National park · United States
Mount Rainier National Park
Go on a weekday, enter at Nisqually before 8:00, and pick one side: Paradise for meadows and the Skyline loop, Sunrise (July–early Oct) for the highest road and Emmons Glacier views. Skip summer weekends at Paradise — lots fill by mid-morning.Go on a weekday, enter at Nisqually before 8:00 AM, and pick one side: Paradise for meadows and the Skyline loop, Sunrise (July–early Oct) for the highest road and Emmons Glacier views. Skip summer weekends at Paradise — lots fill by mid-morning.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
954 km² (368 sq mi)368 sq mi (954 km²)
approximate
Established
1899
Best months
Jul–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 954 km² (368 sq mi)368 sq mi (954 km²)
- 235,625 acres (954 km²); 97% is designated wilderness.
- Established
- 1899
- Best months
- Jul–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Seattle
Mount Rainier is a 14,410 ft active volcano and the most prominent peak in the contiguous US, 54 miles (87 km) southeast of Seattle. The park is 368 mi² (954 km²), 97% designated wilderness, with 26 named glaciers, old-growth forest and subalpine meadows. Most visits are a day trip by car from Seattle or Tacoma; two days lets you see both Paradise and Sunrise without rushing the mountain roads.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1899America's fifth national park.
- Special national site · 1997National Historic Landmark District for NPS Rustic architecture.
Size and age
954 km² (368 sq mi)368 sq mi (954 km²) · national park since 1899
235,625 acres (954 km²); 97% is designated wilderness.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Seattle.
Why go
- The Skyline Trail at Paradise: wildflower meadows in late July–August, snowfields into summer.
- Sunrise, at 6,400 ft, is the highest point in the park you can reach by car.
- Old-growth forest at Ohanapecosh and the Grove of the Patriarchs.
- A volcano you can see from Seattle on clear days — and walk on.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunGo
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanDeep snow; most roads closed
- FebSnow; Paradise winter weekends only
- MarSnow lingers; limited access
- AprSnow at elevation; lower trails muddy
- MayRoads open late May; snow patches
- JunTrails clearing; some snowfields remain
- JulSunrise Road open; wildflowers start
- AugPeak flowers; busiest — go midweek
- SepClear, quieter, early fall colour
- OctFacilities closing mid-month; check
- NovWA-410 closes; snow returns
- DecWinter access via Nisqually only
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black-tailed deerAll year · Common in meadows; keep distance. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Black bearMay–Oct · Active in summer; store food properly. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Mountain goatsJun–Sep · Alpine and subalpine zones; do not approach. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Steller's jays and ravensAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Seattle
I-5 south to Tacoma, then WA-7/WA-706 to the Nisqually entrance and Paradise.
2.5 h
Open the page →
From Seattle (Sunrise)
I-405 to WA-167, then WA-410 and White River Road to Sunrise.
2.25 h
From Tacoma
WA-7 south, WA-706 through Elbe to Nisqually, then to Paradise.
2 h
From Portland
I-5 north, US-12 east, WA-7/WA-706 to Nisqually.
3 h
From Yakima
US-12 west over White Pass, WA-123 and Stevens Canyon Road to Paradise.
2.5 h
From South Sound
Region base, ferries and road links around Puget Sound.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Longmire | Historic park headquarters, museum, and trailheads at 2,700 ft. | Open daily year-round. |
| Paradise | Visitor centre, Paradise Inn, wildflower meadows and the Skyline Trail. | Open daily late May–mid-October; winter weekends. |
| Ohanapecosh | Old-growth forest in the drier southeast corner. | Open daily late May to mid-October. |
| Sunrise / White River | Highest road-accessible area, Emmons Glacier views. | Sunrise Road open July–early October. |
| Carbon River / Mowich Lake | Northwest corner; minimal facilities, hiking access. | WA-165 closed permanently at Fairfax Bridge. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance (private vehicle) | US$35 | vehicle | 2026 estimate; valid 7 days. Check current NPS fee. |
| Entrance (per person, walk/bike) | US$15 | person | 2026 estimate; valid 7 days. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | pass | 2026 estimate; covers federal fee areas for a year. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entrance permit or guide
Wilderness camping permit or guide
Climbing above Camp Muir / summit permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$35
- US$15
- US$80
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NPS — Mount Rainier fees and passes before you go.
Park rules
- Pets
- Not allowed on trails or in meadows; only in parking areas and on leash.
- Wildflowers
- Do not pick; stay on trails to protect meadow plants.
- Food storage
- Use bear-resistant storage where provided; never leave food in a tent.
- Drones
- Not allowed anywhere in the park.check
- Parking
- No parking along road edges; lots at Paradise and Sunrise fill on summer weekends.
Where to stay
In the park
Paradise Inn
Historic lodge inside the park; usually mid-May to early October.
In the park
National Park Inn, Longmire
Year-round rooms at the southwest side.
Near the park
Ashford and Packwood
Motels and lodges outside the entrances.
In the park
Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds
Seasonal; reserve ahead for summer.
Safety
Weather change high
Snowfields on trails medium
Altitude medium
Wildlife low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Paradise and Sunrise visitor centres have accessible restrooms and paved viewpoints.
- Nisqually Vista and some boardwalk trails are suitable for wheelchairs with assistance; check snow cover.
Visiting lightly
- Use the shuttle or carpool where offered; parking is the main summer bottleneck.
- Pack out all rubbish; there are no bins on many trails.
- Stay on trails in meadows — alpine plants recover slowly.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mount Rainier National Park?
About US$30 per private vehicle for 7 days (2026 estimate), or US$15 per person arriving on foot or by bike. The US$80 America the Beautiful annual pass covers this park and other federal fee areas for a year. Check the NPS site for current fees.
What are the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park?
For most visitors: the Skyline Trail loop at Paradise (5.5 mi, 1,700 ft gain) for meadows and glacier views, Nisqually Vista (1.2 mi) for an easy glacier viewpoint, and the Grove of the Patriarchs (1.5 mi) for old-growth forest. From Sunrise, Mount Fremont Lookout is 5.7 mi round trip.
When is the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park?
Late July to September: wildflowers peak in late July–August, Sunrise Road is open (July–early October) and skies are clearest. Go midweek — Paradise and Sunrise lots fill by mid-morning on summer weekends.
Can I visit Mount Rainier in winter?
Yes, but access is limited. The Nisqually entrance and Longmire are open year-round, and the road to Paradise is plowed; Paradise is the winter base for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Sunrise, Ohanapecosh and WA-410 close for the season.
Do I need a permit to camp or climb?
Yes. Wilderness camping needs a free permit from a ranger station, and climbing above Camp Muir needs a climbing permit and check-in at the Paradise Climbing Information Center.
How far is Mount Rainier from Seattle?
About 54 miles (87 km) southeast of Seattle; roughly 2.5 hours by car to Paradise and 2.25 hours to Sunrise, depending on traffic and entrance.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go