Park Closure:Paradise Road Status: Open, traction tires advised, gate closing at 5 p.m.
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Park Closure:SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
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Information:Water available at Paradise & Narada Falls.
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Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier

Challenging Washington

Mount Rainier National Park Will Not Require Timed Entry Reservations in 2026

Mount Rainier National Park will not implement a timed entry reservation for any portion of the park...

Feb 25, 2026

Recovery of climbers at Mount Rainier National Park

Search and rescue operations at Mount Rainier National Park concluded with the recovery of two climb...

Jan 22, 2026

Overview

Mount Rainier stands at 14,411 feet, the highest peak in the Cascade Range and the most heavily glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States. Twenty-five named glaciers cloak its flanks in a permanent mantle of ice that feeds rivers, waterfalls, and the subalpine wildflower meadows that carpet the mountain's slopes each summer. On clear days, the mountain dominates the Seattle skyline 60 miles away — a massive volcanic cone that residents simply call "the Mountain." Paradise, the park's most popular area at 5,400 feet, earns its name with wildflower displays that peak in late July and August, when lupine, paintbrush, and avalanche lilies create a tapestry of color against the glaciated peak above. The Skyline Trail loop from Paradise climbs to Panorama Point for views of the Nisqually Glacier and the summit crater. Sunrise, on the mountain's northeast side and the highest point reachable by car, offers drier conditions and views across the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the lower 48. Summiting Mount Rainier is a bucket-list mountaineering objective requiring crampons, ice axes, rope teams, and at least two days. Guided climbs depart from Camp Muir at 10,080 feet for the summit push through crevasse fields and steep ice. For non-climbers, the 93-mile Wonderland Trail circumnavigates the entire mountain over 7-14 days, passing through every ecosystem from old-growth forest to alpine ice.

Things to Do

  • Hike the Skyline Trail at Paradise through wildflower meadows
  • Drive to Sunrise for Emmons Glacier views
  • Summit Mount Rainier with a guided climbing team
  • Backpack the 93-mile Wonderland Trail
  • Walk the Grove of the Patriarchs ancient forest
  • Photograph wildflowers at Paradise in late July
  • Snowshoe at Paradise in winter
A small brown building with a window for taking questions.

Cougar Rock Campground

Sites available

RestroomsWater
$20 Reserve
A brown bulletin board with information about the campground and a machine for paying the fee.

Ohanapecosh Campground

Sites available

RestroomsWater
$20 Reserve
A brown wall with a sign for the ranger station with a large park service arrow head.

White River Campground

Sites available

RestroomsWater
$20Walk-in only
Two tents in campground surrounded by forest
Car or Front Country Camping

Camping at Mount Rainier

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

Spring, SummerReservation Required
A cascading waterfall flows over steep rocks
Hiking

Hike to Silver Falls

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

2 HoursSpring, Summer
A road curves through subalpine meadows underneath a glaciated peak wrapped in clouds.
Hiking

Day Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park

Looking for easy and enjoyable trails that the whole family can experience together? Consider the fo...

2-8 HoursSpring, Summer
A backpacker on a rocky trail pauses to overlook a forested valley and mountain ridges.
Backcountry Camping

Wilderness Camping at Mount Rainier National Park

With 97% of the park designated wilderness, backpacking and wilderness camping is one of the best wa...

2-14 DaysWinter, Spring
Clouds partly cover a glaciated mountain that rises above a meadow and forest.
Hiking

Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier

Everyone loves beautiful days when Mount Rainier is visible and the skies are blue! However, sometim...

1-8 HoursWinter, Spring
Several people walk along a snowy road in front of a view of a snow-covered mountain and forest.
Snowshoeing

Explore Longmire in Winter

Make a day of it by visiting in Longmire in winter. Hike or snowshoe through the forest with views o...

2-4 HoursWinter
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A stone plaque with a mountain in the background

10th Mountain Division Memorial

Mount rainier

A bronze plaque honors the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division which trained at Paradise during World War II.

A glaciated mountain with lenticular clouds streaming from the peak.

Backbone Ridge

Mount rainier

Pause at Backbone Ridge along Stevens Canyon Road for views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Wilderness along the southe...

A wayside exhibit panel attached to a stone post along a fence next to a pullout.

Backbone Ridge Exhibit Panel

Mount rainier

Backbone Ridge Wayside is located along Stevens Canyon Road with views of Mount Rainier.

A trail cuts through a subalpine meadow with red and yellow fall foliage.

Bench and Snow Lake Trailhead

Mount rainier

The Bench and Snow Lake Trail is a great hike for beginners, families with children, or those just looking for beautiful...

A very narrow canyon, rock walls covered in moss and plants, with a rushing white river.

Box Canyon

Mount rainier

Box Canyon is an impressive slot canyon along Stevens Canyon Road carved by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River. A popul...

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Wildlife

Keep an eye out for these animals during your visit:

Black Bear Mountain Goat Elk Marmot Pika Spotted Owl Gray Jay

Pro Tips

  • 💡 Paradise parking fills by 10 AM on summer weekends — arrive at dawn or use a weekday
  • 💡 Wildflower peak at Paradise is typically late July to early August; check the park's bloom report
  • 💡 The Wonderland Trail requires a permit and advance reservation — the lottery opens in March
  • 💡 Sunrise is drier and less crowded than Paradise with equally stunning views
  • 💡 Mount Rainier makes its own weather — the summit can be hidden in clouds even on clear valley days

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Paradise receives an average of 54 feet of snow per year. Summer at Paradise reaches 60-70°F with frequent clouds. Winter is accessible for snowshoeing but the road beyond Longmire may close.

Best seasons: Summer