Mount Rainier National Park

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Mount Rainier National Park - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. Grove of the Patriarchs

    Forest

    Protected from the periodic fires that swept through the surrounding areas, this small island of 1,000-year-old trees is one of Mount Rainier...

    Protected from the periodic fires that swept through the surrounding areas, this small island of 1,000-year-old trees is one of Mount Rainier National Park's most memorable features. A 1½-mile loop trail heads through the old-growth forest of Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock.

    Rte. 123, west of the Stevens Canyon entrance, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA
  • 2. Chinook Pass Road

    Scenic Drive

    Route 410, the highway to Yakima, follows the eastern edge of the park to Chinook Pass, where it climbs the steep, 5,432-foot pass via a series...

    Route 410, the highway to Yakima, follows the eastern edge of the park to Chinook Pass, where it climbs the steep, 5,432-foot pass via a series of switchbacks. At its top, take in broad views of Rainier and the east slope of the Cascades. The pass usually closes for the winter in November.

    Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
  • 3. Christine Falls

    Body Of Water/Waterfall

    These two-tiered falls were named in honor of Christine Louise Van Trump, who climbed to the 10,000-foot level on Mt. Rainier in 1889 at the...

    These two-tiered falls were named in honor of Christine Louise Van Trump, who climbed to the 10,000-foot level on Mt. Rainier in 1889 at the age of nine, despite having a crippling nervous-system disorder.

    Next to Hwy. 706, about 2½ miles east of Cougar Rock Campground, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA
  • 4. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center

    Visitor Center

    High on the mountain's southern flank, this center houses exhibits on geology, mountaineering, glaciology, and alpine ecology. Multimedia programs...

    High on the mountain's southern flank, this center houses exhibits on geology, mountaineering, glaciology, and alpine ecology. Multimedia programs are staged in the theater; there's also a snack bar and gift shop. This is the park's most popular visitor destination, and it can be quite crowded in summer.

    Hwy. 706 E, 19 miles east of Nisqually park entrance, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98398, USA
    360-569–6571

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Weekdays mid-Oct.–Apr.
  • 5. Junior Ranger Program

    Tour–Sight

    Youngsters ages 6 to 11 can pick up an activity booklet at a visitor center and fill it out as they explore the park. When they complete it...

    Youngsters ages 6 to 11 can pick up an activity booklet at a visitor center and fill it out as they explore the park. When they complete it, they can show it to a ranger and receive a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger badge.

    Visitor centers, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA
    360-569–2211

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free with park admission
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  • 6. Longmire Museum and Visitor Center

    Museum/Gallery

    Glass cases inside this museum preserve the park's plants and animals, including a stuffed cougar. Historical photographs and geographical displays...

    Glass cases inside this museum preserve the park's plants and animals, including a stuffed cougar. Historical photographs and geographical displays provide a worthwhile overview of the park's history. The adjacent visitor center has some perfunctory exhibits on the surrounding forest and its inhabitants, as well as pamphlets and information about park activities.

    Hwy. 706, 10 miles east of Ashford, Longmire, Washington, 98397, USA
    360-569–6575
  • 7. Mowich Lake Road

    Scenic Drive

    In the northwest corner of the park, this 24-mile mountain road begins in Wilkeson and heads up the Rainier foothills to Mowich Lake, traversing...

    In the northwest corner of the park, this 24-mile mountain road begins in Wilkeson and heads up the Rainier foothills to Mowich Lake, traversing beautiful mountain meadows along the way. Mowich Lake is a pleasant spot for a picnic. The road is open mid-July to mid-October.

    Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USA

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.-mid-July
  • 8. Narada Falls

    Body Of Water/Waterfall

    A steep but short trail leads to the viewing area for these spectacular 168-foot falls, which expand to a width of 75 feet during peak flow...

    A steep but short trail leads to the viewing area for these spectacular 168-foot falls, which expand to a width of 75 feet during peak flow times. In winter the frozen falls are popular with ice climbers.

    Along Hwy. 706, 1 mile west of the turnoff for Paradise, 6 miles east of Cougar Rock Campground, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA
  • 9. National Park Inn

    Notable Building

    Even if you don't plan to stay overnight, you can stop by year-round to view the architecture of this inn, built in 1917 and on the National...

    Even if you don't plan to stay overnight, you can stop by year-round to view the architecture of this inn, built in 1917 and on the National Register of Historic Places. While you're here, relax in front of the fireplace in the lounge, stop at the gift shop, or dine at the restaurant.

    Longmire Visitor Complex, Hwy. 706, 10 miles east of Nisqually entrance, Longmire, Washington, 98397, USA
    360-569–2411
  • 10. Paradise Picnic Area

    Park (National/State/Provincial)

    This site has great views on clear days. After picnicking at Paradise, you can take an easy hike to one of the many waterfalls in the area—Sluiskin...

    This site has great views on clear days. After picnicking at Paradise, you can take an easy hike to one of the many waterfalls in the area—Sluiskin, Myrtle, or Narada, to name a few.

    Hwy. 706, 11 miles east of Longmire, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA
  • 11. Paradise Road

    Scenic Drive

    This 9-mile stretch of Highway 706 winds its way up the mountain's southwest flank from Longmire to Paradise, taking you from lowland forest...

    This 9-mile stretch of Highway 706 winds its way up the mountain's southwest flank from Longmire to Paradise, taking you from lowland forest to the ever-expanding vistas of the mountain above. Visit early on a weekday if possible, especially in peak summer months, when the road is packed with cars. The route is open year-round though there may be some weekday closures in winter. From November through April, all vehicles must carry chains.

    Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
  • 12. Ranger Programs

    Tour–Sight

    Park ranger-led activities include guided snowshoe walks in the winter (most suitable for those older than eight) as well as evening programs...

    Park ranger-led activities include guided snowshoe walks in the winter (most suitable for those older than eight) as well as evening programs during the summer at Longmire/Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River campgrounds, and at the Paradise Inn. Evening talks may cover subjects such as park history, its flora and fauna, or interesting facts on climbing Mt. Rainier. There are also daily guided programs that start at the Jackson Visitor Center, including meadow and vista walks, tours of the Paradise Inn, a morning ranger chat, and evening astronomy program.

    Visitor centers, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA
    360-569–2211

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free with park admission
  • 13. Route 123 and Stevens Canyon Road

    Scenic Drive

    At Chinook Pass you can pick up Route 123 and head south to its junction with Stevens Canyon Road. Take this road west to its junction with...

    At Chinook Pass you can pick up Route 123 and head south to its junction with Stevens Canyon Road. Take this road west to its junction with the Paradise–Nisqually entrance road, which runs west through Longmire and exits the park at Nisqually. The route winds among valley-floor rain forest and uphill slopes; vistas of Puget Sound and the Cascade Range appear at numerous points along the way.

    Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
  • 14. Sunrise Picnic Area

    Viewpoint

    Set in an alpine meadow that's filled with wildflowers in July and August, this picnic area provides expansive views of the mountain and surrounding...

    Set in an alpine meadow that's filled with wildflowers in July and August, this picnic area provides expansive views of the mountain and surrounding ranges in good weather.

    Sunrise Rd., 11 miles west of White River entrance, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Road to Sunrise usually closed Oct.–June
  • 15. Sunrise Road

    Scenic Drive

    This popular (and often crowded) scenic road to the highest drivable point at Mt. Rainier carves its way 11 miles up Sunrise Ridge from the...

    This popular (and often crowded) scenic road to the highest drivable point at Mt. Rainier carves its way 11 miles up Sunrise Ridge from the White River Valley on the northeast side of the park. As you top the ridge there are sweeping views of the surrounding lowlands. The road is open late June to early October.

    Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USA

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Usually closed Oct.–June
  • 16. Sunrise Visitor Center

    Visitor Center

    Exhibits at this center explain the region's sparser alpine and subalpine ecology. A network of nearby loop trails leads you through alpine...

    Exhibits at this center explain the region's sparser alpine and subalpine ecology. A network of nearby loop trails leads you through alpine meadows and forest to overlooks that have broad views of the Cascades and Rainier. The visitor center has a snack bar and gift shop.

    Sunrise Rd., 15 miles from the White River park entrance, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA
    360-663–2425

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Mid-Sept.–June
  • 17. Tipsoo Lake

    Body Of Water/Waterfall

    The short, pleasant trail that circles the lake—ideal for families—provides breathtaking views. Enjoy the subalpine wildflower meadows during...

    The short, pleasant trail that circles the lake—ideal for families—provides breathtaking views. Enjoy the subalpine wildflower meadows during the summer months; in early fall there is an abundant supply of huckleberries.

    Off Cayuse Pass east on Hwy. 410, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA
  • 18. Sunshine Point Picnic Area

    Park (National/State/Provincial)
    Closed Permanently

    A small group of picnic tables at the Sunshine Point Campground sits in an open meadow along the burbling Nisqually River. ...

    A small group of picnic tables at the Sunshine Point Campground sits in an open meadow along the burbling Nisqually River.

    Hwy. 706, 1 mile east of the Nisqually entrance, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA

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