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
Protected from the periodic fires that sweep through the surrounding areas, this small island of 1,000-year-old trees is one of Mt. Rainier National Park's most memorable features. A 1½-mile loop trail heads through the old-growth forest of Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock. Grove of the Patriarchs has experienced a temporary closure due to flooding and a bridge washout in 2021. Although the parking lot is still open, the bridge and trail are not expected to reopen for summer 2023. Inquire at entry if you plan to visit.
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA -
2. Skyline Trail
This 5-mile loop, one of the highest trails in the park, beckons day-trippers with a vista of alpine ridges and, in summer, meadows filled with brilliant flowers and birds. At 6,800 feet, Panorama Point, the spine of the Cascade Range, spreads away to the east, and Nisqually Glacier tumbles downslope. Moderate.
Washington, 98304, USA -
3. Wonderland Trail
All other Mt. Rainier hikes pale in comparison to this stunning 93-mile trek, which completely encircles the mountain. The trail passes through all the major life zones of the park, from the old-growth forests of the lowlands to the alpine meadows and goat-haunted glaciers of the highlands—pick up a mountain-goat sighting card from a ranger station or visitor center if you want to help in the park's effort to learn more about these elusive animals. Wonderland is a rugged trail; elevation gains and losses totaling 3,500 feet are common in a day's hike, which averages eight miles. Most hikers start out from Longmire or Sunrise and take 10–14 days to cover the 93-mile route. Snow lingers on the high passes well into June (sometimes July); count on rain any time of the year. Campsites are wilderness areas with pit toilets and water that must be purified before drinking. Only hardy, well-equipped, and experienced wilderness trekkers should attempt this trip, but those who do will be amply rewarded. Wilderness permits are required and the campsite reservations are highly competitive; you can enter an optional lottery for early access to the reservations system. Difficult.
Washington, 98304, USA -
4. Burroughs Mountain Trail
Starting at the south side of the Sunrise parking area, this 2½-hour, 4¾-mile round-trip hike offers spectacular views of the peak named in honor of naturalist and essayist John Burroughs. The challenging trail passes Shadow Lake before climbing to an overlook of the White River and Emmon's Glacier. Continue on and you reach First Burroughs Mountain and Second Burroughs Mountain. This area on the northeast slope of Mt. Rainier has some of the most accessible tundra in the Cascades, and you can observe the delicate slow-growing plants that survive in this harsh environment. Early season hiking on this trail can be particularly hazardous due to snow and ice on the steep mountain slopes; check conditions before starting out. Difficult.
Washington, 98304, USA -
5. Chinook Pass Road
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 and reopens by late May. During that time, it's not possible to drive a loop around the park.
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Nov.–late May -
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6. Christine Falls
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 disabling nervous-system disorder.
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA -
7. Goat Rocks Wilderness
The crags in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, south of Mt. Rainier, are aptly named. You often see mountain goats here in this vast and unspoiled 108,000-acre wilderness, especially when you hike into the backcountry. Goat Lake is a particularly good spot for viewing these elusive creatures. See the goats without backpacking by taking Forest Road 21 to Forest Road 2140, south from U.S. 12. The goats will be on Stonewall Ridge looming up ahead of you.
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8. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center
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.
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98398, USA360-569–6571Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed weekdays mid-Oct.–Apr. -
9. Junior Ranger Program
Tour–SightYoungsters 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, USA360-569–2211Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free with park admission -
10. Longmire Museum and Visitor Center
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.
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11. Mowich Lake Road
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, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Oct.–mid-July -
12. Narada Falls
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.
Paradise Valley Rd., Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA -
13. Nisqually Vista Trail
Equally popular in summer and winter, this trail is a 1¼-mile round-trip through subalpine meadows to an overlook point for Nisqually Glacier. The gradually sloping path is a favorite venue for cross-country skiers in winter; in summer, listen for the shrill alarm calls of the area's marmots. Easy.
Washington, 98304, USA -
14. Paradise Road
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 -
15. Ranger Programs
Tour–SightPark 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, USA360-569–2211Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free with park admission -
16. Route 123 and Stevens Canyon Road
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 -
17. Sunrise Nature Trail
The 1½-mile-long loop of this self-guided trail takes you through the delicate subalpine meadows near the Sunrise Visitor Center. A gradual climb to the ridgetop yields magnificent views of Mt. Rainier and the more distant volcanic cones of Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, and Glacier Peak. Easy.
Washington, 98304, USA -
18. Sunrise Road
This popular (and often crowded) scenic road to the highest drivable point at the park 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 usually open July through September.
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Usually closed Oct.–June -
19. Sunrise 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 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 White River park entrance, Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USA360-663–2425Sight Details
Rate Includes: Closed mid-Sept.–June -
20. Tipsoo Lake
The short, pleasant trail that circles the lake—ideal for families—provides breathtaking views. Enjoy the subalpine wildflower meadows during the summer months; in late summer to early fall huckleberries are abundant.
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington, 98304, USASight Details
Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–June when Chinook Pass is closed
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