Mount Rainier

Ranger-led Programs

Early ranger leading campfire program
An early ranger leading a campfire program.

NPS Photo

Since the early days of the National Park Service, rangers have shared their knowledge through the presentation of interpretive programs – guided walks, talks, and campfire programs for visitors of all ages. Today, that long-standing tradition continues.

Please join the Mount Rainier interpretive staff for a variety of free programs, ranging from informal talks at park visitor centers to junior ranger programs for kids to evening campfire programs. Topics vary from day to day, and may include geology, wildlife, ecology, mountaineering, or park history. Most programs are available from late-June until Labor Day. Schedules are posted throughout the park. Details and short descriptions of some evening programs are also available in the calendar of events.
 

Find the program to fit your visit

Most ranger-led programs are offered in the summer months, typically July to September, in locations throughout the park. However, guided snowshoe walks and other programs are offered in the winter at Paradise.

Summer Programs

Summer ranger programs are typically July to September.
Days and times are subject to sudden change. Call the Longmire Museum day-of at 360-569-6575 to check on scheduled program availability.

Location

Program

Days

Times

Duration

Paradise

Meet on the first floor of the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise or just outside the visitor center.
Ranger Pop-Up Programs

Explore Mount Rainier at a staffed or unstaffed "pop-up" program. These are usually table based pre-made programs that you can explore on your own. Inquire at the information desk for more information.
Daily Times vary Durations vary
Paradise

Meet in the plaza by the Paradise Visitor Center
Plaza Program

Join a Ranger for a stationary program. Topics vary by day and Ranger, so check at the front desk for today's subject!
Daily in September 2024 11 am 15 minutes, approximately
Paradise

Meet by the flagpole in the plaza next to the Paradise Visitor Center
Ranger Guided Walk

Join a Ranger to Discover Paradise. Explore questions about the human and/or natural history of the park on this easy to moderate walk.
Daily in September 2024 1 – 2:30 pm 60 – 75 minutes: Hike up with the ranger.
20 – 30 minutes: return solo.
Up to 1.5 miles roundtrip.
Paradise

Meet in the plaza by the Paradise Visitor Center
Night Skies Program (weather permitting)

Everyone's invited to a star party at Paradise! Explore the value of a dark night sky as you tour the universe with our "Dark Sky Rangers" using telescopes and binoculars (and even lasers). Meet in the plaza outside the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. If weather makes viewing difficult, Dark Sky Rangers will be available for questions and to help make "Star Finders" that you can use on the next clear night. Call the Astronomy hotline at 360-569-6230 for scheduling updates.
Friday – Sunday Nights in September 2024 8:30 – 10:30 pm 2 hours
Paradise

Meet in the plaza by the Paradise Visitor Center
Junior Ranger Programs

Children ages 6 to 11 are invited to join a ranger to explore, learn about, and help protect Mount Rainier. Check signboards or ask a ranger on arrival. Parents, please stay with your Junior Rangers.
Thursday – Sunday in September 2024 Check back soon 30 – 60 minutes
Longmire / Cougar Rock Campground Meet at the Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater Evening Program

Explore questions about Mount Rainier's human and/or natural history. Join a ranger and other visitors to discuss and learn about the park. Parking at the campground is limited. If you attend the program but are not camping, please park in the Cougar Rock Picnic Area across the park road from the campground.
Saturday Evenings 8:00 – 8:45 pm 45 minutes
Sunrise

Meet at the Flagpole outside of the Sunrise Visitor Center
Talks, Walks, Guided Hikes

Join a ranger for a short talk, walk, or guided hike, depending on scheduling and availability. Check in at the front desk for the latest information.
Check back
summer 2025
10 am and
2 pm
20 – 30 minutes
Sunrise

Meet outside the Sunrise Visitor Center
Sunrise Junior Ranger Programs

Children ages 6 to 11 are invited to join a ranger to explore, learn about, and help protect Mount Rainier. Check signboards or ask a ranger on arrival. Parents, please stay with your Junior Rangers.
Check back
summer 2025
Approximately 30 minutes Check back
summer 2025
Sunrise

Meet at the Sunrise Picnic Area
Special Lunch Hour Ranger Program

Dig into some copper legends based in the dramatic wilderness with a special lunchtime Ranger program.

Note: food is not provided. Pack your own lunch or snack and claim a spot at the Sunrise Picnic Area for an engaging lunchtime program. All events are weather permitting; check in at the Sunrise Visitor Center for the latest updates.
Check back
summer 2025
12 – 1 pm 60 minutes
Ohanapecosh

Meet at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
Junior Ranger Program

Children ages 6 to 11 are invited to join a ranger to explore, learn about, and help protect Mount Rainier. Check signboards or ask a ranger on arrival. Parents, please stay with your Junior Rangers.
Check back
summer 2025
Check back
summer 2025
Check back
summer 2025
Ohanapecosh

Meet at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
Patio Talk

A basic geology discussion.
Check back
summer 2025
Check back
summer 2025
Check back
summer 2025
Ohanapecosh

Meet at the Ohanapecosh Camphitheater
Evening Program

Join the Ohanapecosh Rangers for evening fun. Friday and Sunday evenings feature a singalong and time for questions. Themes vary. Arrive early for a pre-show Parks Quiz. The campitheater has no benches. Please bring chairs, blankets, a flashlight, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Check back
summer 2025
Check back
summer 2025
Check back
summer 2025


Winter Programs

Winter ranger programs are typically July to September.
Days and times are subject to sudden change. Call the Longmire Museum day-of at 360-569-6575 to check on scheduled program availability.

Location

Program

Days

Times

Duration

Paradise

Meet inside the Jackson Visitor Center near the Information Desk.
Guided Snowshoe Walks (first-come, first served)

Join a park ranger to learn the art of snowshoeing and discover how plants, animals, and people adapt to the challenging winter conditions at Mount Rainier. Sign-ups begin one hour in advance of scheduled time; all snowshoe walk participants must be present at sign-up.

Limit 25 people.
Check back
winter 2024
Check back
winter 2024
2 hours
Longmire

Meet at the Longmire Museum.
Guided Walk

Join a park ranger for a walk on the 3/4-mile Trail of the Shadows. Foot traction devices usually recommended due to compact snow and ice on the trail in winter. Snowshoes provided if needed.
Check back
winter 2024
Check back
winter 2024
75 – 90 minutes
Longmire

Meet at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center
Interpretive Talk

Explore questions about the the park's natural and/or cultural resources with a park ranger.
Check back
winter 2024
1 – 2:30 pm 30 minutes
NOTES
  • Snowshoes for ranger-led walks are provided by the park. An optional $5.00 donation from each snowshoe walk participant helps the park provide snowshoe walks, and repair and replace snowshoes.
  • Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, layers of warm cloths, hats, mittens, and suitable boots. You will sink into the snow even with snowshoes on.
  • The park also offers snowshoe walks to school groups by reservation only. Call (360) 569-6592 for school group reservations.
 

Program Calendar

 

Jump to date

By Park

By State

By Event Type

REPEATING EVENTS
  • Show
  • Hide
Loading Events...
 

Winter Programs

Winter programs depend on snow conditions and can change unexpectedly due to weather. The Longmire-Paradise road closes nightly during the winter so make sure to check the road status before heading out. Winter ranger programs are generally offered late December to March on weekends and holidays. Learn more about winter recreation.

Location Program Days Times
Paradise

Guided Snowshoe Walks - First-come, First-served
Join a park ranger to learn the art of snowshoeing and discover how plants, animals, and people adapt to the challenging winter conditions at Mount Rainier. Meet inside the Jackson Visitor Center near the Information Desk. Sign-ups begin one hour in advance of scheduled time; all snowshoe walk participants must be present at sign-up. 2 hours/1.8 miles. Limit 25 people.

Check back winter 2024

Check back winter 2024
Longmire

Guided Walk
Join an park ranger for a walk on the 3/4-mile Trail of the Shadows in Longmire. Foot traction devices usually recommended due to compact snow and ice on the trail in winter. Snowshoes provided if needed. Meet at the Longmire Museum. 75-90 minutes.

Check back winter 2024 Check back winter 2024
Longmire

Interpretive Talk
Explore questions about the the park's natural and/or cultural resources with a park ranger. Meet at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center. 30 minutes.

Check back winter 2024 Check back winter 2024

NOTE

  • Snowshoes for ranger-led walks are provided by the park. An optional $5.00 donation from each snowshoe walk participant helps the park provide snowshoe walks, and repair and replace snowshoes.
  • Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses, layers of warm cloths, hats, mittens, and suitable boots. You will sink into the snow even with snowshoes on.
  • The park also offers snowshoe walks to school groups by reservation only. Call (360) 569-6592 for school group reservations.

Last updated: September 17, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

Phone:

360 569-2211

Contact Us