Mt. Rainier National Park
Welcome to Mt. Rainier National Park, home of the "Crown Jewel of the Cascades". No matter what time of the year, Mt. Rainier manages to remain majestic. Surrounded on all sides by pristine old-growth forests, sub-alpine flower meadows and spectacular alpine scenery. Mount Rainier National Park is the fifth oldest national park in the United States and has the greatest single-peak glacial system in the United States. Glaciers radiate from the summit and slopes of the 14,411 ft volcano.
Come find out why local Seattlites simply call this "the mountain". Mt. St. Helens reveals an amazing history of power. Join us as we explore the new geologic landscape of Mt. St. Helens on it's 21st anniversary of the erruption. Experience the erruption at the fantastic Johnston Ridge Observatory at the mouth of the crater. Hike along high ridgeline trail for a closer look at the new growing mountain inside the crater. Travers along the edge of the Spring Lake Memorial Highway with excellent views of the destruction and the areas wildlife.
Things to do
In any season and in any weather you can find great activities at Mount Rainier. Hiking and biking in the summer, snowshoeing or skiing in the winter, and all in a beautiful preserved natural wonderland--in fact, you will find 34 waterfalls and 62 lakes inside the park, as well as 210 miles of trails connecting them all. There is a wealth of outdoor activites on and around the mountain just waiting to be explored.
Longmire, your first stop inside the park from the Nisqually entrance, has the only year-round lodging inside the park, as well as gift shops, a museum, and dining.
Journey even farther up the Mountain and you’ll reach Paradise. When you see the historic Paradise Inn surrounded by beautiful flowers and meadows in the summer or high drifts of snow in the winter, you won’t doubt Paradise was well named. Paradise is nature at its best during any season; year-round you can find a visitor center and guide services.
Outdoor Adventure - On the Mountain
Any season, any time, Mount Rainier is a wonderland for the outdoor enthusiast!
Winter months
The snow season comes early and stays late at Mount Rainier. Great outdoor activities await on the slopes of the Mountain for every age. Families enjoy sledding and 'inner-tubing' at the Snowplay Area at Paradise. Close by is a network of cross-country skiing trails perfect for building up a sweat on skis or in snowshoes.
On the north side of the National Park is Crystal Mountain, a stunningly beautiful alpine ski resort offering miles of slopes and breathtaking vistas of Mount Rainier. Rated by SKIING Magazine as one of the top 25 resorts on the Continent, Crystal has four high speed lifts and a wide variety of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
Summer months
The Mountain brings out the best of nature in the summer. Take one of the many day hikes from nearly any point in the park, or trek a portion of the 93 mile Wonderland Trail which loops around Mount Rainier.
On the southwest side of the Mountain, Longmire and Paradise offer fabulous summer activites. Both have lodging, shops, and other visitor amenities throughout the summer months. On the drive between the two points, pull-outs feature spectacular views of Christine Falls, the Nisqually Glacier, and Narada Falls.
Paradise is the most popular point in the park (which can make parking tough, so come early!) with beautiful fields of wildflowers and its historic inn. It is also the jumping-off point for climbers seeking the 14,410' summit of the Mountain.
Mount Rainier Rules & Regulations
- Bicycling is prohibited on all trails.
- Pets must be caged or leashed. They are not allowed on trails.
- Backpacking & climbing require permits.
- Firearms must be broken down & cased. Their use is prohibited in the park.
- Fishing is permitted according to state regulations. A license is not required.
- Collecting berries for personal consumption is allowed in small quantities.
- Collecting ferns, fungi and plant materials is prohibited.
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Falls Trail
Hike the Comet Falls Trail to the tallest waterfall in the park. Climb to the high alpine meadows where a dramatic view of the Nisqually Glacial Valley awaits you. Camp along the banks of the isolated Laughing Water creek.
Hike the high ridgeline trail or Mt. St. Helens blast zone and visit the famous Johnston Ridge Observatory.
BEST 2 DAYS EVER Mt. Rainier - 2 day trip By Jo from England
"This was the best two days ever - the highlight of my trip to the States. Experiencing so many beautiful spots really brought out the pagan in me. It's good to get out of the city and re-discover your respect for the planet. The hiking was great fun. So was playing in the snow on the natural slides. We saw marmots and chipmunks. "
