National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Mount Rainier National ParkFall colors decorate the hillside surrounding the historic road tunnel on SR 123
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Mount Rainier National Park
Plan Your Visit
 
Five scenes of Mount Rainier National Park: old growth forest, a building in the historic district, a meadow in summer, the mountain at sunrise, and a temperate rainforest.
NPS Photos
Five scenes of Mount Rainier National Park (left to right): old growth forest, a building in the historic district, a meadow in summer, the mountain at sunrise, and a temperate rainforest.
 

Mount Rainier has five developed areas: Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon/Mowich.  Although the level of development in these areas ranges from basic -little more than a campground and picnic area- to extensive -hotel, restaurant, visitor center, campgrounds and picnic areas- each can serve as a base for exploring the rest of the park. Learn more about each of these areas:
   Longmire 
   Paradise
   Ohanapecosh    
   Sunrise
   Carbon and Mowich


Be Prepared for the Weather
July and August are generally sunny and mild, with the chance of showers. The rest of the year is usually quite rainy, with heavy snowfall from November through April. Raingear is recommended year round. Trails are steep and well maintained in summer and snow covered and difficult to follow in winter. Check the weather for current conditions.

Have a Safe Trip
Mount Rainier, an active volcano, is a dynamic landscape. Review this safety information before you visit the park and practice the safety tips while you are at Mount Rainier.

 

Around the Park

Trees and lush vegetation in the Carbon River Rainforest.  

Did You Know?
The Carbon River Valley receives about 70 - 90 inches of rain a year. Abundant rainfall and mild temperatures have created an inland temperate rainforest. Explore the Carbon River Rainforest on the 1/4 mile loop trail and learn about the rainforest ecosystem from exhibits located along the trail.

Last Updated: June 16, 2009 at 14:39 EST