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.
Winter Recreation - Guided snowshoe walks and other activities at Paradise during the winter season.
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
Paradise Plaza Program
Join a Ranger for an approximately 15-minute (stationary) program in the plaza by the Paradise Visitor Center. Topics vary by day and Ranger, so check at the front desk for today's subject!
11:00 AM, Daily in September 2024
Paradise Ranger Guided Walk
Join a Ranger to Discover Paradise. Meet the Ranger by the flagpole in the plaza next to
the Paradise Visitor Center. Explore questions about the human and/or natural history
of the park on this easy to moderate walk. 60-75 minutes with the ranger, return on
your own (20-30 minutes). Up to 1.5 miles roundtrip.
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Daily in September 2024
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. 2 hours.
8:30 – 10:30 PM
Friday – Sunday Nights in September 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/or 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.
8:00 – 8:45 pm
Thursday - Saturday Nights
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 front desk for the latest information. Meet at the Flagpole outside of the Sunrise Visitor Center. 20 – 30 minutes.
10 am and 2 pm
Daily
Sunrise Junior Ranger Programs
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. Meet at the Flagpole outside of the Sunrise Visitor Center. 20 – 30 minutes.
Friday, Sept 6, 2 pm
Sunday, Sept 8, 10 am
Special Lunch Hour Ranger Program
Dig into some copper legends based in the dramatic wilderness with a special lunchtime Ranger program.
Fine print: nuggets of copper or food are not included, but we can offer nuggets of mining drama! Pack your own lunch or snack and claim your 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. 60 minutes.
12 - 1 pm
Runs just once
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 next winter!
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 next winter!
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 next winter!
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.
