Mount Rainier National Park
Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.
About 1 hours from Seattle by car.
active
Alerts
- ClosureNPS ↗SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
There is NO public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles and there is no alternate route.
- CautionNPS ↗Be cautious around park rivers & learn how to cross safely!
Many hikers underestimate the power of moving water. Regardless of your knowledge, skills, and experience use these pointers in making wise decisions before attempting to cross a river.
- InformationNPS ↗Overnight closure of SR 706 on October 16; no access to Nisqually Entrance.
SR706 outside of the park will be fully CLOSED overnight from 9 pm Friday 10/16 until 6 am Saturday 10/17, for road repairs to replace a failing culvert. The closure will be from Kernahan Road East to the Nisqually Entrance. There will be NO ACCESS to the Nisqually Entrance during the closure.
- InformationNPS ↗Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project: Traffic and Trail Impacts
Parking is closed at the Summerland Trailhead on either side of Fryingpan Creek Bridge due to construction through 2029. Access to Summerland remains open via the Wonderland Trail with limited parking at White River Campground. Expect traffic delays of up to 30 minutes due to one-lane traffic on White River Road while it remains open for the season.
- InformationNPS ↗Your GPS May Be Wrong
There are five entrances to the park. GPS may take you to the wrong entrance or attempt to follow the most direct route, which could lead to closed gates. It can take hours to reroute to the correct entrance. Check directions & maps, not just your GPS.
- InformationNPS ↗Expect long lines at entrances on weekends.
Lengthy delays are likely at the southwest park entrance on SR706 on weekends. Check Google Maps for backup (represented by the orange/red line) at link below. Please do not block driveways or roads while in line outside the park.
- InformationNPS ↗Ohanapecosh Campground area closed for construction in 2026.
The entire Ohanapecosh Campground area is CLOSED for the duration of the construction project, including all campsites, visitor center, restrooms, picnic area, & Ohanapecosh river access.
Fire nearby
- WildfireWest Fork
6 mi from the park's reference point · 310 acres · 16% contained
- WildfireThree Queens
44 mi from the park's reference point · 9,575 acres · 33% contained
- WildfireKing
47 mi from the park's reference point · 3,427 acres · 36% contained
Within 50 miles, as of 2026-10-14. Distance is to the reported incident point, not the fire edge. Check the park's alerts and the managing office before you drive.
Fees & passes
| Type | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Private VehicleGrants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. Vehicle must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less. | $30 | |
| Per PersonWalk-up or single bicycle fee. Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days. | $15 | |
| MotorcycleValid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. | $25 | |
| Commercial tours · by vehicle capacity | ||
| Mini-busThese fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. | $100 | |
| Motor CoachThese fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. NOTE: There are no current road restrictions for unmodified motor coaches of the standard length in the park. However, be aware that roads in the park are steep, narrow, and winding. | $200 | |
| Passes | ||
| Annual Entrance - ParkGrants unlimited entry for one year to pass owner and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable. If you already own a valid annual or lifetime pass (Interagency Senior, Annual, Military, etc) you do not need to purchase this pass. | $55 | |
Entrances are generally staffed during daylight hours, though may be staffed earlier or later. If entering the park outside of daylight hours, purchase a pass at the next available staffed entrance (card/electronic payment only). Entrance passes can also be purchased in local communities (cash/card).
Hours
| Mount Rainier National Park | Daily · All Day |
| Nisqually | Daily · All Day |
| Carbon River | Daily · All Day |
| White River | Daily · All Day |
| Chinook Pass | Daily · All Day |
| Stevens Canyon | Daily · All Day |
Carbon River: hours by date. Standard hours apply on every date not listed.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Standard hours | All Day |
| Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2026NowClosed due to bridge closure. | Closed |
White River, Stevens Canyon: hours by date. Standard hours apply on every date not listed.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Standard hours | All Day |
| Oct 14, 2026 to May 21, 2027NowClosed Seasonally | Closed |
Chinook Pass: hours by date. Standard hours apply on every date not listed.
| Dates | Hours |
|---|---|
| Standard hoursNow | All Day |
| Nov 19, 2026 to May 21, 2027Closed Seasonally | Closed |
When to go
July draws the most visits here and February the fewest, averaged over 2021 to 2025.
Campgrounds
| White River Campground | 109 sites | |
| $20 a night · Closed Sep 21 to Jun 20 | ||
| Ohanapecosh Campground | 192 sites | |
| $20 a night · Closed Apr 1 to Dec 1 | ||
| Cougar Rock Campground | 184 sites | |
| $20 a night · Closed Oct 12 to May 23 | ||
Every campground here has its own page on Campsite Atlas, with site counts, hookups, rig limits and booking windows. All of them on one page → How park camping works
Visitor centers
- Longmire Museum ↗Passport stamp
Located on the south side of Mount Rainier at 2,700 feet above sea level, the museum makes up part of the historic Longmire district. Once a ranger office, the building now houses historic exhibits about the park's natural and geological history, and animals.
- Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center ↗Passport stamp
Located at Paradise, on the south side of Mount Rainier, the Jackson Visitor Center is open throughout the summer and with limited days and hours in the winter.
- Ohanapecosh Visitor Center ↗Passport stamp
NOTE: The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is CLOSED for the summer of 2026 as part of the Ohanapecosh Campground rehabilitation project. This visitor center is located in the southeast corner of the park on State Route 123, 12 miles north of the town of Packwood.
- Sunrise Visitor Center ↗Passport stamp
Located on the northeast flank of Mount Rainier, this visitor center is at the end of the Sunrise Road, 15 miles after the turn off from State Route 410.
- Carbon River Ranger Station ↗
Located in the northwest corner of the park, the ranger station is staffed by rangers or volunteers. Building hours may vary so call ahead for hours 360-829-9639. When open, rangers and volunteers provide park information, wilderness camping, and climbing permits.
- Longmire Wilderness Information Center ↗
Open during the summer, the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (WIC) is located in the lobby of the historic Longmire Administration Building, a picturesque example of National Park Service rustic architecture in Longmire.
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- White River Wilderness Information Center ↗
Open during the summer, the White River Wilderness Information Center (WIC) located at the Winter River Entrance. The WIC has an information desk staffed by wilderness rangers. Rangers at the WIC assist with wilderness permits, trip planning, and providing maps and trail condition updates.
- Paradise Wilderness Information Center ↗
Open during the summer, the Paradise Wilderness Information Center (WIC) is located in the main room of the historic Guide House. The WIC has an information desk staffed by wilderness rangers.
Explore
Things to do
- Wilderness Camping at Mount Rainier National Park2-14 Days
With 97% of the park designated wilderness, backpacking and wilderness camping is one of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park.
Opens on the Park Service site - Hike to Silver Falls2 Hours
Enjoy a moderate, family-friendly loop hike through the forest to a beautiful waterfall along the Ohanapecosh River.
Opens on the Park Service site - Hike to Spray Falls2-3 Hours
Enjoy a short hike from Mowich Lake to a large cascading waterfall fed by a glacier.
Opens on the Park Service site - Hike Rampart Ridge2-3 Hours
This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.
Opens on the Park Service site - Climbing Mount Rainier3-4 Days
Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and well prepared.
Opens on the Park Service site - Camping at Mount Rainier
Enjoy an extended, relaxing visit to Mount Rainier in one of the park's campgrounds.
Opens on the Park Service site
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- Day Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park2-8 Hours
Looking for easy and enjoyable trails that the whole family can experience together? Consider the following trails in the Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River/Mowich areas of Mount Rainier National Park.
Opens on the Park Service site - Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier1-8 Hours
Everyone loves beautiful days when Mount Rainier is visible and the skies are blue! However, sometimes the weather does not cooperate. There is still so much to appreciate on days when the clouds roll in. Enjoy this list of park ranger favorites for…
Opens on the Park Service site - Explore Longmire in Winter2-4 Hours
Make a day of it by visiting in Longmire in winter. Hike or snowshoe through the forest with views of Mount Rainier and bubbling mineral springs. Explore the Longmire Historic District and warm up with a hot meal in the National Park Inn.
Opens on the Park Service site - A Day In Longmire2-8 Hours
Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.
Opens on the Park Service site - Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire5-10 Minutes
Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire to honor the Mount Rainier National Park Rangers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Opens on the Park Service site - Spring Recreation
Spring comes slowly to the mountain. While wildflowers bloom along city streets, the snow at Paradise may be higher than your head! Planning your spring trip to the mountain in advance is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.
Opens on the Park Service site
Films
National Park Service productions, public domain.
Webcams
Camera images load live from the National Park Service and partner agencies
Events
- Fee Free Day - Theodore Roosevelt's Birthday10/2712:00 AM · free
- 12:00 AM · free
News
- Mount Rainier National Park Announces Fall Construction Activities for Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project ↗2026-09-30
Mount Rainier National Park, in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration, will begin construction activities for the Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project on Sept. 28.
- Mount Rainier National Park to Host Open Houses on the Grove of the Patriarchs Bridge & Trail Replacement Project ↗2026-08-19
Mount Rainier National Park, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration’s Western Federal Lands Highway Division, is inviting the public to learn about plans to replace the historic Grove of the Patriarchs…
- Grand Park 2 Fire Update, August 9, 2026 ↗2026-08-09
Emergency personnel from the U.S. Forest Service & U.S. Wildland Fire Service, are responding to an active wildfire in Mount Rainier National Park designated as the Grand Park 2 Fire.
- Mount Rainier National Park Accepting Commercial Use Authorization Applications via National Park Service Online Portal starting September 1, 2026, for 2027. ↗2026-07-28
Superintendent Greg Dudgeon announced today the park will accept Commercial Use Authorization applications through the National Park Service’s online portal starting September 1, 2026 for Bicycle Tours, Camping –…
Map
Interactive map by the National Park Service
Historic landmarks nearby
Public land nearby
Distances are approximate. Wilderness Atlas publishes a center point and an acreage for each area rather than a boundary, so each area is treated here as a circle of the same size and the figure is the gap to that circle.
Forest Service trails nearby
These trails are outside the park on National Forest land, within 15 miles of Mount Rainier. Each one opens on Trailhead Atlas.
Distance is measured from the park's reference point to the nearer end of the trail.
Guidebooks for Mount Rainier National Park
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Best Easy Day Hikes Mount Rainier National ParkDi Heidi Schneider and Mary Skjelset, 2024Find at Bookshop.org
Landscape Photographer's Guide to Mount Rainier National ParkAnthony Jones, 2021Find at Bookshop.org
Local history books for Mount Rainier National Park
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject.
Reference
Wildlife
Seen this monthSooty Grouse 27× · Mountain Goat 20× · American Pika 17× · Hoary Marmot 17× · White-tailed Ptarmigan 10× · Prairie Falcon 2× · Long-eared Owl 1× · American Black Bear 1×Research-grade observations within 25 km, last 30 days, via iNaturalist
Full checklist: 143 birds, 56 mammalsHide
Raptors & owlsAmerican kestrel · Barn Owl · Barred Owl · Boreal Owl · Cooper's Hawk · Great Horned Owl · Long-eared Owl · Merlin · Northern Harrier · Northern Pygmy Owl · Northern Saw-whet Owl · Northern Spotted Owl · Osprey · Peregrine Falcon · Prairie Falcon · Red-tailed Hawk · Rough-legged Hawk · Sharp-shinned Hawk · Swainson's Hawk · Turkey Vulture
Waterfowl & wadersAmerican Merganser · American Pintail · American Wigeon · Barrow's Goldeneye · Blue Goose · Bufflehead · Canada Goose · Cinnamon Teal · Common Goldeneye · Common Loon · Great Blue Heron · Green-winged Teal · Harlequin Duck · Hooded Merganser · Virginia Rail · Western Grebe · Wood Duck
Shorebirds & seabirdsBaird's Sandpiper · California Gull · Caspian Tern · Greater Yellowlegs · Killdeer · Red-necked Phalarope · Spotted Sandpiper · Western Solitary Sandpiper · Wilson's Phalarope · Wilson's Snipe
Gamebirds & dovesCalifornia Quail · Ruffed Grouse · Sooty Grouse · Wild Turkey
WoodpeckersAmerican Three-toed Woodpecker · Black-backed Woodpecker · Downy Woodpecker · Hairy Woodpecker · Lewis' Woodpecker · Northern Flicker · Pileated Woodpecker · Red-breasted Sapsucker
Hummingbirds & swiftsBlack Swift · Calliope Hummingbird · Rufous Hummingbird · Vaux's Swift
Also on the checklistAmerican Crow · American Dipper · American Dusky Flycatcher · American Goldfinch · American Pipit · American Robin · Audobon's Warbler · Barn Swallow · Belted kingfisher · Black-billed Magpie · Black-capped Chickadee · Black-headed Grosbeak · Black-legged Kittiwake · Black-throated Gray Warbler · Brewer's Blackbird · Brown Creeper · Brown-headed Cowbird · Bushtit · Canyon Wren · Cassin's Finch · Cassin's Vireo · Cassin's Vireo · Cedar Waxwing · Chestnut-backed Chickadee · Chipping sparrow · Clark's Nutcracker · Common Nighthawk · Common Raven · Common Yellowthroat · European Starling · Evening Grosbeak · Fox Sparrow · Golden-crowned Kinglet · Golden-crowned Sparrow · Gray Jay · Hammond's Flycatcher · Hermit Thrush · Hermit Warbler · House Sparrow · Hutton's Vireo · Lincoln's Sparrow · Mallard · Marbled Murrelet · Mountain Bluebird · Northern Shoveler · Olive-sided Flycatcher · Orange-crowned Warbler · Oregon Junco · Pacific wren · Pacific-slope Flycatcher · Pine Grosbeak · Pine Siskin · Pygmy nuthatch · Red Crossbill · Red-breasted Nuthatch · Red-winged blackbird · Savannah Sparrow · Sitka Kinglet · Snow-bunting · Song Sparrow · Steller's Jay · Swainson's Thrush · Townsend's Solitaire · Townsend's Warbler · Tree Swallow · Varied Thrush · Vesper Sparrow · Western Goshawk · Western Meadowlark · Western Tanager · Western Wood-Pewee · Western bluebird · White-breasted Nuthatch · White-crowned Sparrow · White-crowned Sparrow · White-winged Crossbill · Willow Flycatcher · Wilson's Warbler · Yellow Warbler
Small mammalsCascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel · Coast Mole · Douglas's Squirrel · Keen's Mouse · Oregon meadow mouse · Pacific jumping mouse · Townsend's Chipmunk · Townsend's meadow vole · Townsend's mole · Trowbridge's shrew · Yellow-pine Chipmunk · beaver · bushy-tailed woodrat · deer mouse · dusky shrew · flying squirrel · heather vole · hoary marmot · long-tailed meadow mouse · marsh shrew · masked shrew · mountain water shrew · northern pocket gopher · pika · porcupine · red-backed mouse · shrew mole · snowshoe hare · wandering shrew · water vole
PredatorsCommon Otter · Marten · Mink · Striped Skunk · Western Spotted Skunk · black bear · bobcat · coyote · ermine · fisher · long-tailed weasel · raccoon
Hoofed mammalsMule deer · mountain goat
BatsBig Brown Bat · Black Bat · California Myotis · Hoary Bat · Little Brown Bat · Long-eared Myotis · Long-legged Myotis · Townsend's big-eared bat · Yuma Myotis
Also on the checklistCougar · Virginia Opossum · wapiti
Activities
Activity guides for this park Birdwatching in the national parks · Camping in the national parks · Fishing in the national parks · Hiking in the national parks · Rock climbing in the national parks · Skiing in the national parks · Stargazing in the national parks · Wildlife watching in the national parks
Weather & climate
Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and elevation. The climate is generally cool and rainy, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s. While July and August are the sunniest months of the year, rain is very likely in spring, fall, and winter. Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable. In the higher elevations, like Paradise, winter can last from November to May with many feet of snow on the ground.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mount Rainier?
Entrance is $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person on foot or bike. Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days.
Source: National Park Service
Which passes work at Mount Rainier?
The $80 America the Beautiful pass covers the entrance fee here, and a Mount Rainier-only annual pass is $55.
Source: Is the pass worth it
Can I pay the entrance fee in cash?
No. Mount Rainier takes cards only at the entrance.
Source: National Park Service
When is entrance to Mount Rainier free?
Next on October 27, Theodore Roosevelt's birthday. 2 fee-free days are left this year, for US residents only.
Source: Free entrance days
Do I need a reservation to enter Mount Rainier?
No. There is no timed-entry or entrance reservation at Mount Rainier. Camping and some tours have their own reservations.
Source: National Park Service
Is Mount Rainier open year-round?
Yes. The grounds are open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Source: National Park Service
Can I camp in Mount Rainier?
Yes. The Park Service lists 3 campgrounds in Mount Rainier: White River, Ohanapecosh, and Cougar Rock. 2 take reservations through Recreation.gov; 1 is first-come, first-served.
Do any Mount Rainier campgrounds have hookups or showers?
No. None of the 3 listed campgrounds report showers, electric hookups, or a dump station.
Source: Campgrounds
Do camping fees at Mount Rainier include the entrance fee?
No. Camping is charged per night on top of the entrance fee or a pass; White River is $20 a night.
Source: Campgrounds
When do Mount Rainier campgrounds close for the season?
White River is closed Sep 21 to Jun 20, Ohanapecosh is closed Apr 1 to Dec 1, and Cougar Rock is closed Oct 12 to May 23.
Source: Campgrounds
Is anything closed at Mount Rainier right now?
7 active alerts as of October 14, 2026: Overnight closure of SR 706 on October 16; no access to Nisqually Entrance; Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project: Traffic and Trail Impacts; and more.
Source: Alerts
How busy is Mount Rainier?
1,635,342 recreation visits in 2025, number 53 of 387 units that report visitation.
Source: Most visited parks
Follow this park
- Alerts feed (RSS)
- Every active Park Service alert for this unit, one item each, rebuilt with the nightly data refresh.
- Add dates to your calendar (.ics file)
- Fee-free entrance days that apply here and each published hours exception, as all-day events.
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