Mt. Rainier National Park

The basics

The park is often visited on a day trip from Seattle. Private and small-group tours typically include trips to the park visitor center, scenic viewpoints overlooking Christine Falls, and additional locations for photo ops of Mount Rainier. Camping and lodging can be found inside and outside the park for those who want stay overnight. The entrance fee is charged per vehicle, unless you walk or bike in, in which case the charge is per person.

Things to know before you go

• Day trips from Seattle typically last about 10 hours, so prepare for a long day.

• The Longmire, Sunrise, and Paradise areas of the park offer visitor information, special permits, gift shops, dining, and other services.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; even if you’re not planning to hike, you’ll likely take short walks to reach viewpoints.

• Pets are allowed in limited areas, but must be on a leash.

• Helmets are required when biking.

• There is no gas available in the park, but gas stations can be found in nearby towns.

How to get there

Mt. Rainier National Park is in southwest Washington, less than 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Seattle. Of the four entrances (Carbon River, Nisqually, Stevens Canyon, and White River), Nisqually is the most popular, with the easiest access to trailheads and facilities.

When to get there

The park is open year-round, but some areas close seasonally beginning in October or November, including Sunrise, White River, Ohanapecosh, Stevens Canyon Road, and State Routes 410 and 123. July and August are the busiest months, when wildflowers bloom, waterfalls flow, and the hiking trails are the most accessible.

Exploring Longmire

If you only have the time or desire to visit one area of the park, make it Longmire, accessed from the Nisqually entrance. A national historic district, it’s home to the Longmire Museum, the Wilderness Information Center, and the National Park Inn. Scenic attractions accessible from Longmire include Christine Falls, Glacier Bridge, Narada Falls Trail, and Ricksecker Point Road, which offers views of Mount Rainier.

How many days do you need at Mount Rainier National Park?

Mt. Rainier National Park is big, but you can see a few highlights—such as Paradise visitor center and nearby hiking trails—on a day trip from Seattle. With more time, you can explore areas like Sunrise, Longmire, Carbon River and Mowich Lake, and Ohanapecosh, which offer varied scenery and views.

What month is best for Mount Rainier National Park?

Wildflowers brighten Mt. Rainier meadows starting in late July for a natural display that generally lasts through early August. It’s a gorgeous time to visit: Highlights of Mt. Rainier wildflower season include avalanche lilies, paintbrush, cinquefoil, and lupine. You can see flowers throughout the national park—try Paradise and Sunrise areas.

Is Mount Rainier National Park worth visiting?

Yes, Mt. Rainier National Park is worth visiting—it has spectacular scenery, wildflower meadows, and nearly endless hiking trails. The 14,411-foot (4,392-meter) mountain at its center is the tallest composite volcano in the contiguous United States, with a system of alpine glaciers and glacier caves that draws international climbers.

Do you need bear spray in Mt. Rainier National Park?

Yes, if you’re hiking into remote areas of Mt. Rainier National Park, it can be smart to carry bear spray—if you know how to use it. Most hikers, however, don’t carry bear spray. Staying safe starts with taking measures to avoid bears in the first place: Keep your distance and secure food.

Are there cougars in Mt. Rainier National park?

Yes, there are cougars in Mt. Rainier National Park—they’re also known as mountain lions. Attacks on humans are rare, but there are important steps to stay safe if you see a cougar. Pick up small children, and back away slowly; don’t run or turn your back on the animal.

What can you see at Mt Rainier National Park?

Come for the towering, snowcapped volcano, stay for pristine waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails. There’s a lot to see at Mt. Rainier National Park for visitors of all abilities, whether you’re walking the 5.5-mile (8.9-kilometer) Skyline Trail or taking in big views from the Sunrise visitors center.

Ways to explore

Mt. Rainier National Park is often visited on a day trip from Seattle. Private and small-group tours typically include trips to the park visitor center, scenic viewpoints overlooking Christine Falls, and additional locations for photo ops of Mt. Rainier. Camping and lodging can be found inside and outside the park for those who want to stay overnight. The entrance fee is charged per vehicle unless you walk or bike in, in which case the charge is per person.

Accessibility

Some visitor centers and trails, such as the short Trail of the Shadows, are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None; children under 16 don’t need their own entrance pass

What to pack

Trekking poles for uneven terrain, water, wilderness permit for camping

What to wear

Hiking boots, rain gear for unpredictable weather

Not allowed

Littering, off-trail hiking, pets on most trails, removing natural objects, drones

Amenities

Visitor centers, restrooms, cafés, general stores, campsites

Address

Mt. Rainier National Park is in southwest Washington, less than 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Seattle. There are multiple entrances to the massive park, so make sure your entry point aligns with what you want to see. Of the entrances (Carbon River, Nisqually, Stevens Canyon, and White River), Nisqually is the most popular, with the easiest access to trailheads and facilities.

Driving

Get on Interstate 5 (I-5) South from downtown Seattle. Stay on I-5, passing through Tacoma and Olympia. Take the exit for State Route 7 toward Mt. Rainier. Follow SR-7 South and then turn onto State Route 706 East. This road will take you to the Nisqually Entrance, the park’s most popular and open year-round entrance. From there, follow the signs to the Paradise area or your destination within the park.

Public transportation

From Seattle, you can take bus 586 to Tacoma, a town close to the park. From there, it’s a 30-minute drive in a rideshare.

Best times to visit

Unsurprisingly, Sunrise Point is the best place to watch the sun rise over the Cascade Range, as it’s the park’s highest point reachable by vehicle.

Best days to visit

The middle of the week (Tuesday–Thursday) sees the fewest crowds.

Best months to visit

All of the park’s trails are open and easily accessible during the summer from June through September.

Special events

Add some wine and music to your adventures during the Mt. Rainier Wine Festival each July.