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

    Mount Rainier

    National Park Washington

Research

Who Needs a Research Permit?
A Scientific Research and Collecting Permit is required for activities pertaining to research studies, including social science studies in National Park System areas that involve fieldwork, specimen collection, and/or have the potential to disturb resources or visitors. Thus, social science surveys, monitoring, and collecting activities all require a Research Permit, as does traditional, hypothesis-driven, research. To discuss your particular situation, please email the park's Research Coordinator.

Please go to the National Park Service Permit System to apply for a Research Permit.

Information Specific to Social Scientists
If you plan to conduct surveys in Mount Rainier National Park, you may need to obtain clearance for you survey instrument form the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Detailed instructions for obtaining OMB clearance can be found at the NPS Social Science Program.

You must obtain a Research Permit from the park as well. Mount Rainier National Park has many surveys being conducted, most occurring in June, July, and August. To minimize the likelihood that visitors will be approached by multiple surveyors, the park carefully considers both the location and timing of survey distribution. The Research Coordinator will contact you to discuss details after they receive your permit application.

 

Past Research
Brief summaries of ongoing and past research studies completed within the park.

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  • Science Learning Network Science Learning Network

    Go in-depth and behind the scenes to discover how scientists are protecting our northwest national parks. Read More

Did You Know?

Mount Rainier summit with Mount Adams in the distance.

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the highest peak in the Cascade Range. From various locations around the park you can see four other Cascade volcanoes: Mount Saint Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Baker, and Glacier Peak. On a clear day, you can see the tip of Mount Hood, in northern Oregon, from Paradise Meadows.