Thing to Do

Mount Rainier: Off the Beaten Path

Mount Rainier National Park

A view from a trail of a glaciated mountain peak rising above a forested valley.
Mount Rainier and Little Tahoma from the Glacier Basin Trail in the White River area.

NPS Photo

Mount Rainier is a defining symbol of the Pacific Northwest landscape. Established in 1899, Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 235,625 acres and protects a variety of ecosystems. Of that amount, 97% of the park has been designated by Congress as wilderness. To experience these resources, the park offers over 270 miles of maintained trails and 147 miles of roads.

Mount Rainier National Park is substantial in size, but congestion still occurs during peak season and during times of nice weather. Escaping the crowds completely can be a challenge, but there are ways to still plan a rewarding visit. This guide provides alternatives to popular locations like Paradise and Sunrise.

However, the secret is out! Even relatively less popular areas can still be busy. To make the most of your visit, try visiting on a weekday, arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to find parking, and have an alternative destination in mind. Here are a few ideas to get you started…

White River

Season: Generally open late June to late September.
Travel Tip: Parking is limited and can fill by early morning. It may be necessary to park along the road and hike in, or try camping at the White River Campground instead of day hiking.

From State Route 410, follow the White River Road to the White River Campground in the northeast corner of the park. Situated among old-growth forest, White River serves as a gateway for climbers and campers alike. This campground offers 112 individual sites. Water and flush toilets available. Fires allowed only in designated areas. Located in White River Campground Loop C, the historic White River Patrol Cabin was built in the late 1920s and is part of a series of patrol cabins linked by trails that helped the early rangers protect the park. Exhibits tell the story of the around-the-mountain system of patrol cabins.

  • Emmons Moraine Trail (3 miles roundtrip, 700 feet elevation gain) – This trail leads along the Emmons Moraine to a view of the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the lower 48 states. Begins in D loop of the White River Campground. Follow the Glacier Basin Trail for one mile; take the left fork and hike along the moraine.
  • Glacier Basin Trail (6.5 miles roundtrip, 1700 elevation gain) – In summer, the meadows of the basin are a rainbow of wildflowers. Watch for mountain goats on the surrounding slopes and mountain climbers ascending the Inter Glacier to Camp Schurman. The Glacier Basin Trail begins in D loop of the White River Campground.
  • Owyhigh Lakes Trail (7 miles roundtrip with return to White River, 1,350 feet elevation gain) – This trail starts along the White River Road and climbs 3.5 miles up to a hanging valley with secluded mountain lakes and wildflower meadows. Return back to White River, or the trail continues and descends down into the Ohanapecosh River Valley where it connects to the Eastside Trail at Deer Creek, an additional 4.9 miles. From Deer Creek, a trail (0.4 miles) connects to SR 123 where a second vehicle can be parked.

Ohanapecosh

NOTE: Due to the Ohanapecosh Campground Construction Project, the entire Ohanapecosh Developed Area is CLOSED until further notice, including all campsites, group camping sites, visitor center, restrooms, auditorium, Ohanapecosh river access, picnic area and parking facilities. Trails in the area are still open. 

Season: Generally open late May to late September. 
Travel Tip: Parking is limited at trailheads. Come early and have a backup plan if parking is full. The nearest restroom is located at the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead near Stevens Canyon Entrance. 

Ohanapecosh is located 3 miles north of the park boundary on State Route 123 in the southeast corner of the park. Ohanapecosh, named for a Taidnapam (Upper Cowlitz) habitation site along the river is thought to mean “standing at the edge”. 

  • Silver Falls Trail (2 miles roundtrip from Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead, 300 feet elevation gain) – The Ohanapecosh River falls majestically 75 feet in a silver spray. Access the Silver Falls Loop Trail from the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot. NOTE: The trailhead in the Ohanapecosh Campground is currently closed due to the Ohanapecosh Construction Project.
  • Eastside Trail (13.3 miles oneway, 3,532 feet elevation gain) – This extensive route connects the subalpine highlands of Chinook Pass and Tipsoo Lake with the deep, lowland forests of the Ohanapecosh area by following Chinook Creek and Ohanapecosh River drainages. Many hikers choose to begin at the trail’s upper end and complete the entire trail as a one-way, downhill trip from Chinook Pass to Ohanapecosh. However, trailheads provide access to the trail at several locations along its length, allowing day-hikers to enjoy shorter sections of the trail.
  • Laughingwater Creek Trail (12 miles roundtrip, 2,700 feet elevation gain) – This less popular trail follows Laughingwater Creek as it climbs up from SR123 to the historic Three Lakes Patrol Cabin next to Three Lakes. Continue past Three Lakes to connect to the Pacific Crest Trail on the eastern border of the park. This is also the only trail in the park that allows livestock.

Stevens Canyon Road

Season: Generally open June to late September.
Travel Tip: Stevens Canyon Road is a popular summer route. Parking can be limited at pullouts and trailheads. Have an alternate plan in mind.

Stevens Canyon Road opened in 1957 and was the first road connecting the east and west sides of the park. There are several pullouts along the road with views of the canyon, and this is a popular drive to view wildflowers and fall foliage. 

  • Box Canyon – From Stevens Canyon Entrance, drive 10.3 miles to the Box Canyon parking lot and picnic area. Take a short walk to the bridge and peer over, almost 180 feet below, to view the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River in a deep, slot canyon. Along the short loop trail pass by smooth polished rock that was sculpted by glaciers.
  • Reflection Lakes – From Box Canyon, drive and additional 7.3 miles and stop to view a set of subalpine lakes known for their ability to showcase Mount Rainier’s reflection. Enjoy more of the area by hiking the High Lakes Loop Trail which climbs through meadows and offers rewarding views of both Louise Lake and Stevens Canyon. Begins at the Reflection Lakes parking lot.

Longmire

Season: Open year-round.
Travel Tip: If the main parking lots at Longmire fill up, additional parking can be found along the road and in front of the Longmire Community Building on the east side of the Nisqually River. NOTE: The Nisqually Suspension Bridge has a weight limit of 3 tons (6,000 pounds or 2721 kilograms). Vehicles over this weight limit CANNOT cross the bridge, including recreational vehicles (campers/trailers/motorhomes), maintenance trucks, box trucks, and medium trucks/SUVs pulling campers or trailers. Large trucks/SUVS can exceed the weight limit even without trailers. If your vehicle cannot cross the bridge, park in the main Longmire parking area near the National Park Inn and cross the bridge on foot.

With the establishment of Mount Rainier National Park in 1899, Longmire became the park headquarters. Although the headquarters are no longer located here, the original building still remains and the area houses many park facilities and staff. The site previously served as James Longmire’s homestead, lodging, and mineral springs resort.

  • Longmire Historic Walking Tour (1.25 miles roundtrip) – Observe the excellent examples of classic National Park Service rustic architecture found at Longmire. Get a map at the Longmire Museum or use the NPS App to follow this walking tour! 
  • Trail of the Shadows (0.7 mile loop) – An easy walk past one of the park’s earliest homesteads, the Longmire mineral springs, and through the surrounding forest.
  • Rampart Ridge Loop (4.6 miles loop, 1,339 feet elevation gain) - This trail climbs up forested slopes to Rampart Ridge, then follows the top of the ridge to connect to the Wonderland Trail. Make it a loop by following the Wonderland Trail back to Longmire. Viewpoints along the trail look over the Longmire area and provide glimpses of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys.
  • Eagle Peak Trail (7.2 miles round trip, 2,955 feet elevation gain) – A steep trail through old growth forest with great views of Mount Rainier, Nisqually Glacier, and the Tatoosh Range. Trailhead found across the Nisqually Suspension Bridge on the east side of the Nisqually River in Longmire.

Westside Road

Season: Generally open May through November.
Travel Tip: Parking is limited and there are no restroom facilities. The nearest restroom is at Kautz Creek, halfway between Longmire and Westside Road.

Developed with hopes of completing an “around-the-mountain” network of roads, Westside Road is now partially closed to cars due to washouts from Tahoma Creek. Closed to vehicles after 3 miles at Dry Creek, the remaining 10 miles are open to hikers and bicyclists. Bicycles are not allowed on trails. There are bike racks at all trailheads. This former road serves as the gateway for numerous trailheads and historical landmarks for hikers and bicyclists looking to explore the western side of the park.

Details
Duration of activities depends on the location and chosen activity. 
Many of the areas that are "off the beaten path" also have less facilities, and are more suitable to outdoor recreation. While hiking is the most common activity, there are also options for scenic driving, fishing, camping, and other recreation. 
Suitable for all ages. 
Pets are NOT allowed on trails, in wilderness and/or off trail areas, inside buildings, in amphitheaters, or on roads closed for winter (service animals excepted). Learn more about pets. 
Park entrance fee is required. 
Location
Park-wide
Reservations
No
Except for Longmire, most areas are closed for the winter season. Note the general season for each area and check hours of operation before heading out. 
To help avoid congestion and limited parking, arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Accessibility Information
Park roads are narrow, steep, and winding and do not have shoulders. Parking areas are usually paved unless stated otherwise (such as on Westside Road). Trails are dirt, often broken by tree roots, log or rock steps, and can have significant elevation gains and losses. 

Mount Rainier National Park

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Last updated: February 26, 2026