Mount Rainier

Ashford, Enumclaw, Packwood, Wilkeson, WA

  • Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing

    Snowshoe tracks lead across a snowy slope towards a glaciated peak against a blue sky.

    Mount Rainier National Park is a great place for beginner and experienced snowshoers to explore the winter landscape.

  • Day Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park

    A road curves through subalpine meadows underneath a glaciated peak wrapped in clouds.

    Looking for easy and enjoyable trails that the whole family can experience together? Consider the following trails in the Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River/Mowich areas of Mount Rainier National Park. These day hikes range from short strolls to longer trails through the wilderness.

  • Hike to Shriner Peak Fire Lookout

    View of Mount Rainier from Shriner Peak Fire Lookout

    Embark on a strenuous hike up to a historic fire lookout with adjacent backcountry camping sites and enjoy views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valley.

  • Hike Emmons Moraine Trail

    View of mountain with rocky glacier moraine with clouds partially covering glacier

    Enjoy a short hike from the White River Campground through the forest to a view of the Emmons Glacier and a beautiful turquoise lake colored by glacial silt.

  • Hike to Spray Falls

    Veil-like waterfall cascades over large cliff with small boulders in foreground

    Enjoy a short hike from Mowich Lake to a large cascading waterfall fed by a glacier.

  • Hike Rampart Ridge

    View of Mount Rainier from Rampart Ridge Trail

    This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.

  • Explore Waterfalls from Longmire to Paradise

    A waterfall cascades off a cliff with a rainbow arching through the mist of the waterfall.

    This tour is a great opportunity to see four of Mount Rainier's stunning waterfalls between Longmire and Paradise without taking on any long or strenuous trails.

  • Hike to Silver Falls

    A cascading waterfall flows over steep rocks

    Enjoy a moderate, family-friendly loop hike through the forest to a beautiful waterfall along the Ohanapecosh River.

  • Climbing Mount Rainier

    A string of climbers, darkly silhouetted against a white, glacier-covered slope, follow a boot track

    Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and well prepared. Learn more about the requirements for climbing Mount Rainier.

  • Enjoy a Winter Wonderland at Paradise

    Pink-orange sunset light illuminates a set of tracks along a snowy path and large wood building.

    Winter brings into focus a frosty view of the mountain. An abundance of snow creates a winter recreation paradise, but also brings the challenges of icy, snowy roads. The road to Paradise is plowed, when possible, to allow access. Spend hours at Paradise or add a stop in Longmire to make a full day of winter fun.

  • Camping at Mount Rainier

    Two tents in campground surrounded by forest

    Enjoy an extended, relaxing visit to Mount Rainier in one of the park's campgrounds.

  • Explore Tipsoo Lake

    Mount Rainier is in the background with Tipsoo Lake and some flowers in front.

    Interested in exploring Tipsoo Lake but don't know what to do? This list should help you find the right activity.

  • Hike Nisqually Vista Trail

    Glacial valley below towering Mount Rainier. A thin river begins at the end of a rocky glacier.

    The easy Nisqually Vista trail offers stunning year-round views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and the Tatoosh mountain range as well as seasonal delights, such as summer wildflowers and fall foliage.

  • Hike to Burroughs Mountain

    View of glaciated mountain from rolling ridgeline with three rocky peaks.

    Hike the Burroughs Mountain Trail for outstanding mountain views and to visit the most accessible tundra in the Cascade Range.

  • Hike to Bench and Snow Lakes

    Glaciated mountain with mirrored reflection in lake with blue sky and trees

    Enjoy a short hike to picturesque Bench and Snow Lakes with views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range.

  • Visit the 10th Mountain Division Memorial

    Two benches next to a small gray rock with bronze plaque in center surrounded by trees and mountain

    Take a short walk up the Skyline Trail to visit the 10th Mountain Division Memorial which honors the U.S. Army Troops who trained at Paradise during World War II.

  • Star Gazing at Sunrise

    Stars and milky way cover the sky above the glaciated ridges of Mount Rainier.

    Come explore the parks after dark! Star gazing is a great way to end a long day of hiking and exploring the park. The Sunrise area is a perfect spot for star gazing. There are several ways to view the stars at sunrise from staying in the parking lot to hiking on trails. There is something for everyone.

  • Longmire Historic District Walking Tour

    A two-story wood and rock building.

    At Mount Rainier, designers selected massive logs and glacial boulders as the building materials best suited for integrating new structures with their natural settings. This style of architecture, known as "National Park Service Rustic", can be seen throughout the Longmire District on this walking tour.

  • Hike to Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout

    View of glaciated mountain from wooden fire lookout

    Hike to the historic Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout perched on a rocky outcrop above Lake George.

  • Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire

    Three park rangers stand next to a stone memorial made of seven basalt columns

    Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire to honor the Mount Rainier National Park Rangers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

  • Hike and Bike Westside Road in Mount Rainier

    Standing dead trees in a rocky riverbed with the snow-topped top of Mount Rainier beyond a ridge

    Hike or bike Westside Road through a dynamic landscape that is evidence of outburst floods that closed this portion of road to public vehicle traffic. Hike the trails that lead off this road lead to meadows, views of glaciers, and historic patrol cabins.

  • Explore Carbon River in the Winter

    A person in a raincoat walks down a boardwalk trail surrounded by dense rainforest.

    Discover Carbon River, in the beautiful northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, where you can hike, bike, or snowshoe during the winter.

  • Explore Longmire in Winter

    Several people walk along a snowy road in front of a view of a snow-covered mountain and forest.

    Make a day of it by visiting in Longmire in winter. Hike or snowshoe through the forest with views of Mount Rainier and bubbling mineral springs. Explore the Longmire Historic District and warm up with a hot meal in the National Park Inn.

  • Paddle Sports at Mowich Lake

    A ten-foot long blue kayak sits on the bank of a lake in front of an inflatable yellow kayak.

    Paddle sports offer a unique opportunity to get out on the water and experience wilderness lakes that are scattered across Mount Rainier National Park. Mowich Lake is the largest lake in the park and is one of the easiest to access, though still challenging.

  • Tree Scavenger Hunt in the Ohanapecosh Campground

    Collage of the differentiating bark, needles and cones for the 3 conifer trees.

    Go on an adventure and try to identify the three most commonly abundant trees that surround the entire Ohanapecosh area.

  • Complete a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger Booklet

    Cover of a booklet with an illustration of a mountain framed with wildflowers.

    Complete a Junior Ranger booklet and collect a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger badge. Learn more about the plants and animals of the park and how Mount Rainier was formed.

  • A Half-Day in Paradise

    A creek tumbles through a lush green landscape, with a glacier-covered volcano in the background.

    With just 4 hours, visitors can enjoy glacier views, blooming wildflowers, and rich cultural history at the most popular subalpine meadow in the park!

  • Kid-Friendly Hikes at Mount Rainier

    Subalpine meadow and trail with Mount Rainier in the background.

    Looking for kid friendly hikes to do while visiting Mount Rainier? This list should help you find the right hike for your group depending on where you are in the park.

  • Family-Friendly Paradise Activities

    Two adults walking with a child between them on a paved pathway.

    Whether you’re pushing a stroller or traveling with grandparents, Paradise offers activities the whole family can enjoy together.

  • Spring Recreation

    Three hikers crossing a large patch of snow with Mount Rainier in the background.

    Spring comes slowly to the mountain. While wildflowers bloom along city streets, the snow at Paradise may be higher than your head! Planning your spring trip to the mountain in advance is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.

  • Ohanapecosh Area Activities

    A man in a green shirt casts a flared over the bright waters of the Ohanapecosh River.

    Enjoy all that the Ohanapecosh area has to offer with these four activities.

  • Photograph Wildflowers in the Subalpine Meadows

    A diverse cluster of colorful flowers fills the image. The plants seem to glow in the morning light.

    Photographers of all skill levels can enjoy photographing the Mount Rainier wildflowers. Follow these simple tips and tricks to optimize your photoshoot in the park.

  • Try en plein air painting at Mount Rainier National Park

    A female figure viewed from behind stands at an easel painting a picture of the tall mountains in fr

    With just a little planning you can create art anywhere. Take time to really experience your favorite overlook by painting a picture in the park.

  • Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park

    Two bicyclists ride through a forest on a narrow gravel road.

    Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park is both scenic and challenging. Bicycles are allowed on park roads but they are not permitted on any hiking trails.

  • Wilderness Camping at Mount Rainier National Park

    A backpacker on a rocky trail pauses to overlook a forested valley and mountain ridges.

    With 97% of the park designated wilderness, backpacking and wilderness camping is one of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park.

  • Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier

    Clouds partly cover a glaciated mountain that rises above a meadow and forest.

    Everyone loves beautiful days when Mount Rainier is visible and the skies are blue! However, sometimes the weather does not cooperate. There is still so much to appreciate on days when the clouds roll in. Enjoy this list of park ranger favorites for days when the mountain isn’t out!

  • A Day In Sunrise

    Mount Rainier glows pink and orange as the sun sets. Clouds hang below the summit in an inversion.

    If you are looking for great views of Mount Rainier, stunning wildflower meadows, interesting history, or a chance to see wildlife, look no further than Sunrise! Use this guide to help plan your day in Sunrise and explore all this part of Mount Rainier National Park has to offer.

  • The Cougar Rock Campground Experience

    Mount Rainier with a few clouds in the sky. Below the mountain are tall evergreen trees and a river.

    If you are wondering exactly what you could do at Cougar Rock Campground aside from sleep, then we've got you covered. Here are some activities that you can do while staying at Cougar Rock Campground.

  • Discover Wildflowers

    Colorful wildflowers fill a meadow with a glimpse of glaciated peak.

    Mount Rainier is famous for its wildflowers, but blooming season is short and varies with elevation. Discover the best times to visit to view wildflowers.

  • Mount Rainier: Off the Beaten Path

    A view from a trail of a glaciated mountain peak rising above a forested valley.

    Mount Rainier National Park is substantial in size, but congestion still occurs during peak season and during times of nice weather. Escaping the crowds completely can be a challenge, but there are ways to still plan a rewarding visit. This guide provides alternatives to popular locations like Paradise and Sunrise. However, the secret is out! Even relatively less popular areas can still be busy.

  • Road Trip Around the Mountain

    A road curves through a forested valley next to a lake and under a mountain range.

    Even if you never step foot outside your vehicle, a drive through Mount Rainier National Park can be a rewarding experience. This road trip experience follows the historic design of the park from Nisqually Entrance to Paradise and then connects to the east side and Sunrise.

  • A Day In Paradise

    Buildings and a road tucked against a mountain slope surrounded by green meadows.

    The Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park has it all—history, hiking, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities, and more! Use this guide to help you decide what to do on your day in Paradise.

  • A Day In Longmire

    A wood and stone historic building framed by conifer trees and vine maples with red foliage.

    Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.

  • Fishing at Mount Rainier National Park

    An underwater photo of three grey-green speckled fish in a rocky river.

    Mount Rainier is not known for fishing, but many lakes were historically stocked with non-native fish. Anglers can play an important role in protecting native fish populations by following fishing regulations and reducing numbers of non-native fish.

  • Northeast Area: Remote Winter Recreation

    A skier heads downhill on a steep snow-covered slope.

    Enjoy winter camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in this less-visited area in the northeast of the park.