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. 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.

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Paradise - Summer Longmire/Cougar Rock Campground - Summer Longmire & Paradise - Winter

Sunrise/White River Campground - Summer Ohanapecosh - Summer

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

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Paradise - Summer Programs

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

Program	Days & Times
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. Programs are on the first floor of the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise or just outside the visitor center. Inquire at the information desk for more information. Other Ranger Programs: Inquire about additional Ranger Programs in September at the Paradise Visitor Center information desk. Programs may include guided walks, plaza programs,and indoor talks.	Hours vary, Daily
Night Skies Program (weather permitting) Join our Night Skies Team for telescope sky viewing and night skies talks/discussions. Meet in the plaza outside the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. If weather makes viewing difficult, our Night Skies Team will be available for questions and to help make "Star Finders" that you can use on the next clear night. Call the Astronomy hotline number at 360-569-6230 for scheduling updates. 2 hours.	Check back summer 2024

 

Longmire/Cougar Rock Campground - Summer Programs

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

Program	Days & Times
Evening Program Explore questions about Mount Rainier's human and natural history. Join a ranger and other visitors to discuss and learn about the park. 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.	Check back summer 2024

 

Sunrise/White River Campground - Summer Programs

Summer ranger programs are typically July to September.

Program	Days & Times
Sunrise Ranger Programs Join a ranger for a short talk, walk, or guided hike, depending on scheduling and availability. Check in at the Sunrise Visitor Center for the latest information.	Check back summer 2024

 

Ohanapecosh - Summer Programs

Summer ranger programs are typically July to September. Programs are subject to change due to staff availability. Please inquire locally at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center – ask a ranger or check the whiteboards for an updated schedule.

Program	Days & 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. Check signboards or ask a ranger on arrival. Parents, please stay with your Junior Rangers. Approx. 45 minutes to an hour. Drop in anytime during the program up to 10 minutes before it ends.	Check back summer 2024
Patio Talk A basic geology discussion outside the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. Length varies from 20 to 45 minutes.	Check back summer 2024
Evening Program Join the Ohanapecosh Rangers for evening fun at the Campitheater, located just across the bridge over the river on the right at the Ohanapecosh Campground. Friday and Sunday evenings feature a singalong and time for questions. Saturday's theme is "Your Public Lands – Past and Present." Arrive early for a pre-show Parks Quiz at 7:50pm. The campitheater has no benches. Please bring chairs, blankets, a flashlight, food, and non-alcoholic beverages.	Check back summer 2024

 

Longmire & Paradise - 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.

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 2023-2024
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 2023-2024
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 2023-2024

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 [phone] for school group reservations.