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Mount Rainier
Washington
Visit Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington State, offers a stunning showcase of nature's grandeur with its awe-inspiring centerpiece, Mount Rainier. Standing at 14,411 feet, this active stratovolcano is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, casting a majestic presence over the lush landscapes around it. The park itself spans 236,381 acres, encompassing vast wilderness, vibrant wildflower meadows, and ancient forests, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Visitors to Mount Rainier National Park can explore over 260 miles of maintained trails that cater to all skill levels. For those seeking breathtaking views without a strenuous climb, the trails at Paradise – an area aptly named for its stunning beauty – offer relatively easy hikes with rewarding vistas of the mountain and its surrounding meadows, which burst into a riot of colors with wildflowers in the summer. More experienced hikers might tackle the challenging Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile loop that encircles the entire mountain, providing an immersive experience of the diverse ecosystems and the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Aside from hiking, Mount Rainier National Park offers a variety of other activities. During the winter months, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, ideal for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. The park's visitor centers, such as the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise and the Sunrise Visitor Center, provide educational exhibits and ranger-led programs that delve into the mountain's glaciology, wildlife, and the history of the area. Whether you're capturing the sunrise over the Tatoosh Range, enjoying a picnic beside the reflective waters of Tipsoo Lake, or gazing at the stars from one of the park's campgrounds, Mount Rainier National Park offers a multitude of ways to connect with nature and find awe-inspiring beauty at every turn.
Mount Rainier Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
14°F
24°F
17
February
14°F
24°F
17
March
14°F
34°F
12
April
14°F
42°F
12
May
34°F
42°F
15
June
42°F
51°F
18
July
42°F
51°F
17
August
42°F
57°F
17
September
42°F
51°F
11
October
26°F
51°F
15
November
14°F
34°F
15
December
14°F
24°F
26
Need to Know Before You Go To Mount Rainier
Nickname:
Tahoma
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
America/Los_Angeles
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
1.5 million
Primary Export:
Tourism
Busiest Travel Months:
July, August, September
Quietest Travel Months:
December, November, January
Find your Next Adventure in Mount Rainier
Explore Mount Rainier
Iconic Landmarks
Paradise
- Paradise is renowned for its stunning wildflower meadows and panoramic views of Mount Rainier, making it a popular destination for hiking and photography.
Sunrise
- At an elevation of 6,400 feet, Sunrise is the highest point that can be reached by vehicle at Mount Rainier, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Narada Falls
- This impressive waterfall is easily accessible and plunges dramatically over a cliff, creating a picturesque scene especially popular with photographers.
Reflection Lake
- Famous for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Rainier on calm days, Reflection Lake is a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Grove of the Patriarchs
- This ancient forest features a collection of old-growth trees, some over a thousand years old, accessible via an easy, family-friendly loop trail.
Emmons Glacier
- As the largest glacier in the contiguous United States, Emmons Glacier offers a striking landscape of ice and snow, and is a popular route for mountaineering expeditions on Rainier.
Cultural Experiences
Paradise Visitor Center
- Explore exhibits on Mount Rainier's natural and cultural history, attend ranger-led programs, and enjoy panoramic views of the mountain.
Longmire Museum
- Discover the history of the Longmire area, once a homestead and spa resort, and now a hub for learning about the park's past.
Guided Lantern Walks
- Join a ranger for a nighttime lantern walk at Longmire and hear stories about the early explorers and settlers of the area.
Tahoma Wilderness Camp
- Participate in a cultural heritage workshop led by Native American tribes associated with the region, learning about their traditions and connection to the landscape.
Sunrise Visitor Center
- Visit the highest point in the park accessible by car, offering exhibits on the subalpine ecology and cultural history of the Sunrise area.
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
- Ride this historic steam train from Elbe to Mineral, experiencing the logging history and scenic landscapes surrounding Mount Rainier.
Outdoor Adventures
Summiting Mount Rainier
Climb to the top of this iconic 14,411-foot peak, a challenging adventure requiring glacier travel skills and a guide for most.
Skyline Trail Loop
This 5.5-mile hike offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, wildflower meadows, and the chance to spot wildlife along the way.
Paradise Snowshoeing
Explore the winter wonderland around Paradise area with snowshoes, suitable for beginners and offering picturesque snowy landscapes.
Wonderland Trail
Embark on a 93-mile trek encircling Mount Rainier, a multi-day journey that showcases the park's diverse ecosystems.
Sunrise Nature Trails
Enjoy a series of short trails at Sunrise, the highest point in the park accessible by vehicle, offering panoramic views and diverse flora.
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
Take a vintage steam train ride through the forested foothills south of Mount Rainier, a relaxing way to enjoy the area's natural beauty.
Off the Beaten Path
Berkeley Park
Nestled on the Sunrise side of Mount Rainier, this lesser-known spot offers stunning subalpine meadows and views of the mountain.
Mowich Lake
Accessible via a rough road, Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park, offering serene settings and trails less traveled.
Indian Henry's Hunting Ground
This area features beautiful meadows, historic patrol cabins, and relatively secluded trails, making it a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds.
Summerland Trail
Located on the east side of the park, this trail leads to breathtaking meadows, with the added bonus of fewer visitors compared to the more popular west side trails.
Carbon River Rainforest
This temperate rainforest area, accessible from the northwest entrance of the park, offers a unique ecosystem with lush vegetation and a quieter atmosphere.
Sunrise Rim Trail
Offering panoramic views of the Emmons Glacier and Mount Rainier, this trail is less frequented than the main Sunrise trails, providing a more solitary experience.
Mount Rainier Fun Facts
- Mount Rainier is an active stratovolcano located in Washington State, USA.
- It is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S., spawning six major rivers.
- Rainier stands at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters), making it the highest mountain in Washington and the Cascade Range.
- The mountain is part of Mount Rainier National Park, which was established on March 2, 1899.
- Mount Rainier has a topographic prominence of 13,210 feet (4,026 meters), one of the greatest in the continental United States.
- It is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its large amount of glacial ice and proximity to the Seattle metropolitan area.
- The first recorded ascent was made by Hazard Stevens and P.B. Van Trump in 1870.
- The mountain supports a diverse ecosystem, with its lower slopes covered by ancient forests and its upper slopes capped with alpine meadows.
- More than 1.5 million people visit Mount Rainier National Park each year.
- The indigenous name for Mount Rainier, "Tahoma" or "Tacoma," means "mother of waters" in the Lushootseed language spoken by the local Puyallup people.
Featured Picture Gallery
Lenticular Clouds are Formed By Winds that Form Over a Mountain
Mount Rainier Provides a Great Background to the Skyline
Mount Rainier has Over 260 Maintained Trail Miles
Explore the Native Wildlife that Mount Rainier has to Offer
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