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 Longmire & 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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Longmire & Paradise - WINTER

Winter programs depend on snow conditions and can change unexpectedly due to weather. The Longmire-Paradise road is open only on weekends for the 2022-2023 season and 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 for the 2022-2023 season due to a lack of staffing to ensure safe access. Learn more about winter recreation.

Program	Dates	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.	December 2022 - March 2023	Sat & Sun 11:00 am (as staffing allows)
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.	January 17, 2023-March	Wed 1:30 pm
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.	January 17, 2023-March	Tues & Fri 1:30 pm

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.

 

 

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).	Check back summer of 2023
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.	Check back summer of 2023
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 of 2023

 

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.

Check back summer of 2023

 

Sunrise/White River Campground - SUMMER

Summer ranger programs are typically July - September.

Program	Days & Times
Sunrise Ranger Talk Join a ranger for a short talk about a variety of topics including local tribal history, tribal language, glaciers, rivers, and more. Check park bulletin boards for details. Meet at the Sunrise Visitor Center flagpole. 20-30 minutes.	Check back summer of 2023
Sunrise Ranger Walk Join a ranger for an deucational walk. Walk is about one mile in length with the ranger, then return to the parking area on your own or continue hiking. Meet at the Sunrise Visitor Center flagpole. Approx 60 minutes. Check park bulletin boards for details.	Check back summer of 2023
White River Campfire Talk Join a Rangerat the White River amphitheater to learn about Mount Rainier’s glaciers, how they are changing, and how these changes might affect the park’s ecosystem and the vulnerable species living here.	Check back summer of 2023

 

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. Event time is subject to change. Check signboards or ask a ranger on arrival.	Check back summer of 2023