Mount Rainier National Park

A purple and pink streaked sky over a mountain peak and forested valley.
The Silver Forest Trail at Sunrise features spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the White River valley.
Climber on glacier steps downward with icy crags in background.
Summiting Mount Rainier involves climbing a volcano, scaling glaciers, dealing with high elevations and much more. Almost 10,000 people a year attempt to summit.
Towering cedars and douglas-firs reach skyward while a beam of sun breaks through the canopy.
With some of the few remaining old-growth forests in the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier National Park protects native plants great and small in places like the Grove of the Patriarchs.
A hoary marmot with white frosted fur rests on a rock beside white flowers in a meadow.
From small amphibians and hoary marmots to the black bears and elk, many animals call the wild places of Mount Rainier home.
Two children hike on trail through wildflower meadow with Mount Rainier above them.
Enjoying the outdoors through recreation is a big part of many visitors' experiences.
Sunset paints the glaciers of Mount Rainier in pink and gold.
Every scenic overlook shows a different side of Mount Rainier. Viewed from Gobblers Knob Lookout at sunset, the glaciers covering the mountain turn pink and gold.
The historic National Park Inn covered in a foot of snow.
For thousands of years, people have traveled up to, over, and around Mount Rainier. Today the park strives to preserve this history while providing a chance for new generations to find their own adventures.
Purple lupine and white bistort bloom in a meadow alongside a sign for the Wonderland Trail.
Both the Wonderland Trail and subalpine meadows encircle Mount Rainier. Summertime blooms splatter the hillsides with color.
A glaciated mountain framed by forested hillsides reflects in a still mountain lake.
Aurora Lake in Klapatche Park on the west side of Mount Rainier.
Photos: National Park Service

About Mount Rainier National Park

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.

Quick Facts

State Washington
Designation National Park
State Code WA
Weather Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and elevation. The climate is generally cool and rainy, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s. While…

Location & Map

Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington.

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle $30.00

Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. Vehicle must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.

Entrance - Per Person $15.00

Walk-up or single bicycle fee. Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days.

Entrance - Motorcycle $25.00

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.

Commercial Entrance - Sedan $30.00

These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. For sedan with 1 to 6 seats, the fee is $30 + $15 per client.

Commercial Entrance - Van $75.00

These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle.

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus $100.00

These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle.

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach $200.00

These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. NOTE: There are no current road restrictions for unmodified motor coaches of the standard length in the park. However, be aware that roads in the park are steep, narrow, and winding. In particular, it is recommended that RVs and vehicles with trailers longer than 25 feet LOA not travel up the Sunrise Road beyond the White River Campground intersection.

Operating Hours

Mount Rainier National Park is open all year. Visitation peaks in July and August with warmer weather and blooming wildflowers. In spring and autumn, weather determines the availability of facilities and roads. During winter months a number of roads, facilities, and entrances close for the season.

Wednesday All Day
Monday All Day
Thursday All Day
Sunday All Day
Tuesday All Day
Friday All Day
Saturday All Day

Activities

Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Astronomy Stargazing Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Car or Front Country Camping Group Camping Climbing Mountain Climbing Fishing Freshwater Fishing Food Dining Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Self-Guided Tours - Auto Hands-On Citizen Science Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Living History Junior Ranger Program Skiing Snow Play Snowmobiling Snowshoeing Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

Getting There

Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state. Several major cities in Washington- Seattle, Tacoma, and Yakima- and Portland, Oregon, are within 200 miles of the park. For GPS to Nisqually Entrance use: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA, 98304
Phone 3605692211

Entrance Passes

Annual Entrance - Park $55.00

Grants unlimited entry for one year to pass owner and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable. If you already own a valid annual or lifetime pass (Interagency Senior, Annual, Military, etc) you do not need to purchase this pass. NOTE: The Discover Pass is for Washington State Parks only and does not cover Mount Rainier National Park.

Topics & Themes

Architecture and Building Archeology Arts Industry Mining Logging and Timber Cutting Landscape Design Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Schools and Education Science, Technology and Innovation Transportation Bridges Roads, Routes and Highways Tunnels Tragic Events Floods Animals Birds Cats (wild) Elk Fish Climate Change Fire Forests and Woodlands Coniferous Forests Deciduous Forests Rainforest Geology Geothermal Glaciers Grasslands Meadows Lakes Mountains Natural Sounds Night Sky River and Riparian Scenic Views Trails Unique Species Rare Endangered Volcanoes Watersheds Waterfalls Wilderness

Things To Do

Camping at Mount Rainier

Camping at Mount Rainier

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

Hike to Silver Falls

Hike to Silver Falls

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

Day Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park

Day Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park

Looking for easy and enjoyable trails that the whole family can experience together? Consider the following trails in the Longmire,…

Wilderness Camping at Mount Rainier National Park

Wilderness Camping at Mount Rainier National Park

With 97% of the park designated wilderness, backpacking and wilderness camping is one of the best ways to experience Mount…

Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier

Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier

Everyone loves beautiful days when Mount Rainier is visible and the skies are blue! However, sometimes the weather does not…

Although some of these suggestions are viewpoints, almost all involve at least a little hiking.

Explore Longmire in Winter

Explore Longmire in Winter

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

From easy walks around Longmire and Trail of the Shadows to more strenous hikes, there are many options for snowshoeing…

Visitor Centers

Carbon River Ranger Station

Located in the northwest corner of the park, the ranger station is staffed by rangers or volunteers. Building hours may vary so call ahead for…

Hours: Until further notice, there is NO access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake due to the closure of the SR165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge outside of the park. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles and there is no alternate route. Hours vary greatly according to season, staffing, and weather conditions. Please call ahead for hours as well as road and trail conditions: 360-829-9639.

Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center

Located at Paradise, on the south side of Mount Rainier, the Jackson Visitor Center is open throughout the summer and with limited days and hours…

Hours: Days and hours of operation vary greatly according to season. During the summer, late spring, and early fall, the center is generally open daily with extended hours at the height of summer. The rest of the year, the center is open on Saturdays, Sundays, and federal holidays.

Longmire Museum

Located on the south side of Mount Rainier at 2,700 feet above sea level, the museum makes up part of the historic Longmire district. Once…

Hours: Generally open daily year-round, hours and days of operation may change suddenly due to weather or staffing demands. Closed midday from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm.

Longmire Wilderness Information Center

Open during the summer, the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (WIC) is located in the lobby of the historic Longmire Administration Building, a picturesque example of…

Hours: Generally open late May through mid-October. Hours and days of operation may change suddenly due to staffing demands.

Ohanapecosh Visitor Center

NOTE: The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is CLOSED for the summer of 2026 as part of the Ohanapecosh Campground rehabilitation project. This visitor center is located…

Hours: Only open in the summer, this visitor center generally opens in late June and closes early September. Staffed by rangers and volunteers, days and hours of operation can vary and are posted on Ohanapecosh kiosks and bulletin boards, and in park newspaper's summer edition. Exhibits, books for sale, and rangers or volunteers on duty to answer questions during open hours.

Paradise Wilderness Information Center

Open during the summer, the Paradise Wilderness Information Center (WIC) is located in the main room of the historic Guide House. The WIC has an…

Hours: Generally open daily late May through early September. Hours and days of operation may change suddenly due to weather or staffing demands.

Sunrise Visitor Center

Located on the northeast flank of Mount Rainier, this visitor center is at the end of the Sunrise Road, 15 miles after the turn off…

Hours: Only open in the summer, the first day for the Sunrise Visitor Center depends on weather and snow conditions. Typically, the visitor center opens around the beginning of July and closes in September.

White River Wilderness Information Center

Open during the summer, the White River Wilderness Information Center (WIC) located at the Winter River Entrance. The WIC has an information desk staffed by…

Hours: Located at the White River Entrance on the northeast area of the park. Services include wilderness camping and east side climbing permits, restrooms, and information on hiking & backpacking. Generally open daily from late May to mid-October and closed in winter.

Campgrounds

Cougar Rock Campground

Cougar Rock Campground is located on the south side of the park, on the road between Longmire and Paradise. It is in a steep valley…

179 Sites

Ohanapecosh Campground

NOTE: The Ohanapecosh Campground will be CLOSED for the summer of 2026 as part of the Ohanapecosh Campground rehabilitation project. Ohanapecosh Campground is tucked in…

179 Sites

White River Campground

Located on the eastern side of the park below Sunrise, White River campground takes its name from the river flowing beside it. Tucked into a…

88 Sites

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