Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park Trail Map
Maps!
Mt. Rainier Nat'l Park Trail Map
Go to Park DetailsThe first recorded view of Mount Rainier was made by Captain George Vancouver while mapping Puget Sound in 1792.
Mount Rainier is a volcano that is believed to be dormant and not extinct. The volcano began to grow between one half and one million years ago. The slopes of lava flows on opposite sides of the mountain projected more than 1,000 feet above the present summit. The upper portion of the cone was probably removed by explosions and landslides. The current summit, Columbia Crest at 14,411 feet, lies on the rim of the recent lava cone.
The park encompasses 378 square miles (980 square kilometers, 235.612.5 acres). Elevation ranges from 1,880 at the Carbon River rain forest (NW corner of park) to 14,411 feet at the summit.
Location Information
Mount Rainier is located in west central Washington, approximately 1-2 hours driving time from Seattle, Tacoma and Yakima, Washington and Portland, Oregon. The Nisqually Entrance, located on the southwest side of the park on State Route 706, is open year-round, while other park roads are open only during the summer months, dependent on snow conditions.
Address:
Mount Rainier National Park
Tahoma Woods, Star Route
Ashford, WA 98304-9751
Telephone:
Directions: Mount Rainier is accessible from several directions via Interstate 5, U.S. Highway 12, State Routes 7, 706, 123, 410, and 165, depending on where travelers originate and the time of year. Consult a Washington State highway map or road atlas for detailed directions.
Transportation: International airports are located in Portland and Seattle/Tacoma with scheduled flights by major national and regional carriers. Rental cars are also available at these locations. AMTRAK provides rail service on both north-south (stops are Centralia, Tacoma, and Seattle) and east-west routes (stops are Yakima, Ellensburg, East Auburn, and Seattle). Rental cars are available at Seattle, Tacoma and Yakima. Greyhound/Trailways provides bus service to these major towns and cities. Gray Line runs buses to the park from mid-spring to mid-fall from Tacoma and Seattle. Shuttle service is available from Seattle to the Park by Rainier Express and Rainier Overland.
Bicyclists will find that there is little room to maneuver on park roads, which are relatively narrow and curvy. Gains in elevation range from 1,700 feet to 6,400 feet. Bicycles are not permitted on trails within the park.
The use of saddle and pack stock is permitted on more than 100 miles of trails. Visitors should check with a Ranger about specific regulations and areas of use.
Operating Hours/Seasons
All locations and facilities in Mount Rainier National Park are available from July 1 through Labor Day. Most locations are accessible from Memorial Day to July and from Labor Day into October. Between November or December into May, snow limits vehicle access to the 18 miles of road between the Nisqually Entrance and Paradise (SW entrance via State Routes 7 and 706).
Reservations/Permits/Fees
Fees: In 1996 Congress directed the U.S. Department of the Interior to implement the Recreation Fee Demonstration Program. The program will help spread some of the costs for managing the park among those who use the park.
The Recreation Fee Demonstration Program will allow a significant portion of the fees collected at Mount Rainier National Park to be spent directly on behalf of the park.
The new fees will be used for:
Reservations/Permits: Reservations are accepted for group campsites at Cougar Rock auto campgrounds, up to 90 days prior to the first night of camping. All other campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Summit Climbing permits include a $15 per person climbing fee ($25 annual fee for multiple climbs) is required.
Wilderness permits are required for overnight stays in the backcountry.
Special Use Permits, Filming Permits and Commercial Use Permits are handled on an individual basis. For additional information concerning these permits, call 360-569-2211.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
At 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is often said to create its own weather. It reaches into the atmosphere and interrupts the flow of moist maritime air masses from the Pacific Ocean. This results in great amounts of rain and snowfall. The heavist precipitation occur between October and early May. During the winter of 1971-1972, 1,122 inches of snow fell at the Paradise weather station on Mount Rainier (5,400 foot elevation), which was a world record. Average summer temperatures can range from the upper 30's to mid-70's. Warm clothing, and sturdy footwear are recommended.
Facilities and Opportunities
Visitor centers, hiking trails, lodging, mountain climbing, camping, wildflower displays, backcountry camping, and picnic areas are located throughout the park.
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Longmire Museum - open year round
Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center - Paradise - open daily mid-April
into October (weekends and holiday periods only October-April)
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center - open late May into October
Sunrise Visitor Center - open late June into September
Trails, Roads: 240 miles of trails, which are generally accessible mid to late June or early July, depending on snow depths. 147 miles of roads throughout the park, most of which are accessible from late May into October or November when closed by snowfall. The road from the Nisqually Entrance to Paradise (SW entrance) is open year round. During the winter months, vehicles should be equipped with all season tires and carry tire chains, in case of inclement weather.
Programs, Activities: During the summer months, interpretive programs and walks are conducted at various areas throughout the park by Park Interpreters. Throughout the winter, guided snowshoe walks are conducted in the Paradise area on weekends by the Interpretive Staff. Visitors should check at information desks for current activity schedules.
Evening campfire programs, ranger-led interpretive walks, and childrens' programs, movies and slide programs are presented throughout the park during the summer months. Check at visitor centers and information stations for schedules.
Lodging and Camping Facilities: Two hotels are located within the park, managed by Mount Rainier Guest Services:
National Park Inn at Longmire - open year round. Built in 1917, renovated in 1990, 25 rooms, full service restaurant and gift shop. Two rooms are fully handicapped accessible. The Inn features a cozy lounge for guests with an oversized stone fireplace.
Paradise Inn at Paradise - open mid-May to early October. Built in 1917, 126 rooms, full service restaurant and lounge, gift shop and snack bar. The large, rustic lobby has two oversized stone fireplaces at each end, for guests to enjoy.
For information and reservations, call 360-569-2275 or write to Mount Rainier Guest Services, P.O. Box 108, Ashford, WA 98304.
A wide variety of accommodations, restaurants and gift shops are located in the communities surrounding the park.
Five automobile campgrounds provide 682 individual and 7 group sites. These campgrounds are located at: Sunshine Point (SW entrance) - 18 individual sites, open year round; Cougar Rock (SW entrance) - 200 individual sites (60 pull-through sites) and 5 group sites, open late May to mid-October; Ohanapecosh (SE entrance) - 205 individual sites, open late May to Mid-October; White River (NE entrance) - 117 individual sites, open late June to late September; Ipsut Creek (NW corner) - closed due to road washout.
Length of Stay: 14-day limit during July and August.
Campground Fees: Fees range from $10-12 per night, depending on the campground selected.All campsites are on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are accepted for group sites up to 90 days prior to first night of camping. No utility hookups are available in campgrounds. Other campgrounds are also located on federal, state and private lands surrounding the park.
Food & Supplies: Limited camper supplies are available at the National Park Inn at Longmire, Sunrise Lodge, and in the communities surrounding the park.
Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:
Each year more than 4,500 people successfully climb to the summit of
Mount Rainier 14,411 feet. Climbers need to be in top physical condition,
since climbing to the summit is a strenuous vertical elevation gain of
more than 9,000 feet, over a distance of 8 or more miles. Climbers should
also be experienced in glacier travel and mountaineering practices. Mount
Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States,
offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer who is totally prepared,
but can be extremely dangerous for those who are inexperienced or unprepared.
Climbers must register with a Ranger before climbing, and checkout upon returning. Solo climbing requires advance written approval by the park Superintendent. Allow up to two weeks for approval process.
A $15 climbing fee is charged for each person attempting a summit climb, or $25 annual fee is available for individuals making multiple climbs during a year.
Guided summit climbs and one-day climbing schools are conducted by Alpine Ascents International, American Alpine Institute, Cascade Alpine Guides, Mt. Rainier Alpine Guides, and Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.(535 Dock Street, Suite 209, Tacoma, WA 98402 or call 206-627-6242).
Accessibility: Limited facilities and trails are accessible within Mount Rainier. Specific questions and needs should be addressed to the park staff.
Special Needs: TDD Telephone Number: 360-569-2177
Recommended Activities/Park Use
Camping, hiking, backpacking, picnicking, observing wildflower meadows and wildlife from park trails, summit climbing, campfire and evening interpretive programs, fishing and horse use.
Visitation
Annual visitation exceeds 2 million visitors, with the majority of visitors coming to the park during the months of May through October. During this peak period, the best time to visit the park is Monday through Friday, to avoid large crowds which arrive early on sunny summer weekends. Parking lots at the most popular areas such as Paradise and Sunrise, are generally full before noon on weekend days.
Basic Visit Recommendations: Approximately eight hours is recommended to make the entire loop through Mount Rainier, with brief stops at various visitor activity areas enroute.
Visitor Impacts: Most park roads are closed from October/November until late May due to snowfall accumulations. Temporary closure of the Nisqually to Paradise Road (SW entrance), which is open year round, may occur when heavy snowfall occurs and avalanche conditions become dangerous. In winter, vehicles should be equipped with all season tires, and carry tire chains.
Adjacent Visitor Attractions
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Amboy, WA; Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville, WA; Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad, Elbe, WA; Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, White Pass Ski Resort; Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA; North Cascades National Park, Sedro Woolley, WA; Fort Clatsop National Memorial, Astoria, OR; Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver, WA.
Additional Information
Publications: Publications, maps, slides, posters, videos and other informational materials can be obtained by writing to Mount Rainier National Park, Attn: Northwest Interpretive Association, Longmire, WA 98397, or by calling 360-569-2211, ext. 3320.
Non-Profit Organization: The Mount Rainier, North Cascades & Olympic Fund is a non-profit organization established to create supportive partnerships with public and private entities to secure funding and volunteer support for specific projects within the three parks. For information on the Fund, write to: Mount Rainier, North Cascades & Olympic Fund, 1221 Second Avenue, Suite 350, Seattle, WA 98101, or call 206-621-6565.
Back to Park Details List
Top of Page
National Parks Home