National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Ashford · Washington

Overview

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.

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingClimbingMountain ClimbingFishing

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 July and August are the sunniest months of the year, rain is very likely in spring, fall, and winter. Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable. In the higher elevations, like Paradise, winter can last from November to May with many feet of snow on the ground.

Key Facts

TypeNational Park

DesignationNational Park

Official Website

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.

Gallery

Photos of Mount Rainier National Park.

9 images

Things to do

Discover Mount Rainier National Park.

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

A Day In Longmire

2-8 Hours

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

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

A Day In Paradise

2-8 Hours

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.

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

A Day In Sunrise

2-8 Hours

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.

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

A Half-Day in Paradise

2-4 Hours

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

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

Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing

1-6 Hours

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

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Two bicyclists descend a steeply curving road bordered by snow banks.

Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park

4-8 Hours

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.

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Two tents in campground surrounded by forest

Camping at Mount Rainier

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

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

Climbing Mount Rainier

3-4 Days

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.

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

Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier

1-8 Hours

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!

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What visitors say