National Park · Pacific · WA
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.
Current alerts
DangerWILDFIRE CLOSURES: Sunrise & northern trails. White River will reopen 9/5.
Due to several active fires on the north side of the park, the following closures are in effect until further notice: Sunrise Road, Grand Park area & trails, Northern Loop Trail, Wonderland Trail from Carbon River Suspension Bridge to White River Campground, & associated backcountry campgrounds. White River Road & WR Campground will reopen Sat 9/5 along with White River/Sunrise Trails. Sunrise Rd CLOSED to vehicles; open for recreation only starting 9/5.
CautionAir quality impacted by wildfire smoke.
Smoke from regional wildfires is affecting air quality in the park. When air quality is a concern: 1. monitor air quality and smoke forecasts; 2. assess your own sensitivity to poor air quality, and the sensitivity of others in your group; 3. adjust outdoor activities as needed.
CautionBe 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.
CautionParkwide Fire Ban in effect until further notice beginning June 26
Beginning Friday 6/26/26 until rescinded, a parkwide fire ban is implemented for all campfires & the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, & BBQ grills.
InformationYour 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.
InformationExpect 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.
InformationOhanapecosh 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.
Park ClosureSR 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.
Location
46.8608, -121.7044
Key trails & viewpoints
Hike to Silver Falls
Enjoy a moderate, family-friendly loop hike through the forest to a beautiful waterfall along the Ohanapecosh River.
Hike to Spray Falls
Enjoy a short hike from Mowich Lake to a large cascading waterfall fed by a glacier.
Hike Rampart Ridge
<p>~2.5 hours</p>
This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.
Day Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park
Duration depends on the length of the trail.
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. These day hikes range from short strolls to longer trails through the wilderness.
Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier
Length varies. Some stops are short hikes, while others take longer. Multiple stops may be combined for a longer visit.
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 days when the mountain isn’t out!
A Day In Longmire
There is a variety of activities in Longmire to match any itinerary.
Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.
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.
Kid-Friendly Hikes at Mount Rainier
Hikes will range in average hiking time from 20 min to 90 min. However, some hikes may take longer or shorter depending on how fast the group hikes and how many breaks are taken for pictures, rest, etc. Driving time between the different hikes may vary depending on road work.
Looking for kid friendly hikes to do while visiting Mount Rainier? This list should help you find the right hike for your group depending on where you are in the park.
Hours & fees
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is open all year. Visitation peaks in July and August with warmer weather and blooming wildflowers. In spring and autumn, weather determines the availability of facilities and roads. During winter months a number of roads, facilities, and entrances close for the season.
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| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Nisqually
Located in the southwest corner of the park via SR 706, the Nisqually Entrance provides year-round access to the park. NOTE: To reach the Nisqually entrance using GPS use the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304. Fee station. If entering the park outside of daylight hours, purchase an online pass at Recreation.gov in advance, or at the next available staffed entrance.
| Monday | All Day |
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| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Carbon River
Carbon River Entrance in the northwest corner of the park is open year-round via SR165 through Wilkeson. Vehicle access is permitted only to the park entrance. Beyond that point the Carbon River Road is open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Pay entrance fees at Carbon River Ranger Station a few miles before park boundary or use payment envelopes after hours.
| Monday | All Day |
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| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
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| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
White River
Sunrise, White River, and southbound SR 123 are accessed via SR 410 from Enumclaw through the White River Entrance, open from late June to mid October. Fee station located on turn-off from SR 410 on the road to Sunrise. Hours may vary. Fee envelopes available for after hours.
| Monday | All Day |
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| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Chinook Pass
In summer, travelers coming from east of the Cascades can enter the park using Chinook Pass (SR410), passing under the Chinook Entrance Arch walking bridge. Entrance open June to mid-November, 24 hours a day. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.
| Monday | All Day |
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| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
Stevens Canyon
Branching off of SR123 just north of Ohanapecosh, Stevens Canyon Entrance provides access to Stevens Canyon Road, Paradise, and the west side of the park. Open late May to mid September. Fee station with fee envelopes available after hours.
| Monday | All Day |
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| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
SR123/Ohanapecosh
Located along SR 123 via Hwy 12 from Yakima or Packwood, this park entrance is open 24 hours a day from late May to early November. This is the closest entrance to the Ohanapecosh area. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.
| Monday | All Day |
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| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
SR 410/North Entrance
In summer, travelers coming from the north can enter the park using SR410, which connects to SR123 and turns east at Cayuse Pass. Entrance open late May to early November, 24 hours a day. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.
| Monday | All Day |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | All Day |
| Wednesday | All Day |
| Thursday | All Day |
| Friday | All Day |
| Saturday | All Day |
| Sunday | All Day |
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — $30.00
Grants 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.
- Entrance - Per Person — $15.00
Walk-up or single bicycle fee. Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days.
- Entrance - Motorcycle — $25.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
- Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $100.00
These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle.
- Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $200.00
These 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. In particular, it is recommended that RVs and vehicles with trailers longer than 25 feet LOA not travel up the Sunrise Road beyond the White River Campground intersection.
Best time to visit
Accessible primarily in: Spring, Summer, Fall.
During winter months a number of roads, facilities, and entrances close for the season.
Activities
- Auto and ATV
- Scenic Driving
- Astronomy
- Stargazing
- Biking
- Camping
- Backcountry Camping
- Car or Front Country Camping
- Group Camping
- Climbing
- Mountain Climbing
- Fishing
- Freshwater Fishing
- Food
- Dining
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours - Walking
- Self-Guided Tours - Auto
- Hands-On
- Citizen Science
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Front-Country Hiking
- Living History
- Junior Ranger Program
- Skiing
- Snow Play
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Park Film
- Museum Exhibits
- Shopping
- Bookstore and Park Store