Mount Rainier is an active Cascade volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and glacial ice. The 14,410' mountain is surrounded by lush old growth forests, spectacular subalpine meadows and a National Historic Landmark District that showcases the "NPS Rustic" style architecture of the 1920s and 1930s.
Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington. Several major cities in Washington-Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima and Portland, Oregon are within 200 miles of the park.
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.
To reach the Southwest Corner of the Park from Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, or Portland: The Nisqually entrance, located in the southwest corner of the park, provides the most direct access to Longmire and Paradise. This entrance is open year-round.
From Seattle South on I-5 to SR 512 (exit 127). East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance.
From Tacoma East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance.
From Yakima Summer only: west on US 12 to SR 123. North on SR 123 to the Stevens Canyon Entrance. Follow Stevens Canyon Road west to Paradise. In winter: West on US 12 to SR 7 in Morton. North on SR 7 to Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance.
From Portland North on I-5 to US 12 (exit 68). East on US 12 to SR 7 in Morton. North on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 to the Nisqually Entrance.
To reach the East Side of the Park from Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, or Portland: In the summer, travelers coming from east of the Cascades can enter the park using Chinook Pass (SR 410) and Cayuse Pass (SRs 123 410) or via I-90 and US 12. In winter, however, SR 123 and SR 410 are closed. For winter access to the east side of the park, visitors must use I-90 and US 12.
From Seattle South on I-5 to I 405 (exit 156). East on I 405 to SR 167. South on SR 167 to SR 410. East on SR 410 to the White River Entrance. This route is open summer only.
From Tacoma East on SR 512 to SR 167. North on SR 167 to SR 410. East on SR 410 to the White River Entrance. This route is open summer only.
From Yakima West on US 12 to SR 410. West on SR 410 over Chinook and Cayuse Passes to the White River Entrance, White River Entrance. This route is open summer only.
From Portland North on I-5 to US 12 (exit 68). East on US 12 to SR 123. North on SR 123 over Cayuse Pass to SR 410. Then north on SR 410 to the White River River Entrance. This route is open summer only.
Climate
A Pacific maritime climate is characterized by rainy, mild winters and cool, dry summers. Mountain weather is very changeable. Wet, cold weather can occur anytime of the year. While late-July and August can be the driest, warmest time of the year, summer can also be wet and cool.
Mount Rainier National Park is open all year. The park is most heavily visited on sunny summer weekends and holidays. Parking in many areas of the park is limited. If you're planning a summer trip to the park, consider visiting mid-week, which is generally a less busy time.
In winter, access to Mount Rainier is limited. Only two entrances to the park are open: the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park, and the Carbon River Entrance, in the northwest corner of the park. Winter visitors entering through the Nisqually Entrance can travel to Paradise. On winter weekends and holidays, the Jackson Visitor Center, at Paradise, is open.
Note that in winter and spring of 2007, many roads and facilities are not open as usual.
Fees
Private vehicle: $15 Individual: $5
Things To Do
Mount Rainier National Park offers excellent opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and mountain climbing. Most roads are open from late May to early October and all provide stunning views and access to a variety of hiking trails and other sites. While many visitors attempt to see the park in a day, consider an in-depth exploration of on one or two areas of the park.
Hiking
Planning a Wilderness Trip
At Mount Rainier National Park, and throughout much of the Cascade Range, winter lasts early 9 months. If you will be backpacking at Mount Rainier, plan accordingly. Snow covers popular hiking trails in sub-alpine areas (5000-7000 feet in elevation) well into June or July. This is followed by a brief and pleasant summer before snows begin in October.
In May and June, hikers and backpackers often encounter hazardous snow bridges over streams, steep snow-covered slopes where ice axes are advised, fallen trees across trails, washed-out bridges, and long stretches of snow-covered trail where route finding will be difficult. Unless you specifically intend to hike, climb, or camp in the snow, plan your trip for July, August, September, or early October. During these months trails are free, or mostly free, of snow and when trails are visible and easily followed. Long distance backpacking on the around-the-mountain Wonderland Trail (90 miles long) is best done within this window of opportunity. By contrast, visitors interested in climbing Mount Rainier are advised to do it in early summer when route conditions are best.
For your safety, do not hike alone. Carry (and know how to use) the Ten Essentials. Tell someone your plans and who to call if you should fail to return.
Wilderness Camping Permits and Use Limits
Climbers pay a $30 per person, per calender year Mountaineering Cost Recovery fee to obtain their Climbing Permit, which also serves as their Wilderness Camping Permit. (Note: If climbers make a reservation for a climb, climbing fees are due at the time of the reservation.) Backpackers, and anyone else who camps outside of auto campgrounds, must obtain a free Wilderness Camping Permit before camping. Permits are required year-round and are issued in person only after you arrive in the park. The permits may be obtained at the Wilderness Information Centers at Longmire and White River, or at any ranger station during the summer. Winter permits are available at the Longmire Museum.
Use Limits: Use limits exist and are enforced in nearly all of the Mount Rainier wilderness (97% of the park) from May 1 through October 31.
Trailside Camping: Camping along trails is limited to designated trailside camps only. A trailside camp has from 1 to 8 improved sites, each of which will accommodate one "individual" party of 1-5 people. Individual sites will hold 2 tents at most. Parties requiring space for 3 or more tents must camp in a group site. Many of the trailside camps also have a group site that will accommodate 6-12 people. These sites will typically hold 3-5 tents. All camps have a primitive toilet and a nearby untreated water supply. Most camps have food storage poles ("bear poles") for hanging food and garbage.
Crosscountry Camping: Backpackers can venture far from maintained trails to choose their own location to camp. These campers must use "leave no trace" camping ethics, camp where there are no improved campsites, and be out of sight and sound of other parties. These vast areas are segmented into zones for management purposes. In each zone, a limited number of campers is allowed each night. Party size may not exceed 5. Choose crosscountry camping only if you are adept with map and compass and in excellent physical condition for enduring the additional challenge of crosscountry travel. There are both lower forest and sub-alpine crosscountry zones.
Alpine Camping: Mountain climbers generally choose to camp in treeless, snow- and ice-covered areas on the slopes of Mount Rainier itself. Like crosscountry areas, the alpine area is also segmented into zones, which have limits on the number of parties camped per night. If camping on snow, party size may not exceed 12. If camping on bare ground, party size may not exceed 5. Within the alpine zones, there are two popular high camps on the two most popular climbing routes (Camp Muir and Camp Shurman). Each camp and the adjoining alpine zones have capacities based on allowable people per night. Never camp on exposed vegetation or the partially vegetated "islands" of rare alpine plants as these plants struggle to survive here. It is illegal to camp in the Muir "fellfields" on either side of the Muir Snowfield, which leads to Camp Muir. Never build windbreaks of rocks, as moving rocks exposes fragile roots of alpine plants and causes the plants to die. Campers may use existing established rock windbreaks.
Day Hiking
The park recommends that day hikers limit their party size to no more than 12 people per group. Day hikers are also encouraged to stay on designated trails throughout the park, and are required to do so in the heavily used Paradise, Sunrise, and Tipsoo Lake meadows. When choosing a spot for a lunch stop, avoid fragile flower fields and stream banks.
Day hikers are advised to keep hiking plans flexible: some trailhead parking lots may be full, and overflow parking is not permitted. Other trailheads may have parking space available.
Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. Each year thousands of people successfully climb this 14,410 foot active volcano. Use this website to gather information on weather, route conditions, avalanche information, Climbing Permits & Fees, Regulations, guide services, and other things you need to know before you climb. If you would like more information, contact Mount Rainier climbing rangers at (360) 569-2211, x2314.
Reaching the summit requires a vertical elevation gain of more than 9,000 feet over a distance of eight or more miles. Climbers must be in good physical condition and well prepared. Proper physical conditioning can offset the effects of fatigue that lead to mistakes and injuries.
Weather, snow, and route conditions can change rapidly, making the difference between a pleasant and rewarding experience or tragedy. Before beginning a climb, obtain a current weather forecast. During your climb, turn back if weather conditions deteriorate. Severe winter-like storms on the mountain are not uncommon during the summer.
Winter Climbing Winter storms on Mount Rainier are frequent and severe, with high winds, deep snow, and extremely poor visibility. Winter conditions generally exist from mid-September to mid-May. All parties attempting a winter ascent should be experienced in winter mountaineering, avalanche forecasting and rescue, and be familiar with the intended routes of ascent and descent. The maximum party size for winter climbing is 12. A party size of at least 4 is recommended.
Climbing Regulations Climbers must follow low impact camping regulations.
Camping is allowed only on permanent snow or ice, or on bare ground areas previously used as campsites. Clearing new tent sites on rocky or snowfree areas is prohibited.
Travel on established trails to avoid damaging fragile alpine vegetation.
Climbers must register and pay the climbing fee prior to climbing and must check out upon return. Anyone climbing or hiking on glaciers, or above the normal high camps such as Camp Muir and Camp Schurman, must register and pay the climbing fee.
Solo travel above high camps or anywhere on glaciers is not permitted except with prior written permission from the Superintendent. You may request this form by writing: Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304.
Anyone younger than 18 years of age must have the permission of a parent or legal guardian before climbing above normal high camps.
Engaging in any business in park areas except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement is prohibited. Leading or participating in an unauthorized guided climb of Mount Rainier is illegal (Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations).
Climbing Fees, Permits & Reservations
Climbing Pass (required) Required for all who plan to travel above 10,000 feet or onto any glaciers. All climbers must present or purchase their Mount Rainier Climbing Pass and a valid photo I.D. at the time they register for their climb. To obtain a climbing permit each climbing party must complete and submit (in person) a climbing registration card before each climb.
Fee: The fee for a climbing pass is $30 per person per calendar year. Passes purchased in November and December are valid for the following calendar year.
How to get your pass: Obtain a pass at the Paradise Ranger Station, White River Wilderness Information Center, or the Carbon River Ranger Station. You can also purchase your Mount Rainier Climbing Pass in advance: download and complete the Climbing Pass Purchase Form, then fax or mail to the park. Fax form to (360)569-3131 or mail it to Wilderness Reservations Office, 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304.
Climbing parties with one or more members who have already purchased a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass for the current year must also complete and submit a Climbing Party Supplemental Form. This additional form ensures that your party is not charged climbing fees for those already possessing a valid climbing pass when requesting reservations.
Reserve Camp Sites (optional): Climbers who are planning to climb between May 1 and September 30 can use the Wilderness Reservation System to reserve camping sites.
Reservations accepted beginning: Reservations are accepted no earlier than April 1. Reservations postmarked or faxed before March 15 will not be accepted.
Reservation Fee: There is a $20 reservation fee (this fee is in addition to the $30 Climbing Pass fee). Reservations do not guarantee a spot in the public shelter at Camp Muir.
How to make a reservation: To reserve a site, print and complete the Reservation Request Form and return it by fax or by mail. Fax form to (360)569-3131 or mail it to Wilderness Reservations Office, 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304.
During the summer months, reservations can also be made at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center. For more information, call the Longmire Wilderness Information Center at (360)569-HIKE [(360)569-4453].
Outdoor Boating and Fishing
General Fishing Information:
Mount Rainier National Park isn't known for its fishing. Although fish are not native to park lakes, some survive as a result of past fish stocking efforts. Because the fish are not native, there are no limits on the number of fish that can be taken from park lakes. Because native fish are found in park streams, please use barbless hooks and artificial lures and to release uninjured fish.
Regulations:
Park fishing regulations for streams are generally in accordance with those of the surrounding area waters of the State of Washington. Fishing for Bull Trout and Chinook Salmon, both federally listed threatened species, is prohibited in the park.
Fishing Season
Most lakes are ice-free only from mid-July through October. According to Washington state fishing regulations, lakes and ponds are open all year, while streams and beaver ponds are open late May or early June through late October.
Limits in Park Lakes No limits
Limits in Park Streams Daily catch - Six pounds and one fish, not to exceed 12 fish. Possession - 1 day's limit Minimum size – none
License
No license or permit required in the park.
Fly Fishing
The Ohanapecosh River and its tributaries are open to fly fishing only. The use of bait or other lures except artificial flies is not permitted.
Prohibited Activities
Cleaning fish in park waters
Possession or use of live or dead bait fish, amphibians, non-preserved fish eggs, or roe
chumming or placing any substance (fish eggs, food, drugs, etc.) in waters for the purpose of attracting or feeding fish
fishing with nets, seines, traps, drugs or explosives, or any means other than hook and line with the rod or line being closely attended
digging for bait
placing refuse of any kind in any park waters
Overnight Fishing Trips
Anglers making overnight trips into the backcountry must have a wilderness camping permit. These permits can be obtained at any Ranger Station.
Boating:
Non-motorized boating is permitted on all lakes except Frozen Lake, Reflection Lakes, Ghost Lake, and Tipsoo Lake.
Closed Water
Klickitat Creek above the White River entrance water supply intake
Ipsut Creek above the Ipsut Creek campground water supply intake
Laughingwater Creek above the Ohanapecosh water supply intake
At Mount Rainier, cyclists can enjoy bicycling that is both challenging and scenic. Although bicycles are allowed on park roads, they are not permitted on any foot trails and the park has no designated bike trails. Be aware that the park may temporarily close any road to bicycle use. Signs will mark closed roads and cyclists can check current road status when planning a trip.
September and early October are generally excellent times for cyclists to visit Mount Rainier. During these months, there are usually fewer vehicles on the roads and fall colors enhance the scenery. Be aware, however, that many facilities and services are reduced or discontinued after Labor Day.
Availability of bicycling equipment in or near the park is very limited and cyclists should be prepared to make repairs on their own. For your safety, wear a helmet.
Road and Touring Bikes:
Park roads are steep, narrow, winding and have unpaved shoulders. There are several significant elevation gains and losses. Because park roads are winding, cyclists are advised to maintain safe speeds on downhill sections.
From the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park, to Paradise is 19 miles one-way with a 3,400 foot gain in elevation.
From from the northeast park boundary to Sunrise is 20 miles with an elevation gain of 3,650 feet.
Mountain Bikes
Inside the Park
The Westside Road is just inside the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park. The entire length is unpaved and provides an exceptionally scenic challenge. The first three miles of the road are open to all vehicles. There is a small parking area at the end of this three mile section and many mountain bikers choose to leave their cars at this point. The 9¼ mile stretch to Klapatche Point is restricted to cyclists and hikers. There are two challenging climbs and many spectacular views.
The Carbon River Road, in the northwest corner of the park, is approximately 5 miles long and offers a ride through a rain forest. Use caution as there is vehicle traffic on the road. Because the road is subject to flooding, it could close at any time. Check current road conditions when planning your trip.
The Mowich Lake Road is also in the northwest corner of the park at the end of Highway 165. This 5-mile dirt road leads to a beautiful sub-alpine lake.
Outside the Park
A third option for mountain bikers is the road behind the old campground in Longmire. Vehicle parking and access to this road are at the Community Building in Longmire. This road connects with Forest Service Road 52 (also called Skate Creek or Kernahan Road).
Cycling Events at Mount Rainier
Each July, the Redmond Cycling Club sponsors RAMROD (Ride Around Mount Rainier One Day), in which 750 cyclists test themselves on a 154 mile course with 10,000 feet of total elevation gain.
Mount Rainier is within a half–day’s drive of numerous recreational and educational opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
Other Recreational Opportunities Near Mount Rainier
Mount Tahoma Trails Association, in Ashford, Washington, is located just outside the Nisqually entrance, at the southwest corner of the park.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is located directly south of Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, located on the west side of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, is south of Mount Rainier National Park.
The Pacific Crest Scenic Trail runs along the eastern edge of Mount Rainier National Park.
National Park Service Sites
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, located between Long Beach, Washington and Cannon Beach, Oregon, is approximately 4 hours southwest of Mount Rainier.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, in Vancouver, Washington, is approximately 3.5 hours southwest of Mount Rainier.
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Seattle, Washington is approximately 2.5 hours northwest of Mount Rainier.
Olympic National Park, in Port Angeles, Washington, is approximately 4 hours northwest of Mount Rainier.
North Cascade National Park, in Sedro Woolley, Washington, is approximately 6 hours northeast of Mount Rainier.
