Last updated: January 23, 2024
Place
Paradise
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Paradise
Significance:
National Historic Landmark
Designation:
National Historic Landmark
Amenities
38 listed
Accessible Rooms, Accessible Sites, Assistive Listening Systems, Audio Description, Audio Description - Live, Benches/Seating, Captioned Media, Cellular Signal, Fire Extinguisher, First Aid Kit Available, Food/Drink - Bar/Alcohol For Sale, Food/Drink - Cafeteria, Food/Drink - Coffee, Food/Drink - Ice Cream, Food/Drink - Restaurant/Table Service, Food/Drink - Snacks, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Park Newspaper Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Internet/WiFi Available, Low-Vision Access, Open Captioning, Parking - Auto, Permits Issued, Picnic Table, Recycling, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Telephone, Toilet - Flush, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Water - Drinking/Potable, Wheelchair Accessible
Season: Year-Round
Winter/Spring (October - June): Most Paradise facilities, including Paradise Inn, close for the winter. The Paradise Road closes for the night during the winter and may remain closed during the day, depending on weather and current conditions. Always check alerts and road status before starting your trip. Snow can linger well into June or even July.
Summer/Fall (July - September): Wildflower peak bloom is typically late July or early August, with fall color starting in September. Paradise is an extremely popular destination. From May 24 - September 2, 2024, timed entry reservations are required to enter the Paradise Corridor between 7:00 am and 3:00 pm.
“Oh, what a paradise!” said James Longmire’s daughter, Martha, when she first saw the area made famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. With some of the best views of Mount Rainier, Paradise offers a unique perspective of the mountain in all seasons. In the spring and summer enjoy the many wildflowers that decorate the mountainside. In winter Paradise offers a winter wonderland, receiving on average 643 inches (53.6 feet/16.3 meters) of snow in a year. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. The road between Longmire and Paradise is plowed but closes at night during the winter.
Paradise is located just south of Mount Rainier and is 19 miles (30 kilometers) east of the Nisqually Entrance. The park's main visitor center, the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, is located in the upper parking area and is open in the summer and with limited days and hours in the winter. Inside the visitor center are accessible restrooms, an information desk staffed by a ranger or volunteer, food services, gift shop, park movie, and exhibits about the plants, animals, and the volcano. Stop by the Paradise Wilderness Information Center (WIC), located between the visitor center and Paradise Inn for climbing information and permits during the summer.
Located on the east side of the upper parking lot, the historic Paradise Inn is open during the summer season. Built in 1917, the Paradise Inn allows people to take photos of rustic architecture, enjoy a meal in the dining room, or just relax and enjoy the stately lobby.
Hiking
Open year-round, weather permitting, Paradise offers the best recreational opportunities no matter the season. In the spring and summer take the one mile round-trip trek on the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls. The trailhead is located on the north side of the upper parking lot, next to the visitor center. Suitable for wheelchairs with help, and strollers this trail offers an iconic view of a waterfall in front of a Mount Rainier backdrop. In winter check out the Nisqually Vista Trail which leaves from the lower Paradise parking lot. This trail is 1.2 miles round-trip and offers excellent views of the Nisqually River drainage. Many trails start from the Muir steps (pictured) at Paradise, including Skyline Trail to Panorama Point or continue on the big jaunt to Camp Muir. Whatever your skill level, Paradise has something to offer and excellent views in all seasons waiting just outside your vehicle. Learn more about Paradise.