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Iconic Mount Rainier is the centerpiece of Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. The snow-capped volcano is just the beginning of what you can see and do while visiting. The park offers over 260 miles of incredible hiking trails, waterfalls, pristine lakes, and plenty of outdoor activities.
Because of the winter season approaching, much of the park was already closed when we visited. Heavy snowfall caused closure of the road past the Paradise area, so we were limited to only one day in the section between the Nisqually entrance and Paradise.
Entrance Fees
It costs US$30 per vehicle (as of January 2024) and is good for seven days, but if you have an interagency pass, park entrance is free. There are five entrances to the park, including Nisqually (main entrance open year-round), Stevens Canyon, White River, Carbon River, and Mowich Lake (fee machine only).
Visitor Centers
There are four visitor centers at Mount Rainier. We were able to visit the Longmire Museum, which is open year-round. Other visitor centers include the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise, Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, and the Sunrise Visitor Center. They’re open seasonally.
Accommodation
For accommodation, there are a few options available including lodges and campgrounds. There are two lodges inside the park and four developed campgrounds. The lodges are the National Park Inn at Longmire (open year-round) and the Paradise Inn in Paradise (open mid May through early October).
Campgrounds are located at Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake. Camping fees are US$20 (as of January 2024) except for Mowich, which has no fee. Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh are open from late May to late September. White River is open late June to late September, and Mowich Lake is open from early July to early October. Reservations can be made online for Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh, and the other two are first come, first served.
We stayed in Ashford, which is a small town just west of the Nisqually entrance. Other accommodation is available further west in Elbe and to the southeast in Packwood.
Restaurants
The only meal we had at park facilities was at the National Park Inn. It was jam packed and we had to wait a good 30 minutes for a table. I had a corned beef sandwich while Marisol had clam chowder. Tim had what looked to be a delicious chili. We all enjoyed our meals very much, and the friendly service.
Safety
Park rangers take wildlife safety very seriously. Many potentially dangerous animals live in the park including bears and mountain lions. It’s best to keep a safe distance from these animals.
Mount Rainier, as stated earlier, is an active volcano and there is a high risk of geohazards. It’s good to check all warnings and safety information when you arrive in the park. There are geohazard warning sirens in place in the park’s most popular areas, but out on the trails, you’re on your own. If you feel the ground rumbling, hear a loud roaring sound, or notice a rapid rise in water levels, it’s time to get to higher ground immediately.
Activities
Fishing, wilderness hiking and camping, climbing, boating and other activities are available. Check the official website for more information on these activities and a schedule of ranger guided programs.
