1) Enumclaw (www.enumclawchamber.com, 360-825-7666): A variety of services are available including groceries, dining, lodging, gas, and shopping. Stop by the jointly operated National Park Service and Forest Service information center as you drive out of town for maps and other area information.
2) Mud Mountain Dam (www.nws.usace.army.mil, 360-825-3211 or 206-764-3717): Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this flood control dam provides recreational opportunities including viewing the dam, picnicking, hiking, biking, a wading pool for children, or riding your horse in a scenic woodland setting.
3) Federation Forest State Park (www.parks.wa.gov, 360-663-2207): Enjoy the beauty and diversity of old-growth trees such as the Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and western redcedar. Enjoy the forest hiking along 12 miles of trails or short interpretive trails that are ideal for children. Visit the interpretive center, gift shop, or bring a lunch to the picnic area along the White River.
4) Greenwater: Groceries, dining, gas, and gift shops. This is the last town for services before entering the park. Gas is not available within Mount Rainier National Park.
5) The Dalles Campground (www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/activities/campgrounds/ index.shtml): Forest Service campground with 44 camp sites.
6) Skookum Flats Trail and other Forest Service trails (www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/ activities/trails, 360-825-6585): The Skookum Flats Trail follows the White River for 8.2 miles one-way and ends at the park boundary. Other trail opportunities are available throughout the forest for all levels of hikers.
7) Silver Springs Campground (www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/activities/campgrounds/ index.shtml): Forest Service campground with 55 camp sites.
8) Crystal Mountain (www.skicrystal.com, 360-663-3050 guest services, 360-663-2265 main office): After winter skiing and snowboarding have concluded, other opportunities abound during summer including hiking, biking, dining, and a ski lift to the summit for panoramic views.
9) Enter Mount Rainier National Park passing under the north arch: Drive through dense old-growth forests.
10) White River Entrance: Restrooms, hiking, backpacking, and other park information is available at the White River Ranger Station.
11) White River Campground: A first-come first-served campground with 122 camp sites. Restrooms and picnic tables are available.
12) White River Patrol Cabin:
13) Emmons Moraine Trail (3-miles, 2 hours roundtrip): This easy 3-mile round trip hike takes you through forests and waterfalls to a spectacular view of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier. Hike on top of rocks called moraines, deposited by the Emmons Glacier. Glaciers are powerful forces that shaped and continue to shape Mount Rainier.
14) Sunrise: Interpretive programs, snack bar, gift shop, bookstore, visitor center, exhibits, hiking, and restrooms are available. Mount Rainier towers over the 25 named glaciers on its slopes and dwarfs the Sunrise area. Enjoy breathtaking views along numerous trails through wildflower meadows and the tundra environment above treeline.
15) Tipsoo Lake: Interpretive exhibits, hiking, and restrooms. No potable water is available. Walk along the shores of Tipsoo Lake taking in fragrant wildflowers of summer or the vivid colors of fall.
16) Ohanapecosh: Drive south on Highway 123 to the Ohanapecosh area. Interpretive programs, campground, visitor center, exhibits, bookstore, hiking, and restrooms are available.
17) Silver Falls (3-miles, 2 hours roundtrip): Hike along the Ohanapecosh River through old-growth forests to a thundering 75-foot waterfall.
18) Grove of the Patriarchs (1.3-miles, 1 hour roundtrip): Hike this 1.3-mile roundtrip trail among the towering giants of the park, thousand year old Douglas-fir and western red cedar trees.
19) Paradise: Interpretive programs, dining, gift shop, visitor center, bookstore, exhibits, hiking, and restrooms are available. The Paradise area provides opportunities to view wildflower meadows, glaciers, and wildlife.
20) Longmire: Interpretive programs, dining, gift shop, museum, exhibits, hiking, backpacking, and restrooms are available. Take a walk into the past on the self-guided Historic Longmire Walking Tour. The Longmire area encompasses the largest number of historic buildings in the park. Take a leisurely stroll along the Trail of Shadows to learn about the human and natural history of the area.
21) Exit the park through the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park.
