Mount Rainier National Park

Glaciers, Meadows, and the Crown of the Cascades

Washington’s Iconic Mountain

Est. 1899

Mount Rainier National Park protects 236,000 acres of alpine wilderness crowned by a 14,410-foot volcano. It’s the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, feeding rivers that carve deep valleys and cascade into waterfalls. In summer, meadows burst with wildflowers; in winter, snow cloaks forests and trails in silence. From family-friendly boardwalks to summit climbs, Rainier offers an adventure for every traveler.

This is a park where you can stroll through old-growth forests in the morning, hike across flower-filled meadows by afternoon, and watch alpenglow blaze on glaciers at sunset. Whether you’re coming for a day or a week, Rainier leaves an impression as big as its mountain.

Featured Experiences

Rainier is best explored with guides who know how to navigate mountain weather, trail conditions, and seasonal highlights. Naturalist-led tours reveal the stories of glaciers, forests, and wildlife, while providing comfort and safety in a park where conditions change quickly.

Day trips from Seattle make Rainier accessible without the stress of driving or permits. Small-group adventures take you to Paradise and Sunrise, waterfalls like Narada and Christine, and meadows filled with wildflowers. In winter, snowshoe tours and Longmire walks bring out the park’s quieter side.

Suggested Itineraries

Rainier’s size and elevation mean no two days are alike. A single day delivers waterfalls, meadows, and alpine vistas, while a longer stay allows time for Paradise, Sunrise, old-growth forests, and even sections of the Wonderland Trail. These itineraries help you balance highlights with deeper exploration.

1 Day Itinerary

Begin at Nisqually Entrance and stop at Longmire for historic exhibits. Continue to Christine and Narada Falls before heading up to Paradise for wildflower meadows and glacier views. In the afternoon, walk to Reflection Lake and end your day watching sunset light up the mountain.

👉 Best for first-time visitors seeking iconic views.

3 Day Itinerary

Day one covers Longmire, waterfalls, and Paradise. On day two, drive to Sunrise — the park’s highest vehicle-accessible point — for hikes among meadows, glaciers, and ridgelines. Day three, explore Ohanapecosh’s old-growth forests and the Grove of the Patriarchs, or take a section of the Wonderland Trail for a taste of backcountry beauty.

👉 Balanced mix of alpine, forest, and cultural history.

Weeklong Adventure

A week gives time for Rainier’s many worlds. Spend two days exploring Paradise trails like Skyline Loop. Add a day at Sunrise for views across the Cascades, and another in Ohanapecosh among giant cedars and waterfalls. Drive Stevens Canyon Road, visit Tipsoo Lake, and if you’re adventurous, arrange a guided climb or backcountry trip. End with a quiet day in Packwood or Ashford, savoring the mountain’s slower pace.

👉 Best for travelers who want a deep dive into Rainier’s landscapes.

Let Us Plan Your Vacation

Find Experiences, Plan Your Days & Book It All With Us!

Mount Rainier is spectacular but tricky to plan. Weather shifts fast, roads close seasonally, and parking fills early at Paradise and Sunrise. Our trip planning form makes it easy. Share your dates and must-see stops, and we’ll design a custom itinerary that balances waterfalls, wildflower meadows, alpine hikes, and the right pace for your group.

See Rainier your way.

From day hikes to winter snowshoe walks, explore with local guides who know the mountain best.

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What to Expect Each Season

Alpine Beauty, Year-Round Transformation

At Rainier, the season you visit shapes your entire trip. Spring means waterfalls and melting snow; summer brings wildflowers and open alpine trails; fall is crisp, colorful, and quiet; and winter transforms the mountain into a snow-filled playground. Knowing what to expect — and packing accordingly — makes your visit safe and unforgettable.

Spring (April–June)
Snow lingers, waterfalls roar with melt, and wildflowers start at lower elevations.
Best for: Waterfalls, forest hikes, and photography.

Summer (July–September)
The most popular season. Meadows bloom, trails open at Paradise and Sunrise, and skies are clearest.
Best for: Hiking, wildflowers, and alpine views.

Fall (October–November)
Colors glow in valleys and along ridges. Fewer visitors, but early snow may close roads.
Best for: Scenic drives, photography, and solitude.

Winter (December–March)
Heavy snow transforms Rainier into a winter wonderland. Longmire and Paradise stay open with ranger programs, snowshoe tours, and sledding hills.
Best for: Snowshoeing, ranger-led walks, and quiet landscapes.

Ready to plan your Mount Rainier adventure?

From wildflower meadows to alpine ridges, we’ll help design the perfect trip.

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Mount Rainier National Park Tours

View All Mount Rainier Tours & Activities

From day hikes among waterfalls to winter snowshoe walks and alpine meadows, Rainier is best experienced with naturalist guides who share insights while handling the logistics. Tours make the mountain accessible whether you’re a casual visitor or a serious adventurer.

Sightseeing Tours

Comfortable coach or small-group tours cover Paradise, Sunrise, and major waterfalls. Perfect for travelers who want the highlights without strenuous hiking.

Not sure which Rainier experience is right for you?

Tell us your interests, and we’ll match you with the perfect adventure.

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Visitor Centers At The Park

Rainier’s visitor centers are essential for orientation, weather updates, and learning about the park’s ecosystems and history.

Paradise Jackson Visitor Center

Rainier’s busiest hub, with exhibits on glaciers, climbing, and meadows. Ranger programs, a park film, and a café are available.

Tip: Arrive before 9 a.m. in summer — parking fills quickly.

Sunrise Visitor Center

At 6,400 feet, this is the highest visitor center in the park. Seasonal exhibits on geology and wildlife, plus direct access to high alpine trails.

Tip: Open only July–September; bring layers for chilly mornings.

Longmire Museum

Historic exhibits on early explorers, climbers, and Rainier’s volcanic past. Trailheads nearby lead into quiet forests.

Tip: Stop here first when entering from Nisqually.

Ohanapecosh Visitor Center

In the southeast, with info on old-growth forests and the Grove of the Patriarchs.

Tip: Best base for exploring Stevens Canyon and family-friendly hikes.

Get a better picture of your travel plans.

VIEW PARK MAPS

Visiting On Your Own

Rainier is accessible by car, but distances and weather make preparation essential. Entrances include Nisqually (SW), Carbon River (NW), White River (NE), and Stevens Canyon (SE).

Entrance fees are $30 per vehicle for 7 days, or $80 for an annual pass. Climbing permits are required for summits and overnight glacier travel.

Tips:

Start early for parking at Paradise and Sunrise.

Always bring layers — weather changes fast.

Download maps offline — cell service is spotty.

Carry snacks and water — services are limited inside the park.

Park Information & Details

Food & Drink

Dining is limited to lodge cafés and snack bars in Paradise and Sunrise. Most visitors pack picnics. Ashford and Packwood offer more restaurants.

Tip: Pack food in advance; options are seasonal and limited.

What to Bring

Layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and refillable water bottle.

Tip: Even in summer, snow may linger on trails.

Safety Tips

Weather changes quickly. Stay on marked trails, watch for wildlife, and carry the 10 Essentials.

Tip: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer — plan hikes early.

Shuttle / Transport Info

There is no park-wide shuttle. Tours from Seattle and shuttles in Ashford provide alternatives.

Tip: Book guided tours if you want to skip the stress of permits and parking.

Avalanche Risk On The Mountain

Learn The Risks And Times For Occurances

Staying Safe In The Park

Visiting During The Spring & Early Summer

Shoulder Season Hazards

Issues You Need To Be Aware Of

Accessibility For All

Several highlights are accessible:

Paradise area: Paved trails with views of glaciers and meadows.

Sunrise: Accessible paths and overlooks with sweeping views.

Longmire Museum: Fully accessible exhibits and flat trails.

Visitor Centers: All main centers have accessible restrooms and facilities.

Tip: Altitude and steep terrain can make even short walks tiring — pace yourself and use shuttle/tour options when available.

Maps Of The Park & Region

Rainier’s size and elevation shifts make maps vital for planning. Use them to cluster visits — Paradise, Sunrise, Ohanapecosh — and avoid long backtracking.

Overall Park Map

Driving Area Map

Map Of Cascade Volcanoes

Every season brings a new side of Rainier.

Choose the time of year that matches your ideal adventure.

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Park Gateway Towns

Rainier has no major town inside its boundaries, so nearby gateways provide lodging, dining, and trailhead access. Each offers a unique way into the park.

Ashford, WA

Just outside the Nisqually Entrance, Ashford is the classic base for exploring Paradise. Lodges and cozy cabins line the road into the park, and local outfitters provide gear rentals, guided trips, and advice. It’s a tiny town, but you’ll find cafés, a grocery, and restaurants that feel like a warm hug after a day of mountain hiking.

Enumclaw, WA

Enumclaw is the gateway to the Sunrise Entrance, the park’s highest point accessible by car. It offers hotels, inns, and a lively downtown with breweries, bakeries, and supply shops. It feels more like a small city than a mountain outpost, making it a comfortable base for travelers who want amenities alongside easy access to alpine meadows.

Packwood, WA

On the park’s southeast edge, Packwood is the doorway to Ohanapecosh and Stevens Canyon. It’s a laid-back mountain town with vacation rentals, motels, and family-run inns. Known for its flea markets and elk that wander right through town, Packwood has a local charm that makes you slow down and enjoy the valley.

Seattle, WA

For most travelers, Seattle is where the journey begins. Just two hours from the Nisqually Entrance, the city is both the main airport hub and the departure point for many guided tours. Pair your Rainier adventure with time in Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, or waterfront dining before heading into the Cascades.

What Visitors Say About The Park

The wildflowers at Paradise were stunning — meadows bursting with color against the glaciers.

Visitor from Oregon

The waterfalls along the road were spectacular. Christine Falls was our favorite stop.

Visitor from Washington

We took a winter snowshoe tour at Longmire — peaceful, quiet, and magical.

Visitor from Minnesota

We took a winter snowshoe tour at Longmire — peaceful, quiet, and magical.

Visitor from California

Sunrise at the Sunrise Visitor Center was unforgettable. The whole mountain lit up in pink.

Visitor from Colorado

Plan Your Mount Rainier Adventure – Book Tours & Tickets Today

From wildflower meadows to glaciers, waterfalls to quiet forests, Mount Rainier offers the full Pacific Northwest experience.

Let us help plan your trip — book tours, secure permits, and design your perfect adventure.

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