No trip to the beautiful state of Washington or Oregon is complete without a Mount Rainier National Park visit. The sights and experiences at this iconic national park are truly unforgettable. I’ve been here twice already, and I’m itching for my next trip back!
There’s so much to see and do at Mount Rainier National Park all year round, from hiking among the wildflowers, to chasing hundreds of spectacular waterfalls, to even strolling through a temperate rainforest.
In the fall, the terrain transforms to feature beautiful shades of orange and red. In the winter, come for epic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. With its proximity to so many major cities in the Pacific Northwest, carving out some time to visit Mount Rainier is a no-brainer.
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WEEKEND ITINERARY FOR MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
This itinerary is great for travelers who only have a regular weekend or a long weekend to explore Mount Rainier National Park. With a weekend, you should have enough time to see the main attractions of the park, as well as get some epic hikes in at the Sunrise and Paradise areas.
This post breaks down our latest trip to Mount Rainier National Park from Portland and highlights some of the best attractions, perfect for first-time visitors!
Side note: We had fully intended to check out a few more sights and do a few more hikes on this trip, but what we found was that we just weren’t as spry as we used to be. We found ourselves quite tired and hungry after our first 1-2 hikes, so it was difficult to find the drive to embark on an additional hike in the late afternoon! Hey, it happens to the best of us. Nevertheless, we had no fear of missing out because we plan to go back to Mount Rainier in the next few years!
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK – FUN FACTS
- Mount Rainier is America’s fifth national park. It was established in 1899, 17 years before the National Park Service was created in 1916. You’ll learn a lot about Mount Rainier’s history while in the park.
- Mount Rainier is a 14,411-foot volcano with the potential to erupt again. The most recent eruption was a small one sometime between 1820 and 1850.
- Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. There are 25 named glaciers on Mount Rainer.
- People actually climb to the top of Mount Rainier! Trained and experienced climbers will encounter a challenging vertical elevation gain of 9,000 feet over a distance of more than 8 miles.
- Mount Rainier is encircled by the 90-mile trail known as the Wonderland Trail. The full hike typically takes 10+ days.
- The Native American name for Mount Rainier is Tahoma (or Tacoma), which translates to “mother of waters”.
- Expect to see lots of chipmunks, marmots, deer, goats, and even black bears!
HOW WE GOT TO MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Most people looking to visit Mount Rainer from out of state usually fly into Seattle, Washington (SEA airport). However, since we had Portland flights booked already, we decided to start our weekend trip to Mount Rainer from Portland, Oregon.
Mount Rainier National Park is about 140 miles northeast of downtown Portland (2.5-3 hours), whereas it’s approximately 107 miles from downtown Seattle (2 hours).
Estimated drive times from other nearby cities:
- Seattle, Washington – 2 hours
- Portland, Oregon – 2.5 hours
- Eugene, Oregon – 4.5 hours
- Spokane, Washington – 4.5 hours (to the East Entrance, not available during winter)
- Spokane, Washington – 6 hours (winter route)
- Boise, Idaho – 8 hours
Need a rental car for your trip? To find cheap rental cars, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. Their search tool is one of the best I’ve found!
FRIDAY NIGHT: DAY 0
Upon landing at PDX, we rented a car, threw our luggage in the back, and headed straight for Mount Rainer National Park! Within 20 minutes we had already crossed into Washington state.
First stop: Vancouver, WA for dinner. There were lots of restaurant options in the downtown Vancouver area, but we chose to eat and drink at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House since we had yet to hit up a brewery upon landing.
Our first PNW beers of the trip did not disappoint, but the mediocre pizza sort of did. Our next stop was to the local grocery store to pick up a few snacks for our weekend at Mount Rainier.
Since we were aiming to arrive at Mount Rainier National park by 8am, we opted for an overnight stay at a basic motel in Kelso, WA, a small town 45 miles north of Portland. There wasn’t much to see here, but we chose to stay here so that we’d have less distance to drive in the morning.
Pro Tip: Pick up snacks and groceries ahead of time before you get close to Mount Rainier. You’ll find larger chain supermarkets closer to the metropolitan areas as opposed to closer to Mount Rainier. Since the towns nearby Mount Rainier are smaller, you’ll typically find smaller convenience stores/general stores.
Pro Tip: Fill your gas tank before entering the park. There are no gas stations within the park.
SATURDAY: DAY 1 MORNING – SUNRISE AREA
We woke up at 4:30am to pack and get ready and were on the road again by 5am. At this point, we still had a drive of 2 hours 45 minutes ahead of us to get to the Sunrise area, the highest point accessible by car.
We had originally wanted to catch one of the iconic Sunrise sunrises, but that would have meant waking up at 2:30am, since the drive to Sunrise from Portland takes a bit longer than driving from Seattle. There was no way in heck we were doing that.
Three hours of driving later, we finally made it to Sunrise! It was quite a relaxing and scenic drive.
Pro Tip: If you’re able to take a day off to travel/drive to the Mount Rainier area the night before, I’d highly recommend it! That way, you could avoid waking up unnecessarily early. You could stay at one of Mount Rainier’s nearby towns, Ashford, Packwood, and Enumclaw. There are also lodges in the Paradise and Longmire areas.
SUNRISE
On the northeast side of Rainier, the Sunrise area offers a different perspective of the iconic peak. With close-up views of the Emmons Glacier and hundreds of acres of scenic wildflower meadows, it gives Paradise some real competition.
The road leading to Sunrise ranks among the most beautiful drives in the country. It’s also the highest point accessible by car and is wildly famous for its spectacular sunrises. Many hardcore travelers will get up in the wee hours of the night to drive here and catch a glimpse of the day’s early light beam onto the mountain.
Take note that the Sunrise Visitor Center is open during the summer months only (late June until early October). During other months, it’s usually buried in snow due to its high elevation. There is no lodging or restaurant here, but there is a snack bar serving hot meals at the Sunrise Day Lodge.
MOUNT FREMONT LOOKOUT TRAIL
The hike of the day was going to be the 6-mile roundtrip Mount Fremont Lookout Trail.
Starting from the Sunrise Visitor Center, this 6-mile hike takes you through alpine meadows, past a frozen lake, and finally to your destination, a lookout tower where you can take in sweeping views of Grand Park, Redstone Peak, Skyscraper Mountain, and Berkeley Park.
Since Sunrise sits at a higher elevation than other parts of the park, a beanie and a puffy jacket or fleece are must-haves. When we did this hike in late September, it was 42 degrees in the morning when we started! I didn’t have a warm hat, so my ears were painfully cold.
As a last resort, I used my face mask bandana as a headband to cover my poor little ears. Pro tip for you–bring a warm hat!
Despite the chilly morning weather, the hike boasted such impressive views. Not only did we get super close-up views of Mount Rainier along the way, but the wildflowers were also in bloom all around us, making for an absolutely beautiful hike despite the cold.
As we hung out and enjoy our Lunchables at the Fremont Lookout, we were suddenly ambushed by a bunch of curious chipmunks. They were not afraid of us and even attempted to climb into our backpacks looking for things to eat.
Pro Tip: If you encounter then trying to snack on human food in Mount Rainier, please don’t feed them! Feeding them only exacerbates this unnatural behavior. Also, leave no trace!
We headed back to the parking lot, got a little stretch in, then headed towards the Sunrise Day Lodge to check out the large gift shop. From there, we got back into our car and took off for the Ohanapecosh area.
SATURDAY: DAY 1 AFTERNOON – OHANAPECOSH AREA
The terrain here is quite different from Sunrise or Paradise, as it’s nestled in the old-growth forest by the Ohanapecosh River.
This area is so beautiful and lush with greenery–first-time visitors should definitely not skip out on a visit to this region of the park. There is no lodging or food service here like there is at Longmire, Sunrise, and Paradise. However, there is an amazing campground at Ohanapecosh.
We came to this area to see Silver Falls. For waterfall chasers, you really can’t miss this one. Silver Falls is one of the best-looking waterfalls in the park and one of my absolute favorites. It’s a complete 180 from those glaciers, wildflowers, and alpine lake views.
Instead, we were greeted by lots of trees and lush, emerald greenery. Once we arrived at the base of the falls, we snapped a few photos, and continued hiking up to a viewpoint near the top of the falls to experience it from a different perspective!
SATURDAY: DAY 1 EVENING – ASHFORD
After completing the Silver Falls hike and checking out the Longmire Historic District, it was nearing 4pm, so we decided to call it a day and drive out to Ashford, WA where we were to spend the night. Our B&B for the night was at Mountain Meadows Inn.
Mountain Meadows Inn was incredible. Our stay here was nothing short of excellent and memorable! Not only was the room spacious, but there were also such hospitable little touches all around the room such as free breakfast in our mini-fridge and even a s’mores making kit for us to enjoy after dinner!
But I digress. We checked in, walked around the property for a bit (there was an awesome garden area as well as a hot tub open for use), and decided to grab some food.
After two day hikes, we were absolutely famished. We checked Yelp for nearby restaurants and decided to check out Wildberry, a local Nepalese restaurant. What a hidden gem! We had such a great meal here. I ordered the traditional Nepalese dinner, while Papu ordered a Summit Burger, which was essentially a cheeseburger that was three hamburger patties deep. Both were so delicious and comforting. We finished our meal with a blueberry pie a la mode (made with local wild blueberries), which was so delightful and really hit the spot.
To end the night, we headed back to the hotel to make s’mores and watched some good ol’ television. What a great first day at Mount Rainier National Park!
Read More: 18 Best Things To Do At Mount Rainier National Park For First Timers
SUNDAY: DAY 2 MORNING – PARADISE AREA
As we knew we had to drive back to Portland on Sunday, we only had enough time to visit and do one hike in the Paradise area. And of course, when in Paradise, there’s one hike that absolutely cannot be missed–the Skyline Trail.
PARADISE
Paradise, sitting at 5,400 feet of elevation, features the best of the best. It’s no wonder most Mount Rainier visitors flock to this end of the park.
You can expect spectacular views all around, glacier-fed lakes, hiking trails lined with wildflowers, and various rushing waterfalls.
This area is best known for its epic views of Mount Rainier and the 5.5-mile Skyline Trail hike (a must-do for any first-time visitor). If you are looking for an overnight lodging option, you’re in luck because if you stay at the historic Paradise Inn, you’ll be waking up in one of the most scenic parts of the park.
SKYLINE TRAIL HIKE
During this 5.5-mile hike (moderately strenuous), you’ll get to experience a little bit of everything that Mount Rainier is famous for.
This hike boasts insanely gorgeous views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier, as well as waterfalls, streams, stunning wildflowers, panoramic views, and lots of marmots. Wildflowers that you’ll encounter in peak season include lupines, mountain heather, scarlet paintbrush, cascade asters, and bistort.
We recommend hiking the loop in a clockwise fashion, even if it is a little more of a steep climb in the beginning. This way, you’ll be facing all the breathtaking views the whole time.
You can also check out a number of short ancillary trails from this direction (you won’t get lost, they’ll bring you back to the Skyline Trail).
As you start your hike, be ready for the initial grade from the parking lot; it’s steep for about 0.4 miles, but it will eventually level out and be so much easier to climb.
Don’t miss those panoramic views at the top! Panorama Point provides stunning views of the Paradise Valley, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and even Mount Hood on a clear day.
On your way up or down the Skyline Trail, I urge you to linger for a few additional moments at Myrtle Falls, an iconic waterfall situated right in front of one of the most iconic views of Mount Rainier.
SUNDAY: DAY 2 AFTERNOON – DRIVE BACK TO PORTLAND
After completing our hike, we took a stroll around the Paradise area, soaking in as many views as we could before inevitably leaving. Once we were ready to go, we hopped back into the car in search of a spot to grab a late lunch.
We stopped at Pizza Express in Elbe, WA. This pizza spot is so cute–it’s set up inside of a railroad car! And I must say, they serve up pretty decent pizzas by the slice, considering it’s located in the middle of nowhere!
Shortly after scarfing down our pizzas, we were on our way back to Portland, Oregon. Until next summer, Mount Rainier!
If you have more time to spend in the park, then you’re very lucky! Check out my complete guide on the top things to do at Mount Rainier National Park here.
I hope our experience was able to give you a few ideas for your perfect Mount Rainier National Park itinerary!
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: FROM SEATTLE
This itinerary can easily be done coming from Seattle too! We started our Mount Rainier exploration at Sunrise, which is actually even less of a drive if you’re coming from Seattle (2 hours).
Would you rather not deal with the logistics of getting around on your own? You can also consider these guided day trip tours from Seattle. They come highly recommended, and they’re so effortless on your part!
- Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle
- Best of Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour
(Typically, operated tours to Mount Rainier National Park leave from Seattle instead of Portland.)
Read Next: What To Do In Seattle For A Weekend: 2-Day Itinerary
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: WHERE TO STAY
If you’re looking to stay within the park, you can either stay in a lodge or go camping. Another great option is to stay just outside of the park in an adjacent town like Packwood or Ashford, WA.
LODGING WITHIN THE PARK
There are lodges with restaurants at Paradise and Longmire.
At Paradise, you can stay at the historic Paradise Inn. This lodge is only open from late May to early October.
At Longmire, you can stay at the National Park Inn, the only hotel open year-round in the park.
👉 Pro Tip: Book early if you want to stay within the park! The national park inns at Mount Rainier can get booked up quickly, especially during peak seasons and popular travel times. Mount Rainier National Park attracts a large number of visitors each year, and the limited availability of accommodations within the park can lead to high demand for the inns. You’ll want to make reservations as soon as your travel plans are confirmed, ideally several months ahead of your visit!
CAMPING WITHIN THE PARK
There are 4 NPS campgrounds within the park: Cougar Rock, Ohahapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake. They are situated on varying elevations and are located in different parts of the park. Most of them can be reserved ahead of time.
Get more camping information here.
LODGING OUTSIDE THE PARK
The two main towns that offer lodging and accommodation are Packwood, WA and Ashford, WA.
Options are a bit more limited here compared to other national park destinations, but we recommend the following:
- Packwood Lodge in Packwood
- Mountain Meadows Inn in Ashford
- Alexander’s Lodge in Ashford
For this itinerary, we chose to stay in Ashford, WA at the Mountain Meadows Inn. Our stay came with the chance to use the hot tub (much needed after a long day of hiking), beautiful garden views, and even a free s’mores kit in our room!
ESSENTIAL TRAVEL TIPS: MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Mount Rainier is a massive park. You will need at least 3 full days to even begin to scratch the surface. The hikes here are so much fun and jam-packed with sights. If you can only manage to do one hike per day, then consider staying for 3+ days.
- Mount Rainier is open year-round, but trails are often covered in snow until mid-July. Even after July, you may still see snow on some trails.
- Summer is peak season in the park when you can experience peak wildflower blooms in late July to August.
- Mount Rainier National Park costs $30 for a 7-day pass. Hang on to your receipt because it will get you back into the park for 7 days. Trust us, you’ll be in and out a lot. The park is massive!
- If you plan on visiting a few other national parks within a year’s time, get the America The Beautiful National Parks Pass which costs $80. As long as you visit 2 additional national parks, the pass will more than pay for itself and save you so much money on park admission fees.
- As with all national parks, getting there early is key if you want to avoid the headache and multi-hour long waits at the park entrances. I’ve heard horror stories of people getting to Mount Rainier after 12pm, only to have to spend additional hours waiting to get past the entrance. Whenever I visit a national park, I always make sure to get in before 9:30am. It’s worked out perfectly for me so far, as I’ve never had to wait more than 5 minutes.
- If you do plan to arrive on a weekend afternoon, strategically head to one of the less popular park entrances (like the Stevens Canyon Entrance). Even though you’ll be driving more miles, the time you save by not sitting in a line of parked cars means that you get more precious time to explore the park!
- When heading to the park, tune in to the radio station posted on the road signs for live Mount Rainier visitor updates. If there’s a huge traffic jam at one of the park entrances, they’ll be the first to tell you!
- Consider packing a picnic lunch to enjoy during your hike or at a picnic table near one of the visitor centers. The restaurant and snack bar options are limited here and tend to be crowded during lunchtime.
- Make sure you have a good daypack for your hikes. You’re going to want to carry snacks and water with you, especially if you’re doing hikes over 2 miles.
- Do not forget to bring a warm, packable jacket. You are going to be high up in the mountains, so expect unpredictable weather, even in the summertime. It’s not uncommon for there to be cloud coverage early in the morning (freezing) and warm, shining sun in the afternoons. It’s best to pack a puffy jacket and a beanie with you at all times, especially if you’re visiting higher elevation areas like Sunrise or Paradise.
- Wear sunscreen and sunglasses when hiking. Sunlight reflecting off of snow can cause sunburns as well as damage your eyes.
- Fill your gas tank before entering the park. There are no gas stations within the park.
- Pack a trash bag. Always carry a designated trash bag or container to collect your waste during the trip. Ensure it is securely closed to prevent littering on the trail.
- Leave No Trace – Leave It Better Than You Found It! Take the extra step to pick up any litter you encounter during your hike or adventure, even if it’s not yours. Leaving the area cleaner than you found it sets a positive example for others to follow.
ESSENTIAL PACKING LIST: MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- America the Beautiful National Parks Pass | Mount Rainier National Park costs $30 for a 7-day pass. However, the national parks annual pass is a great way to save on entrance fees. If you intend to visit three or more NPS parks or sites in a year, the America the Beautiful Pass will more than pay for itself. This pass can be purchased at the park entrances or online here. [Example: 3 National Parks x $30 parking each = $90. Savings with the annual pass = $10. Any more parks you go to thereafter = FREE!]
- Hiking Boots | If you plan on hiking, bring well broken-in boots with good ankle support and good traction. My all-time favorites are the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Boots. They’re one of the lightest boots in its class, very durable, and provide out-of-the-box comfort, which is extremely important if you want to prevent blisters from the start.
- Hiking Socks | Make sure you have a good pair of cushioned wool hiking socks. For extra toe protection and to prevent blisters from developing from skin-to-skin contact, go with a pair of Injinji toe socks.
- Adventure Sandals | Tevas and Chacos are my go-to brands for multipurpose summer sandals. If you’re planning on spending some time on the river or in the falls, you should definitely consider getting adventure sandals — they’re comfortable for long-distance walking, safe for submerging in water, and super durable.
- Waterproof Rain Jacket | A lightweight waterproof rain jacket is critical for any alpine destination. Since these weigh virtually nothing and are so easily packable, I recommend you carry one with you whenever you head outdoors. Depending on the weather forecast and chance of precipitation, I’ll either go with a rain shell or a puffier windbreaker. Despite the options I have here, one thing is for sure— I’m never without some sort of outer layer. My top recommendations are Marmot Men’s PreCip (for men) and The North Face Women’s Venture 2 Jacket (for women).
- Puffy Jacket | You’re going to need layers in this alpine weather. The climate here brings chilly mornings and evenings, even on warm summer days. You have a lot of options here, but I personally have the North Face Thermoball, and it’s kept me warm throughout my many years of outdoor adventuring!
- Daypack | I’m a fan of the Osprey Daylite Daypack. It has ample room for all the snacks and water you’ll need, as well as for your camera and the safety essentials for a day hike.
- Laundry Bag | Outdoor activities = lots of sweaty, smelly, dirty, and worn clothes. Don’t soil your entire travel bag by mixing worn clothes with your unworn clothes! Definitely bring a laundry bag to separate your clean clothes from your dirty clothes to maintain the utmost freshness.
- Hat, Bandana, or Buff | Sun protection is key for any outdoor destination. Keep the sun off your skin with a fancy sunhat, bandana, or a Buff. All three can be used to shield your neck or forehead from the sun.
- Sunscreen | Remember to put on sunscreen even if there is cloud coverage. UV rays in overcast conditions are particularly strong, so don’t overlook it.
- Hand Sanitizer | Hand sanitizer gel or wipes are a must any time you’re going to be in contact with surfaces many other people have touched. Never leave your hotel room without it! And if you do happen to forget it, remember to wash your hands often, especially before eating or touching your face.
- Body Wipes / Feminine Wipes | Feeling a bit gross after a hike but don’t have the time to shower right in that instant? Just whip out one of these body wipes for a quick refresher. The feminine wipes I like are infused with cucumber and aloe. Trust me, you will feel and smell so much better. Always good to have a few handy in your travel bag.
- Portable Power Bank | You’re probably going to be out all day, snapping away taking pictures, GPSing… the last thing you want is to be stranded with no phone battery! A portable power bank is a must-have, and Anker’s ultra-light, ultra-portable power bank is tried and true by so many travelers! I never embark on a day of exploration without it.
- Soft Hydration Flask | Stay hydrated throughout the day with a water bottle that can go anywhere with you—and fold up when not in use. I love the packability of these bottles!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK?
The absolute best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is during the summer and early fall months, when the park is most accessible and most colorful!
During this peak season, picture-perfect roads and numerous hiking trails free of snow await you. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the warmest and driest weather of the year, making it very pleasant to explore the outdoors.
For nature enthusiasts who can’t get enough of wildflowers, mid-July through mid-August is a magical time to catch the wildflowers in full glory. For the ultimate peak blooming experience, mark your calendars for an early August trip!
Now, let’s talk about the other seasons. In spring and fall, expect the weather to be a bit damp and chilly. You’ll definitely want to bundle up with puffy jackets and beanies.
It only gets colder as winter approaches! Massive snowfalls can blanket the park, with Paradise being famous for getting over 50 feet of snow each winter.
But hey, all that snow makes winter at Mount Rainier an absolute blast! Visitors who don’t mind cold winters can enjoy the snowy wonderland and partake in activities like snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. Snowmobiling is also permitted in the southwest corner of the park, adding an extra dash of adventure.
However, if you plan to visit in early fall or later, keep in mind that several main roads close in the park and don’t reopen until mid to late spring:
TYPICAL ROAD CLOSURES IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Stevens Canyon Road: open during the summer and early fall
- Sunrise Road: opens in late June or early July and closes in late September or early October
- Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass: generally open from Memorial Day through mid-November, depending on snowfall
Each year’s open/close dates can change depending on the prior year’s snowfall. For live updates on road statuses, visit the National Park Service website.
UNDERSTANDING THE FIVE AREAS OF MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
If you want to alter/add to this Mount Rainier National Park itinerary, it’s important to understand the layout of Mount Rainier’s developed areas.
Since there’s a mountain peak smack dab in the center of the park, you’ll need to understand that driving times will take longer due to the need to circumvent the mountain.
Mount Rainer can easily be broken down into 5 main regions.
- Paradise area – This is the park’s most popular destination, located 5,400 feet up the mountain’s south side; features super up-close views of Rainier’s peak, wildflowers, and high alpine meadows overlooking the iconic Nisqually Glacier
- Longmire area – Second busiest visitor’s center of the park, located in the southwest corner of the park; features old-growth forest along the Nisqually River. This is Mount Rainier’s historic district as it was the first visitor center and park entrance station, operational since the 1880s.
- Sunrise area – The highest point you can drive to in the park, with the visitor center open from early July to early September; features amazing sunrises and lots of great day hikes.
- Ohanapecosh – Located in the southeastern corner of the park, featuring lush, emerald surroundings including old-growth forests and crystal clear waters.
- Carbon River and Mowich – Least visited parts of the park. Carbon River is located in the park’s northwest corner, receives consistently high amounts of rainfall, features a temperate rainforest. Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park.
PARADISE
Paradise, sitting at 5,400 feet of elevation, features the best of the best. It’s no wonder most Mount Rainier visitors flock to this end of the park.
You can expect spectacular views all around, glacier-fed lakes, hiking trails lined with wildflowers, and various rushing waterfalls. This area is best known for its epic views of Mount Rainier and the 5.5-mile Skyline Trail hike (a must-do for any first-time visitor).
If you are looking for an overnight lodging option, you’re in luck because if you stay at the historic Paradise Inn, you’ll be waking up in one of the most scenic parts of the park.
SUNRISE
On the northeast side of Rainier, the Sunrise area offers a different perspective of the iconic peak. With close-up views of the Emmons Glacier and hundreds of acres of scenic wildflower meadows, it gives Paradise some real competition.
The road leading to Sunrise ranks among the most beautiful drives in the country. It’s also the highest point accessible by car and is wildly famous for its spectacular sunrises.
Many hardcore travelers will get up in the wee hours of the night to drive here and catch a glimpse of the day’s early light beam onto the mountain.
Take note that the Sunrise Visitor Center is open during the summer months only (late June until early October). During other months, it’s usually buried in snow due to its high elevation. There is no lodging or restaurant here, but there is a snack bar serving hot meals at the Sunrise Day Lodge.
LONGMIRE
Longmire, located 16 miles east of Ashford, is the park’s first visitor center and park entrance. In 1899, Mount Rainier National Park was established and visitors began arriving from Ashford via Longmire’s Trail.
Consequently, the entire Longmire area is now a national historic district. Here you can find restored structures and a historic museum, as well as lodging at the National Park Inn. At an elevation of 2,700 feet, the Longmire area offers great hiking options outside of the peak summer season.
A few notable hikes here include the Wonderland Trail, Sourdough Ridge, and Burroughs Mountain.
OHANAPECOSH
Ohanapecosh is known for its popular trails, serene lakes, and more remote setting.
The terrain here is quite different from Sunrise or Paradise, as it’s nestled in the old-growth forest by the Ohanapecosh River. This area is so beautiful and lush with greenery–first-time visitors should definitely not skip out on a visit to this region of the park.
There is no lodging or food service here like there is at Longmire, Sunrise, and Paradise. However, there is an amazing campground at Ohanapecosh visitors can make use of. Ohanapecosh is 10 miles from civilization (Packwood), where lodging and food services are available.
One of the best hikes in Ohanapecosh is the 2.7-mile loop to Silver Falls. Though not the tallest waterfall, this 40-foot fall is majestic as heck and hands-down my favorite.
Another popular family-friendly hike is through the Grove of the Patriarchs. More on these hikes below.
CARBON RIVER
The Carbon River Valley is Mount Rainier’s smallest and least visited area known best for its hiking opportunities.
Located in the northwestern corner of the park, the Carbon River Ranger Station invites visitors to explore and hike through an ecosystem not found anywhere else in the park–an inland temperate rainforest.
Since rainforest weather is so rare in the Cascades, visitors can enjoy being in the presence of the Sitka spruce growing here, a tree common along the Olympic Coast. With its low elevation of 1,900-feet and mild winter temperatures, snow is rare in the Carbon River area while that’s certainly not the case for the rest of the park!
If you’re looking for hiking options in the wintertime, the Carbon River area makes for a prime option.
MOUNT RAINIER PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
After visiting Mount Rainier on multiple occasions, I realized that it really isn’t too hard to capture stunning photos of Mount Rainier NP in all its glory. The number of waterfalls, wildflowers, and glaciers that you will stumble upon will photograph so beautifully on their own!
Having said that, there are a few photography tips that I’d like to share with you:
- Timing is Key: The lighting conditions can make a significant difference in your photographs. Consider visiting the park during the golden hours, shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, when the soft, warm light enhances the mountain’s colors and creates captivating shadows and highlights.
- Capture Reflections: Many of the park’s lakes and ponds offer magical reflections of Mount Rainier. Look for calm waters (like those at Reflection Lake) and use a tripod to capture mirror-like reflections of the mountain and surrounding scenery.
- Use a Wide-Angle Lens: The vast landscapes of Mount Rainier National Park are best captured with a wide-angle lens. This allows you to include the sweeping vistas, towering peaks, and expansive meadows in your shots.
- Look for Foreground Interest: Adding a compelling foreground element, such as wildflowers, trees, or rocks, can provide depth and visual interest to your photographs, leading the viewer’s eye into the scene.
- Capture Wildlife: The park is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, birds, and more. Be patient and observe from a distance to capture natural and authentic moments of wildlife in their habitat. You’ll want to keep your distance, so a lens with a little bit of zoom will help here!
- Include People for Scale: To showcase the grandeur of Mount Rainier’s landscapes, include people in your shots for scale! This helps showcase the mountain’s vastness and provides a sense of perspective.
MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK: FAQ’S
Does Mount Rainier National Park have entrance fees, and how much do they cost?
Yes, there are entrance fees to Mount Rainier National Park. At the time of writing, the fees are $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person entering on foot or bicycle. An annual pass for Mount Rainier National Park is available for $55, and there are various federal passes, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, that could also be used for free entry.
Where are the main visitor centers at Mount Rainier National Park?
The main visitor centers in Mount Rainier National Park are the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise and the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. These centers offer information on park history, geology, and activities. They also provide maps, exhibits, restrooms, and gift shops.
Are there any wildlife species at Mount Rainier National Park to be aware of?
Mount Rainier National Park is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, elk, marmots, and birds. Among the largest and most feared are the black bear and the mountain lion. Though you are not likely to see the latter, your safety depends on how you act around them. Be aware of your surroundings, and follow guidelines while in the park.
To safely observe wildlife, maintain a safe distance and use binoculars or a telephoto lens for a close view. Do not approach or feed the animals, as it is essential to respect their natural behaviors and habitats.
Can I see the peak of Mount Rainier from the road, or do I need to hike to get a good view?
The peak of Mount Rainier is visible from various viewpoints along the park’s roads. You can get a good view from places like Sunrise, Paradise, and Tipsoo Lake without having to hike extensively. Having said that, hiking to certain viewpoints along the trails provides a more intimate and close-up perspective of the mountain!
Are dogs allowed in Mount Rainier National Park?
Yes, you can bring your dog to Mount Rainier National Park. Pets are allowed in developed areas, such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots, as well as on paved roads and the Pacific Crest Trail. However, pets must be leashed at all times and are not allowed on most hiking trails and wilderness areas.
Why are pets not allowed on trails? There are many reasons (which you can find here), but mainly because your pet could become prey for wildlife. Bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and birds of prey all call Mount Rainier home.
What facilities are available for food, drinks, and restroom breaks within the park?
Mount Rainier National Park has several visitor centers, picnic areas, and campgrounds that offer facilities for food, drinks, and restrooms. The Paradise Inn and Sunrise Lodge provide dining options, and there are picnic areas with tables throughout the park for picnicking.
What are Mount Rainier’s road conditions like in different seasons, and are there any road closures?
Road conditions in Mount Rainier National Park vary depending on the season. In winter, some roads may be closed or require tire chains due to snow and ice. During spring and fall, road conditions can change rapidly, so it’s essential to check for road status updates and closures before your visit.
Is there a recommended Mount Rainier NP itinerary for a day trip or multiple-day visit?
When you’re at Mount Rainier NP, there are a few hotspots you’re going to want to visit for sure. Popular areas to explore include Paradise, Sunrise, and Ohanapecosh, as well as a few of the hikes/waterfalls listed above.
If you want some guidance on the itinerary, we have a free 2-day Mount Rainier itinerary guide that can help you make the most of your time in the park.
For a more customized experience, pick and choose activities for your itinerary based on your interests and available time. The park’s visitor centers can provide maps and recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
Want more Pacific Northwest travel tips? Read More:
20+ Best Things To Do At Mount Rainier National Park For First Timers
The 3 National Parks In Washington: What To See And Do
20 Beautiful Places To Visit In Washington
9 Epic Weekend Road Trips From Portland, Oregon To Take This Year
35+ Affordable, Unique, and Off The Beaten Path Things To Do in Portland
Things To Do In The Columbia River Gorge For A Perfect Day Trip
The Perfect Oregon Road Trip: Portland To Crater Lake National Park And The Stops In Between
A wonderful article indeed . Thanks for such a detailed article . I am planning to come to US ( from India) in May . Will be with my daughter in Portland for 2.5 months . During that I want to cover the Mt Rainier tour.
Please tell me about the best tour operator . My email is sharatsarangi@gmail.com.