Parks / Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park
National Park · WA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (8)
WILDFIRE CLOSURES: Sunrise, White River, & northern trails.
Due to several active fires on the north side of the park, the following closures are in effect until further notice: Sunrise & White River Roads, Grand Park area & trails, Northern Loop Trail, Wonderland Trail from Carbon River Suspension Bridge to White River Campground, & associated backcountry campgrounds.
Air 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.
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.
Parkwide 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Beginning Friday 6/26/26 until rescinded, a parkwide fire ban is implemented for all campfires & the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, & BBQ grills.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Road Conditions
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Grand Park 2 Fire Closure · Sunrise Road, White River Road
Sunrise Road and White River Road to SR410 are CLOSED until further notice.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge Closed · Carbon River Entrance, Mowich Lake Road
WSDOT has closed SR165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge to all vehicles, pedestrian, & bicycle traffic until further notice. No access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake by road.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge Closed · Carbon River Entrance, Mowich Lake Road
WSDOT has closed SR165 Carbon River Fairfax Bridge to all vehicles, pedestrian, & bicycle traffic until further notice. No access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake by road.
Impact: all-lanes-closed
Entrance Fees
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). Printed vouchers are preferred, but digital vouchers will be accepted for the standard entry fee only: the Single Vehicle 1-7 day pass (available online approximately three weeks in advance). If you have purchased any type of Annual Pass or want to upgrade a Single Vehicle pass, a printed or downloaded digital copy of the voucher is required.
The annual park pass covers entrance fees for the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Mount Rainier National Park. 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. NOTE: The Discover Pass is for Washington State Parks only and does not cover Mount Rainier National Park.
Campgrounds (3)
Cougar Rock Campground
Cougar Rock Campground is located on the south side of the park, on the road between Longmire and Paradise. It is in a steep valley with the Nisqually River across the main road. Thick forest extends through the whole campground providing privacy for campsites. Access to the Wonderland trail is across the road with waterfalls a moderate hike away. Less than 15 minutes of driving can take you to the trails and facilities at Longmire or Paradise.
Details →Ohanapecosh Campground
NOTE: The Ohanapecosh Campground will be CLOSED for the summer of 2026 as part of the Ohanapecosh Campground rehabilitation project. Ohanapecosh Campground is tucked in the forest along the banks of the Ohanapecosh River at an elevation of 1,914 feet. It is located in the southeast corner of the park along State Route 123. Trails that begin at the campground lead to Silver Falls and the Grove of the Patriarchs. Stop by the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center for information and exhibits.
Details →White River Campground
Located on the eastern side of the park below Sunrise, White River campground takes its name from the river flowing beside it. Tucked into a steep canyon, curves can be tight. When open for the summer, it is always first-come, first-serve. The Wonderland trail runs through the campground on its way up to Sunrise or Summerland.
Details →Upcoming Events
Paradise - Ranger Guided Walk
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet by the flagpole in the plaza next to the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.
Paradise - Plaza Program
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet in the plaza by the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.
Longmire/Cougar Rock - Evening Program
Aug 31, 2026 · Meet at the Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater.
Longmire/Cougar Rock - Junior Ranger Program
Sep 2, 2026 · Meet at the Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater.
Paradise - Evening Program
Sep 4, 2026 · Meet in the lobby of the Paradise Inn. The Paradise Inn is on the east side of the upper parking lot at Paradise.
Paradise - Night Skies Program (weather permitting)
Sep 5, 2026 · Meet in the plaza by the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.
Fee Free Day - Constitution Day
Sep 17, 2026
Things to Do
A Day In Longmire
Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.
A Day In Paradise
The Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park has it all—history, hiking, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities, and more! Use this guide to help you decide what to do on your day in Paradise.
A Day In Sunrise
If you are looking for great views of Mount Rainier, stunning wildflower meadows, interesting history, or a chance to see wildlife, look no further than Sunrise! Use this guide to help plan your day in Sunrise and explore all this part of Mount Rainier National Park has to offer.
A Half-Day in Paradise
With just 4 hours, visitors can enjoy glacier views, blooming wildflowers, and rich cultural history at the most popular subalpine meadow in the park!
Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing
Mount Rainier National Park is a great place for beginner and experienced snowshoers to explore the winter landscape.
Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park
Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park is both scenic and challenging. Bicycles are allowed on park roads but they are not permitted on any hiking trails.
Camping at Mount Rainier
Enjoy an extended, relaxing visit to Mount Rainier in one of the park's campgrounds.
Climbing Mount Rainier
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. Learn more about the requirements for climbing Mount Rainier.
Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier
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!
Complete a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger Booklet
Complete a Junior Ranger booklet and collect a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger badge. Learn more about the plants and animals of the park and how Mount Rainier was formed.
Day Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park
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.
Discover Wildflowers
Mount Rainier is famous for its wildflowers, but blooming season is short and varies with elevation. Discover the best times to visit to view wildflowers.
Enjoy a Winter Wonderland at Paradise
Winter brings into focus a frosty view of the mountain. An abundance of snow creates a winter recreation paradise, but also brings the challenges of icy, snowy roads. The road to Paradise is plowed, when possible, to allow access. Spend hours at Paradise or add a stop in Longmire to make a full day of winter fun.
Explore Longmire in Winter
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.
Explore Tipsoo Lake
Interested in exploring Tipsoo Lake but don't know what to do? This list should help you find the right activity.
Explore Waterfalls from Longmire to Paradise
This tour is a great opportunity to see four of Mount Rainier's stunning waterfalls between Longmire and Paradise without taking on any long or strenuous trails.
Family-Friendly Paradise Activities
Whether you’re pushing a stroller or traveling with grandparents, Paradise offers activities the whole family can enjoy together.
Fishing at Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is not known for fishing, but many lakes were historically stocked with non-native fish. Anglers can play an important role in protecting native fish populations by following fishing regulations and reducing numbers of non-native fish.
Full Moon Hikes at Mount Rainier
Trail options and safety tips when hiking under a full moon at Longmire, Paradise, and Box Canyon at Mount Rainier National Park.
Hike and Bike Westside Road in Mount Rainier
Hike or bike Westside Road through a dynamic landscape that is evidence of outburst floods that closed this portion of road to public vehicle traffic. Hike the trails that lead off this road lead to meadows, views of glaciers, and historic patrol cabins.
Hike Emmons Moraine Trail
Enjoy a short hike from the White River Campground through the forest to a view of the Emmons Glacier and a beautiful turquoise lake colored by glacial silt.
Hike Nisqually Vista Trail
The easy Nisqually Vista trail offers stunning year-round views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and the Tatoosh mountain range as well as seasonal delights, such as summer wildflowers and fall foliage.
Hike Rampart Ridge
This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.
Hike to Bench and Snow Lakes
Enjoy a short hike to picturesque Bench and Snow Lakes with views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range.
Hike to Burroughs Mountain
Hike the Burroughs Mountain Trail for outstanding mountain views and to visit the most accessible tundra in the Cascade Range.
Hike to Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout
Hike to the historic Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout perched on a rocky outcrop above Lake George.
Hike to Shriner Peak Fire Lookout
Embark on a strenuous hike up to a historic fire lookout with adjacent backcountry camping sites and enjoy views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valley.
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.
Kid-Friendly Hikes at Mount Rainier
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.
Visitor Centers
- Carbon River Ranger Station
- Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center
- Longmire Museum
- Longmire Wilderness Information Center
- Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
- Paradise Wilderness Information Center
- Sunrise Visitor Center
- White River Wilderness Information Center
Webcams
Source: National Park Service.