A purple and pink streaked sky over a mountain peak and forested valley.

National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Info

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.

Park Photos

A purple and pink streaked sky over a mountain peak and forested valley.
1 of 9

The Silver Forest Trail at Sunrise features spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the White River valley.

Credit: JD Hascup Photo

A purple and pink streaked sky over a mountain peak and forested valley.
Climber on glacier steps downward with icy crags in background.
Towering cedars and douglas-firs reach skyward while a beam of sun breaks through the canopy.
A hoary marmot with white frosted fur rests on a rock beside white flowers in a meadow.
Two children hike on trail through wildflower meadow with Mount Rainier above them.
Sunset paints the glaciers of Mount Rainier in pink and gold.
The historic National Park Inn covered in a foot of snow.
Purple lupine and white bistort bloom in a meadow alongside a sign for the Wonderland Trail.
A glaciated mountain framed by forested hillsides reflects in a still mountain lake.

Activities

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

Fees

Passes

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.

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

Located in the southwest corner of the park via SR 706, the Nisqually Entrance provides year-round access to the park. NOTE: To reach the Nisqually entrance using GPS use the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304. Fee station. If entering the park outside of daylight hours, purchase an online pass at Recreation.gov in advance, or at the next available staffed entrance.

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

Carbon River Entrance in the northwest corner of the park is open year-round via SR165 through Wilkeson. Vehicle access is permitted only to the park entrance. Beyond that point the Carbon River Road is open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Pay entrance fees at Carbon River Ranger Station a few miles before park boundary or use payment envelopes after hours.

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

Sunrise, White River, and southbound SR 123 are accessed via SR 410 from Enumclaw through the White River Entrance, open from late June to mid October. Fee station located on turn-off from SR 410 on the road to Sunrise. Hours may vary. Fee envelopes available for after hours.

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

In summer, travelers coming from east of the Cascades can enter the park using Chinook Pass (SR410), passing under the Chinook Entrance Arch walking bridge. Entrance open June to mid-November, 24 hours a day. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.

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

Branching off of SR123 just north of Ohanapecosh, Stevens Canyon Entrance provides access to Stevens Canyon Road, Paradise, and the west side of the park. Open late May to mid September. Fee station with fee envelopes available after hours.

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

Located along SR 123 via Hwy 12 from Yakima or Packwood, this park entrance is open 24 hours a day from late May to early November. This is the closest entrance to the Ohanapecosh area. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.

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

In summer, travelers coming from the north can enter the park using SR410, which connects to SR123 and turns east at Cayuse Pass. Entrance open late May to early November, 24 hours a day. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.

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

Weather info

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.

Events