Mount Rainier National Park Guide

Looking for an extraordinary place for modern-day adventure? Mount Rainier National Park is an outdoor paradise that offers spectacular things to do and see.

We’ll be sharing useful tips including the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park, where to stay, weather, FAQs, and much more so you can plan your trip down to detail.

Let’s get started!

Summary

Park	Mount Rainier National Park
Founded	March 2, 1899
Things To Do	Sunrise, Falls, Lake, and Discover
Hotels Near Mount Rainier National Park	Westwood Chalet, Silver Skis Chalet at Crystal Mountain, and Many More.
Price	$15
Validity	7 Days
Camping Location	Multiple Locations

Where Is Mount Rainier National Park?

Mount Rainier National Park is located in Southeast Pierce County and Northeast Lewis County in Washington. There are four entrances to reach Mount Rainier National Park.

These are Carbon River Road in the northwest, Nisqually, off SR 706, southwest, White River Road off SR 410, northeast, and Stevens Canyon Road, southeast.

The most popular route to reach Mount Rainier National Park is by driving through the southwest Nisqually Entrance, which is 60 miles away.

About

Mount Rainier is America’s 5^th oldest national and the first national park created from a national forest.

This Park is home to Mount Rainier, the largest straddle volcano in the Pacific Northwest in the Cascade Range.

At the height of 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the highest volcanic Park in the United States.

It features the largest alpine system in Alaska and shapes the physical environment and identity of the Pacific Northwest.

Besides Mount Rainier, the stunning views of the park, snowfields, glaciers, and a wide array of things to discover along the hiking trails or while climbing or biking enchant over a million visitors each year making it one of the most visited national parks in the country. ¹

The One Trail You Can’t Miss at Mount Rainier Must Watch!

History

The Mount Rainier region has more than 9,000 years of human history and what makes it more special is that people from different fields and points of view joined hands together to save this magnificent landscape from being lost.

Their efforts and hard work paid off when President William McKinley signed the bill to authorize the creation of Mount Rainier National Park on March 2, 1899.

In 1893, The Pacific Forest Reserve was created and Mount Rainier was included in it. The Reserve was further enlarged in 1897 and renamed as Mount Rainier Forest Reserve.

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Best Things to do

Here are the top 5 things to do at Mount Rainier National Park to make your trip an unforgettable one:

Paradise Area

As the name suggests, the Paradise area in the Mount Rainier National Parks is truly a paradise on earth.

It features picturesque views of the snow-capped peaks and colorful wildflowers. During winters it turns into a winter wonderland and an excellent destination for snow sports such as snowshoeing, sledding, and cross-country skiing.

Paradise Area has a wide variety of hiking trails including skyline trails, paradise meadow trails, and pinnacle peaks for nature lovers.

Sunrise Rim

Sunrise is one of the most popular overlooks in Mount Rainier Park that you just can’t miss.

Sitting at 6,400 feet of elevation, it is also one of the highest points in the park accessible through a vehicle.

The Sunrise Rim offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range.

Sunrise Rim Trail is a great spot for hikers to enjoy the mesmerizing views of snowcapped mountains and captivating wildlife.

Sunrise rim gets crowded fast so make sure to arrive early.

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail

If you are a nature lover and marveling at the ancient trees excites you, then you must not miss the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail.

Along this one-mile loop, you can find over thousand-year-old trees towering above creating a nice shady footpath.

The Grove of the Patriarch Trail is one of the easiest hikes in the park suitable for all ages.

This sacred place is filled with Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Western Hemlocks that literally stood the test of time.

The area is mostly flat with easy, which makes it perfect for people who are not able to do the high treks.

Myrtle Falls

Myrtle Falls is an extraordinary sight in the Paradise region of Mount Rainier National Park.

The picturesque setting of the area makes it one of the most photographed spots in the park to capture the iconic beauty of 72-foot-high waterfalls with a stunning view of Mount Rainier in the background.

It’s just a short hike from Paradise Inn which you won’t have to go too far away from your lodging.

Myrtle Falls drops down from a deep gorge carved by Edith Creek while making its way to the Paradise Valley. The waterfalls flow all year-round except winters.

Reflection Lake

Reflection Lake is another gem embedded in the Paradise region that offers one of the most iconic views of Mt. Rainier.

With its breathtaking beauty and tranquility, it’s a top favorite photo destination among visitors.

It’s a perfect spot to witness the glory of Mount Rainier reflected on the water and enjoy some peaceful silence far away from the crowded areas of the park.

The Lake is boarded with wildflowers in Spring while stunning colors frame the lake in fall.

Tips From Reddit Users

I have a day to spend in Mt. Rainier. What would you suggest I do to make the most of it?
by u/NickDiAlfred1 in nationalparks

Best Time to Visit

Mount Rainier National Park is an all-year-round destination and can be visited any time of the year.

But if you want to experience the beauty of the park to the fullest, the best time to visit this park is Summer.

During June through August, the park is completely transformed by the wildflowers, and warm and mild weather provides excellent hiking conditions. ³

Map

Make sure to download the PDF Map of the major roads, highways, points of interest in it before heading out.

Many of the park’s roads are closed in the winters and road conditions are snowy. Always check the road status before planning a trip.

Hotels Near Mount Rainier National Park

When it comes to accommodation, the Mount Rainier region has tons of historic lodges, resorts, vacation rentals, and cozy cabins.

Here are some best options to find the perfect basecamp for your trip:

Westwood Chalet
Silver Skis Chalet at Crystal Mountain
Paradise Village
Gateway Inn & Cabins
Alexander’s Lodge
Trout House
Rainier Cottages

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Camping

Currently, there are three auto campgrounds at this Park: Cougar Rock Campground, Ohanapecosh Campground, and White River Campground.

There are many other camping options outside the park in the most scenic locations. You can pack the tent or hitch up the RV and escape the headaches of daily life.

All campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis and reservations can be made through recreation.gov.

Weather

Mount Rainier has a humid continental climate where weather is highly dependent on the elevation.

Weather patterns are influenced by the Pacific Ocean, elevation, and latitude, so be prepared for drastic weather changes.

The average weather is cool with summer highs between the 60s and 70s.

While July and August are the sunniest and driest months of the year while rain is likely to occur in winter, spring, and fall.

Check out the current weather forecast for avalanche warnings, and other alerts before heading out. ⁴

Entry Pass and Reservations

The fee to enter the park is $15 per person, $30 per vehicle, and $25 per motorcycle.

You can also purchase Mount Rainier Annual Pass for $55 and get unlimited entry to the park for one year.

You can save your time at the entrance by purchasing the digital passes online through recreation.gov.

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Checklist of things to bring

Backup
Warm clothing
Waterproof Hiking boots
Insulation
Sun Protection
Drinking water
Extra food
Binoculars
Pocket knife
Headlamp/ flashlight
Insect repellent
Fire-starter
First-aid kit
Park’s Map & compass

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mount Rainier Safe to Visit?

Mount Rainier is potentially one of the most dangerous volcanos in the Cascade region due to frequent earthquakes and widespread glacier mantle.

How many days do I need in Mount Rainier National Park?

Ideally, you’ll require a minimum of three days to see the highlight, hike, and visit the least visited areas of the park.

How long does it take to drive through Mount Rainier National Park?

There are several different routes to drive through the park, no matter which route you take it will take around 2-2.5 hours to drive through the park.

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