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 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 - SUMMER

Summer ranger programs are typically July - 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
Afternoon Ranger Programs Join our Interpretive Rangers for talks, walks, or "Pop-Up" programs in the plaza just outside the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Daily pop-up programs and weekend talks or walks are scheduled. (Programs may be held inside if weather requires).	Inquire at the visitor center information desk for program information or call 360-569-6575
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. Station located in the plaza outside the Jackson Visitor Center (inside visitor center if weather requires). Length varies.	Thurs - Fri - Sat 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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.	Fri - Sat - Sun 9:45 pm - 11:45 pm
Check Bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.

 

Longmire/Cougar Rock Campground - SUMMER

Summer ranger programs are typically July - 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 Join a ranger to learn about and discuss park natural and cultural resources. 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.

Fri - Sat 8:15 pm - 9:00 pm

 

Sunrise/White River Campground - SUMMER

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.	TBD
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.	TBD
Check bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.

 

Ohanapecosh - SUMMER

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.	TBD
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.	TBD
Check Bulletin boards for additional Junior Ranger programs, special programs, and schedule updates.

 

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.

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.	Check back winter of 2022-2023	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.