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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. 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!
June 27 - Sept 28
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.
July 12 - Sept 28
Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays
1:30 – 3 pm
60 – 75 minutes:
Hike up with the ranger,
20 – 30 minutes; return solo.
Up to 1.5 miles roundtrip.
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" using telescopes and binoculars (and even lasers).
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.
August 29 - mid-Sept
Sundays Obly
8:30 – 9:30 pm
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 4 - Sept 28
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 5 to 12 are invited to join a ranger to explore, learn about, and help protect Mount Rainier. Parents, please stay with your Junior Rangers.
July 11 - Sept 28
Saturdays only
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.
Sept 4 - Sept 28
Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays
7:30 - 8:30 pm
1 hour
Sunrise
Meet at the Flagpole outside of the Sunrise Visitor Center
Talks, Walks, Guided Hikes
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.
TBD
10 am and
2 pm
20 – 30 minutes
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.
TBD
Check back
summer 2025
Approximately 30 minutes
Sunrise
Meet at the Sunrise Picnic Area
Special Lunch Hour Ranger Program
Dig into some copper legends based in the dramatic wilderness with a special lunchtime Ranger program.
Note: food is not provided. Pack your own lunch or snack and claim a 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.
TBD
12 – 1 pm
60 minutes
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.
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.
December – March
Saturdays & Sundays
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.