National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
- Pacific Northwest
- 9 hikes
- 21 places to see
- 8 current alerts
Current alerts
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Closure
Paradise Road Status: Gate at Longmire CLOSED today for public safety
10/28/2029 The road is open to Longmire. The gate at Longmire to Paradise will remain closed today for public safety.
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Closure
SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
There is NO public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles and there is no alternate route.
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Danger
WILDFIRE CLOSURES: Sunrise & northern trails.
Due to several active fires on the north side of the park, the following closures are in effect until further notice: Grand Park area & trails, Northern Loop Trail, Wonderland Trail from Carbon River Suspension Bridge to Frozen Lake, & associated backcountry campgrounds. White River & Sunrise Roads…
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Caution
Be cautious around park rivers & learn how to cross safely!
Many hikers underestimate the power of moving water. Regardless of your knowledge, skills, and experience use these pointers in making wise decisions before attempting to cross a river.
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Notice
The following regular winter season road closures are in place: Paradise Valley, Ricksecker Point, Stevens Canyon, White River, & Sunrise Roads. Closed roads may be open to bicycling when work is not underway on the road. Always check signs on closed road gates before proceeding.
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Notice
Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project: Trail Impacts
Summerland Trailhead is closed at Fryingpan Creek Bridge due to construction through 2029. No pedestrians are allowed on White River Road through the closure zone past Fryingpan Creek Bridge. Bicyclists may travel the closed road but must follow all signage & instructions from construction crews.
From the National Park Service, as of October 28, 2026, 5:14 pm. Check nps.gov before you go.
Latest news
About Mount Rainier
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.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- Pacific Northwest
- State
- Washington
- Designation
- National Park
- Entrance fee
- $30, private vehicle
- Hikes on this page
- 9
- Places to see
- 21
- Articles
- 13
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Mount Rainier.
Entrance fees
- $30 Private Vehicle 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.
- $15 Per Person
- $25 Motorcycle
Passes
- $55 Annual Entrance - Park
Hours
Open 24 hours a day, every day.
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.
Weather and when to go
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.
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.
- Gateway towns
- Ashford, WA · Packwood, WA
- Nearest airports
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Contact the park
- Address
- 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304
- Phone
- (360) 569-2211
- morainfo@nps.gov
- Official site
- nps.gov/mora
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Mount Rainier
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Where to stay for Mount Rainier
The gateway towns, closest first. Add your dates in the planner to search for your own nights.
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Ashford, WA Closest
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Packwood, WA
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Guided tours and trips
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Things to do in Mount Rainier
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
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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, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon Rive…
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Hike to Silver Falls
Enjoy a moderate, family-friendly loop hike through the forest to a beautiful waterfall along the Ohanapecosh River.
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Hike to Spray Falls
Enjoy a short hike from Mowich Lake to a large cascading waterfall fed by a glacier.
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Hike Rampart Ridge
This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.
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Camping at Mount Rainier
Enjoy an extended, relaxing visit to Mount Rainier in one of the park's campgrounds.
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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 cooperate. There is still so much to appreciate on days…
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Explore Longmire in Winter
Make a day of it by visiting in Longmire in winter. Hike or snowshoe through the forest with views of Mount Rainier and bubbling mineral springs. Explore the Longmire Historic Dis…
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A Day In Longmire
Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.
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Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire
Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire to honor the Mount Rainier National Park Rangers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Places to see
Viewpoints
Natural features
History & culture
Campgrounds in Mount Rainier
Run by the park service. Reservable sites book on Recreation.gov; first-come sites do not.
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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 steep canyon, curv…
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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…
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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 with the Nisqually River ac…
Reading about Mount Rainier
What to pack for Mount Rainier
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
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