Ranger-led Programs

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, as well as in the park newspaper. Details and short descriptions of some evening programs are also available in the calender of events.

 

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

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Paradise - Summer Paradise - Winter Longmire/Cougar Rock Campground

Sunrise/White River Campground Ohanapecosh

• Winter Recreation - Guided snowshoe walks and other activities at Paradise during the winter season.

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Paradise - WINTER

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-March on weekends and holidays.

The Paradise Sledding Area is CLOSED and has not yet opened for the season. The sledding area does not open until there is sufficient snow coverage. Learn more about winter recreation.

NOTE: The Jackson Visitor Center remains closed and there are no indoor warm facilities at Paradise this winter. Visitors will need to rely on personal vehicles for shelter during the day. Please plan accordingly.

Program	Dates	Times
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.	Programs postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.	11:00 am and 1:30 pm (as staffing allows)

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 [phone] for school group reservations.

 

 

Paradise - SUMMER

Programs postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Look for rangers at outdoor information stations near the visitor center. Summer ranger programs are typically July - September.

Program	Days & Times
Explore Mount Rainier Explore the various facets of Mount Rainier in a guided walk with a ranger. Meet at the flagpole in front of Jackson Visitor Center. Up to 1.5 miles round trip. 90 minutes.	--
Discover Paradise Dive into the resources of Mount Rainier in this immersive program. This experience changes daily. See park bulletin boards for details. Meet at the visitor center flagpole. 90 minutes.	--
Paradise Junior Ranger Program Drop in and join a ranger for a host of fun, family activities around Paradise to earn your Junior Ranger patch! Ages 6-11. Meet on the mountain side of the visitor center. Length varies.	--
One Hundred Years of the Paradise Inn Join a ranger to discover fascinating stories of Paradise area and the historic Paradise Inn. Meet in the lobby of the Inn. 30 minutes.	--
Night Skies Program (weather permitting) Observe the wonders of the night sky from the slopes of Mount Rainier. Meet in front of the Paradise Visitor Center. Check the astronomy hotline for current information [phone]. 2 hours.	--
Paradise Inn Evening Program Enjoy an evening with a ranger in the historic lobby of the Paradise Inn. Topics vary. Inquire at either the visitor center or the lobby of the Inn for program descriptions. 45 minutes.	--
Mountain Tales Discover the people and places that make up the story of Mount Rainier. Meet at the map in the visitor center. 30 minutes.	--
Check Bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.

 

Longmire/Cougar Rock Campground - SUMMER

Programs postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Look for rangers at outdoor information stations near the Longmire Museum. Summer ranger programs are typically July - September.

Program	Days & Times
Junior Ranger Program Join a ranger for fun and educational activities! Ages 6 to 11. Meet at the Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater. 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. 45 minutes.	--
Evening Program Join a ranger or volunteer for a program that involves, inspires, and explores! Topics vary nightly. Meet at the Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater. 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. 45 minutes.	--

 

Sunrise/White River Campground - SUMMER

Programs postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Look for rangers at outdoor information stations near the visitor center. Summer ranger programs are typically July - September.

Program	Days & Times
Junior Ranger Station Join a ranger to explore the many stories of Mount Rainier. Play games, take challenges, do puzzles, and more! Stay as long as you would like.	--
Discover Sunrise Dive into the resources of Mount Rainier during this immersive program. This experience changes daily. Check park bulletin boards for details. Meet at the Sunrise Visitor Center flagpole. 90 minutes.	--
Evening Program Take an in-depth look at a special topic of Mount Rainier National Park during a traditional campfire talk. Meet at the campfire circle in the White River Campground. 45 minutes.	--
Check bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.

 

Ohanapecosh - SUMMER

Programs postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Look for rangers at outdoor information stations near the visitor center. Summer ranger programs are typically July - September.

Program	Days and Times
Junior Ranger Program Children ages 6 to 11 are invited to join a ranger to explore, learn about, and help protect Mount Rainier. Meet at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. Parents, please stay with your Junior Rangers. 45 minutes.	--
Evening Program Join a ranger or volunteer for a program that involves, inspires, and explores! Topics vary nightly. Meet at the Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater. 45 minutes.	--
Junior Scientists Join a ranger to work as a scientist studying the forests and rivers of Ohanapecosh. This program is best for children nine and older. Meet at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. 1 hour.	--
Discover the Grove of the Patriarchs Dive into the resources of Mount Rainier during this immersive program. This experience changes daily. Check park bulletin boards for details. Meet at the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot. 1 hour.	--
Check Bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.