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.

 

Summer Programs

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

Location	Program	Days	Times	Duration
Paradise Meet in the plaza by the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise	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!	May-September Daily	11 am	20 minutes, approximately
Paradise Meet by the flagpole in the plaza next to the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise	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. Up to 1.5 miles roundtrip, on a paved trail.	July 3 - Sept 7 Daily	2 – 3:30 pm	1 hour 30 minutes
Paradise Meet in the plaza by the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise	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". Feel free to bring a blanket or camping chair for more comfortable viewing. Call the Astronomy hotline at 360-569-6230 for scheduling updates.	July 4 - Sept 7 Sat & Sun	11 - 11:45 pm	45 min - 1 hour
Paradise Meet in the lobby of the Paradise Inn	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. The Paradise Inn is on the east side of the upper parking lot at Paradise.	July 3 - Sept 7 Fridays	8:30 – 9:30 pm	45 minutes - 1 hour
Longmire / Cougar Rock Campground Meet at the Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater	Junior Ranger Programs Children ages 4 to 12 are invited to join a ranger to explore, learn about, and help protect Mount Rainier. Parents or guardians must stay with your Junior Rangers. An easy 0.25-mile paved walk in the campground might be included.	July 4 - Sept 7 Sat, Sun, & Wed	10 - 11 am	1 hour
Longmire / Cougar Rock Campground Meet at the Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater Parking at the campground is limited.	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. If you attend the program but are not camping, please park in the Cougar Rock Picnic Area across the park road from the campground.	July 4 - Sept 7 Thurs - Mon	8:45-9:45 pm* *Start times may adjust with sunset throughout the summer, check at visitor centers for updated times.	45 minutes - 1 hour
Sunrise Meet at the Flagpole outside of the Sunrise Visitor Center	Ranger Guided Hike Join a ranger for a guided hike (1 to 1.5 miles, easy difficulty) to explore the Sunrise area. Topics vary by day and ranger, so check at the front desk for today's subject!	July - August Thurs - Sun	10 -11:30 am	90 minutes
Sunrise Meet at the Flagpole outside of the Sunrise Visitor Center	Plaza Talk Join a ranger to learn more about the natural and cultural history of Mount Rainier (stationary program). Topics vary by day and ranger, so check at the front desk for today's subject!	July - August Daily	11 am & 1:30 pm	15 minutes, approximately
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 2026!	TBD	Approximately 30 minutes

 

Winter Programs

Winter programs depend on snow conditions and can change unexpectedly due to weather. The gate at Longmire to Paradise closes nightly during the winter for public safety so make sure to check Alerts for daily road status updates 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	Duration
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/1.5 miles. Limit 25 people.	Check back next winter! Saturday & Sunday only	11 am	2 hours
NOTE Snowshoes for ranger-led walks are provided by the park. 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. Email us to schedule school group reservations.

 

Program Calendar