hiking on well-maintained trails with expert naturalist guides.
Capture the stunning beauty of Mount Rainier's 26 glaciers and diverse wildlife with a professional photography guide. Perfect for photographers of all skill levels seeking iconic shots.
Mount Rainier stands as Washington's most iconic landmark, a majestic stratovolcano rising 14,410 feet above sea level. Known to indigenous peoples as "Tahoma," this ancient peak has been a sacred presence in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years.
The mountain is home to the largest glacier system in the contiguous United States, with 26 named glaciers flowing down its slopes. Mount Rainier National Park, established in 1899, protects this remarkable ecosystem where old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and pristine wilderness create a natural paradise just hours from Seattle.
With over 260 miles of maintained trails, Mount Rainier offers adventures for every skill level, from family-friendly meadow walks to challenging alpine climbing routes. The mountain's diverse ecosystems support incredible biodiversity and provide some of the most spectacular scenery in North America.
Discover History
Experience the crown jewel of the Cascade Range, where ancient glaciers meet pristine wilderness. Mount Rainier defines the Pacific Northwest landscape and offers unparalleled alpine beauty.
From temperate rainforests to alpine tundra, explore five distinct life zones in a single visit. Witness incredible biodiversity and seasonal wildflower displays that paint the meadows in vibrant colors.
With over 260 miles of trails, find your perfect adventure whether you're seeking family-friendly walks through wildflower meadows or challenging backcountry expeditions to remote alpine lakes.
Capture stunning landscapes with 26 glaciers, pristine lakes, and dramatic mountain vistas. Every season offers unique photographic opportunities from wildflower blooms to snow-capped peaks.
Ancient Times - Sacred Tahoma: Indigenous peoples including the Muckleshoot, Nisqually, and Puyallup tribes have revered this mountain as "Tahoma" for thousands of years, considering it a sacred place of power and spiritual significance.
1792 - European Discovery: Captain George Vancouver names the mountain after his friend Rear Admiral Peter Rainier, though indigenous peoples had lived in harmony with the mountain for millennia.
1899 - National Park: Mount Rainier becomes the fifth national park in the United States, protecting its unique ecosystems and establishing it as a premier destination for outdoor recreation.
1916 - Wonderland Trail: The famous 93-mile Wonderland Trail is completed, circumnavigating the entire mountain and becoming one of America's premier long-distance hiking experiences.
Present Day - Conservation Legacy: Mount Rainier continues to serve as a living laboratory for climate research while providing millions of visitors with transformative wilderness experiences and a deeper connection to nature.
Explore park trails
The most popular destination in Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise offers spectacular views of the mountain, extensive wildflower meadows, and access to numerous hiking trails. The Paradise Visitor Center provides educational exhibits and serves as the starting point for many adventures.
At 6,400 feet, Sunrise is the highest point accessible by vehicle in the park. Experience panoramic views of Mount Rainier's east face, Emmons Glacier, and the Cascade Range. The area offers excellent hiking trails and is less crowded than Paradise.
One of Mount Rainier's most accessible glaciers, Nisqually Glacier offers visitors a chance to witness the power of glacial movement. The glacier viewpoint provides stunning views and educational opportunities about climate change and glacial dynamics.
Walk among ancient giants in this old-growth forest preserve featuring massive Douglas firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks over 1,000 years old. The easy trail includes a suspension bridge over the clear waters of the Ohanapecosh River.
Make the most of your Mount Rainier adventure with these essential planning tips:
Address: Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304
Nearest Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - 2.5 hours drive
Coordinates: 46°51'6"N 121°45'37"W
Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington State, approximately 70 miles southeast of Seattle and 80 miles northeast of Centralia. The park is easily accessible via State Route 706 from the southwest, State Route 123 from the southeast, State Route 410 from the northeast, and State Route 165 from the northwest. Multiple entrance stations provide access to different areas of the park, with Paradise and Sunrise being the most popular destinations.
Allow at least a full day (8-12 hours) to experience Mount Rainier's main attractions. For a comprehensive visit including multiple areas like Paradise and Sunrise, consider 2-3 days. The park offers everything from 30-minute nature walks to multi-day backcountry adventures.
Vehicle passes cost $30 for 7 days, $55 for an annual Mount Rainier pass, or $80 for the America the Beautiful annual national parks pass. Motorcycle passes are $25 for 7 days. Active military personnel and 4th grade students receive free admission.
Absolutely! Mount Rainier offers many family-friendly activities including easy nature trails, visitor centers with educational exhibits, and ranger-led programs. The Nisqually Vista Trail and Silver Falls Trail are perfect for families with children of all ages.
Peak wildflower season typically runs from mid-July through early August, though timing varies by elevation and snowpack. Paradise meadows usually peak in late July, while lower elevation areas may bloom earlier. Check park conditions before visiting.
Day hiking generally doesn't require permits, though some popular areas may have timed entry during peak season. Overnight backpacking, wilderness camping, and climbing above 10,000 feet require advance permits and fees.
Common wildlife includes black bears, elk, deer, mountain goats, marmots, pikas, and over 130 bird species. Early morning and evening offer the best viewing opportunities. Always maintain safe distances and never feed wildlife.
The park offers several campgrounds but no lodges. Historic Paradise Inn operates seasonally (typically May-October). Nearby gateway communities like Ashford, Packwood, and Crystal Mountain Resort provide various lodging options year-round.
