Plan Your Visit

Five scenes of Mount Rainier National Park (left to right): temperate rain forest, historic building, old growth forest, subalpine meadow, and the mountain at sunrise.

NPS Photos

 

Places To Go

Mount Rainier has five developed areas: Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River & 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.

If you are planning a summer trip to Mount Rainier, consider visiting mid-week, which is generally less crowded. Parking is limited in many areas of the park. Wait times at the Nisqually and White River Entrances can be over an hour on the very busiest summer weekends and holidays. Entering the park before 10:00 am or after 2:30 pm can help avoid delays when visitation is heavy. Plan ahead and follow these tips to avoid summer congestion.

Check out the Story Map "Mount Rainier: Off the Beaten Path" for more ideas to help plan your visit!

 

Basic Information

Essential information necessary to plan your visit includes fees, hours of operation, road status, weather, and current conditions. Print or download trail maps and other brochures before your visit. All this and more can be found under Basic Information.

Directions & Transportation

Directions to the park's five entrances from the surrounding areas, as well as maps of the park.

Eating and Sleeping

Learn about lodging, restaurants, and campgrounds within Mount Rainier National Park.

 

Hikers enjoy the view at Snow Lake. This trail is popular with day hikers, but also has options for backcountry camping.

NPS Photo

Things To Do

From hiking and climbing, to wildflower viewing and ranger-led programs, there are a variety of things to do at Mount Rainier.

Calendar

Information about events, programs, and fee free days.

Safety

Mount Rainier can be extremely dangerous if you are not prepared. Learn about geohazards, hiking safety, wildlife safety, and winter safety to ensure an enjoyable visit.

 

Snow and frost transforms the mountain and its forests. Photo taken from in front of the Longmire Community Building.

NPS Photo

Winter at Mount Rainier

While many park facilities and roads close during the winter months, winter also brings new opportunities for enjoying the park. Learn about winter recreation and winter travel.

Accessibility

Although many of the developed areas at Mount Rainier National Park predate laws requiring fully accessible facilities, we are working to ensure that all visitors can experience and enjoy the park. Learn more about accessibility in the different areas of the park.

Nearby Attractions

Mount Rainier is within a half–day's drive of numerous recreational and educational opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.

 

NPS Trip Planner

Know Before You Go!  Use the NPS Trip Planner to help plan for your trip and avoid common mistakes. Make your fun adventure a safe one too!