• Mount Rainier peeks through clouds, viewed across subalpine wildflowers and glacial moraine.

    Mount Rainier

    National Park Washington

Field Trip Safety and Equipment

Trip planning and preparation are key to a safe and fun educational experience. Be advised that the weather can change quickly and dramatically so program participants should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions at any time of year.

Please note that although the weather at your school or home may be fall- or spring-like, it may be winter conditions at the park. Please have your students dress in layers with warm waterproof clothing, and plan accordingly for everyone's comfort and safety.

WEATHER
Check the park’s weather forecast before leaving school.

WINTER DRIVING
Washington State Law requires all vehicles (even all- or four-wheel drive) to carry the correct tire chains during winter travel. Be sure that your bus driver is carrying chains.

A WILD & DYNAMIC LANDSCAPE
Mount Rainier is an active volcano and a dynamic natural landscape. A visit to the park may involve exposure to volcanic and other natural hazards such as debris flows, floods, eruptive events, earthquakes, wildlife encounters, slips, trips, falls, exposure to extreme weather conditions, and others. The best thing you can do is be prepared and ensure that your students are prepared and follow all park regulations and staff instructions.

We look forward to working with you and your students and providing a safe and fun educational experience.

Did You Know?

Floyd Schmoe, Mount Rainier's first full-time Park Naturalist.

Floyd Schmoe was Mount Rainier's first full-time Park Naturalist.  In 1923, he launched the park's "Nature Notes", a series of writings on various park-related topics.  There are hundreds of editions of the notes in the park's collection, all of which are accessible through the Mount Rainier History & Culture webpage: More...