Mount Rainier National Park

Though Washington State is dotted with snow-capped peaks, the pride of any Washingtonian is majestic Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in the Cascade range. Naturalists have long recognized the importance of this volcanic mountain, which rises 14,411 feet into the air and is encased in 35 miles of snow and glacial ice. The area around it was declared a national park in 1899, making it the fifth oldest in the country.

The park covers 378 square miles and ranges in elevation from 1,880 feet at the Carbon River to more than 14,000 feet at the top of its namesake peak. An average of 2 million visitors per year head to this park, arriving mostly during the pleasant months of May through October. Many arrive in an attempt to climb to the top of Mount Rainier. As a matter of fact, an estimated 900 people per year give the ascent a try. About half make it.

Besides climbing the mountain, however, there are many easier ways to explore Mount Rainier National Park. Day hiking opportunities are plentiful with nearly 250 miles of maintained trails located inside the park. Trails lead through all portions of the park, from sub-alpine meadows to low river valleys. Some take you to lakes and streams where you can fish or just enjoy the view while others give guests a close-up look at the glaciers.

Both touring/road and mountain biking are popular in Mount Rainier National Park, though road biking can be quite challenging on the park’s steep roads. Mountain biking, on the other hand, is very exciting here. Cyclists can ride through a rain forest on the Carbon River Road or tour the unpaved Westside Road for more than 9 miles, all the while enjoying spectacular views of the Cascade range and the scenery below.

Anglers are welcome to fish the waters of Mount Rainier National Park, though the park is better known as a climbing destination than a fishing locale. However, fishing fans can find a few species left over from the days when the lakes and streams in the park used to be stocked. Non-motorized boating is allowed on most lakes and fly fishing is popular on the Ohanapecosh River and its tributaries.

Winter fun in Mount Rainier National Park attracts thousands of visitors each year. Though it’s inadvisable to climb “the mountain” in the unpredictable winter months, guests can enjoy other sports including snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, and – in some areas – snowmobiling.

For lodging purposes, there are five campgrounds located throughout the park at various altitudes. Most are open from late May until October though some have more limited calendars. Cougar Rock, White River, and Ohanapecosh have flush toilets and dump stations. Some group sites are available.

The warm days of summer are the busiest at the park, especially weekends. If you’re visiting during the summer months, try to plan your trip for a weekday. Despite the crowds, guests will experience the best weather during this time of year. Winter visitors should remember that access to certain parts of the park will be limited during the cold, snowy months, including the mountain itself.

Year round access to the park is via state route 706 to the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park. Limited winter access is available via highway 123 in the southeast corner of the park. The Carbon River/Mowich Lake area, in the northwest corner of the park, is accessed via state route 165 through Wilkeson. In summer only, the north and east sides of the park can be accessed using highway 410. Floods and other natural occurrences sometimes limit access through particular entrances. Be sure to check before you arrive.

Contact:

Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
360-569-2211