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.
Winter Recreation - Guided snowshoe walks and other activities at Paradise during the winter season.
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.
Snowplay/Sledding NOTE: The snowplay/sledding area in Paradise is currently CLOSED for the 2019-2020 season. Sledding and sliding are not allowed in the park except in the designated snow play area at Paradise when it is open. The snowplay area is typically open late December to early March, depending on snow pack. Learn more about the Paradise snow play area and other Winter Recreation.
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.
Sat, Sun, & Holidays
through March
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 (360) 569-6592 for school group reservations.
Paradise - SUMMER
All Programs have ended for the season; check back summer 2020! 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 (360) 569-6230. 2 hours.
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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.
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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.
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Check Bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.
Longmire/Cougar Rock Campground - SUMMER
All Programs have ended for the season; check back summer 2020! 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.
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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.
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Sunrise/White River Campground - SUMMER
All Programs have ended for the season; check back summer 2020! 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.
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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.
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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.
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Check bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.
Ohanapecosh - SUMMER
All Programs have ended for the season; check back summer 2020! 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Check Bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.
