The Ultimate Guide To Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park, home to Mount Rainer, an active volcano, and a diverse landscape!
The towering snow-capped peak surrounded by several glaciers and snowfields, the forested flanks of the mountain with alpine lakes and waterfalls, the scenery at Mount Rainier is extraordinarily beautiful!
Mount Rainier, an active volcano with its last eruption dating back to the year 1894, takes center stage at Mount Rainier National Park. The Park, surrounding the area around Mount Rainer’s peak, is home to lush valleys with several alpine lakes, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. The several glaciers and snowfields close to the summit give the peak its year-round snow-capped and white appearance!
Located in west-central Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is about 80 miles southeast of Seattle, Washington, and about 140 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon. Given its proximity to Seattle and Portland, Mount Rainier National Park is a great day-trip destination from both these cities. The beauty and nature at Mount Rainier have been long admired by many even before it became a National Park, including the Native Indians who called it Tahoma/Tacoma, meaning the mother of waters, and Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy, who named it Mount Rainer to honor his friend Rear Admiral Peter Rainier.
The scenery at Mount Rainier National Park greatly varies by season, with every season offering distinct vistas and experiences!
Summers in Mount Rainier National Park are lush with melting snow forming several creeks and waterfalls, whereas, in winter, most of the Park is covered in snow, creating a winter wonderland. With several gorgeous alpine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, and several hiking opportunities, Summer is unquestionably the best time to see and explore the dramatic landscape at Mount Rainier National Park!
Here is my ultimate guide to Mount Rainier National Park, featuring essential trip-planning information, attractions map, hiking trails, suggested itineraries, and recommendations on hotels and restaurants in Mount Rainier National Park!
Planning Your Trip To Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round, with summer being the best time for sightseeing, hiking, and camping, whereas winters are primarily for snow sports!
Best Time To Visit Mount Rainier National Park: Mount Rainier National Park receives heavy snowfall and has an extended winter, with summer starting around July and lasting through September. Fall is short-lived in the Park, as beyond October, it starts to get cold in the Park. Summer and early Fall, July through October, with pleasant daytime temperatures and access to all roads and trails, is the best time for sightseeing, hiking, and camping in Mount Rainier National Park. Come winter, the Park turns into a winter wonderland and a popular skiing and snowshoeing destination. However, winter has its limitations as due to heavy snowfall, most of the roads, hiking trails, and facilities are closed in Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Rainier National Park Operating Hours & Seasons: The Park is open all year-round and 24 hours a day. However, some of the park facilities, including the visitor centers, park entrances, and lodges, are seasonal and are open from July through August.
- Mount Rainier National Park Entrances: There’re five main entrances to Mount Rainier National Park, of which two are open year-round, and three are seasonal. The Nisqually Entrance and Carbon River Entrance are open year-round, and White River Entrance, Chinook Entrance, and Stevens Canyon Entrance are seasonal open outside the winter months.
- Mount Rainier National Park Visitor & Information Centers: There’re several visitors centers in Mount Rainier National Park, including Jackson Visitor Center, Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, Sunrise Visitor Center, Carbon River Ranger Station, Longmire Wilderness Information Center, White River Wilderness Information Center, Paradise Wilderness Information Center, but all are seasonal open outside the winter months.
- Mount Rainier National Park Visitor Lodge: There’re two lodges inside the Park – National Park Inn open year-round and the Paradise Inn, which is open only during the summer months.
- Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds: There’re four campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park, but all are seasonal open outside the winter months.
Getting To Mount Rainier National Park: Located in west-central Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is located close to two major international airports, Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon. However, you could alternatively fly into one of the domestic airports or take a bus or a train to get to the closest city near Mount Rainier National Park and then rent a car and drive to the Park.
- Flight: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Seattle, Washington, is the closest international airport to Mount Rainier National Park, located about 77 miles from the Park. The Portland International Airport (PDX), Portland, Oregon, is the second closes international airport to Mount Rainier, located about 133 miles from the Park. You could also fly into or take a connecting flight to Yakima Air Terminal (YKM), Yakima, Washington, a domestic airport about 90 miles from Mount Rainer National Park but is serviced only by a few airlines.
- Train: You can ride an Amtrak train to Tacoma or Centralia, the nearest Amtrak stations to Mount Rainier National Park, both located about 60 miles from the Park. You could then hire a taxi to get to a rental car company, rent a car and drive to Mount Rainier.
- Bus: Greyhound offers bus services connecting several cities in Washington to other cities and states in the US. The nearest Greyhound bus stops to Mount Rainier National Park are Tacoma or Centralia, located about 60 miles from the Park. You could hire a taxi to get to a rental car company from the bus stop, rent a car, and drive to Mount Rainier.
Parking & Transportation Inside Mount Rainier National Park: There’s ample parking space near all vista points and hiking trails in Mount Rainier National Park, but there are not shuttle services offered by the Park. The best way to explore and navigate Mount Rainier National Park is by car.
Time Required At Mount Rainier National Park: Mount Rainier National Park has five main sections, with each region with its own vista points, hiking trails, and attractions. If you’re short on time, you could visit Paradise and Sunrise, the most popular sections of the Park. I, however, recommend spending at least three to four days in Mount Rainier National Park to ensure you have enough time to leisurely explore all vista points, hike a couple of trails, and enjoy a scenic gondola ride.
Lodging & Dining In Mount Rainier National Park: Lodging and dining options inside the Park are limited to its two seasonal lodges, four campgrounds, and a few restaurants. There are a few other lodging and dining choices outside the Park, which I have discussed in the later section of the post.
Things To Do In Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park Attractions Map
Mount Rainier Brief Overview
There’re five main entrances to Mount Rainier National Park, two are open year-round, and three are seasonal and are open only outside the winter months. The entrance booths are open and staffed, weather permitting during the daytime, but if you don’t find anyone at the entrance station, you could pay the entrance fee online on the Recreation.gov website.
Nisqually Entrance: Located on the southwest corner of the Park, the Nisqually Entrance is open year-round and is best suited for people coming from Portland, Oregon, or the southern part of Washington. However, being the most popular entrance of the Park, the Nisqually Entrance gets really busy during the summer months with long queues. In such a situation, you could use the Stevens Canyon Entrance located on the southeast corner of the Park, about 23 miles from Nisqually Entrance. Nisqually Entrance Address: Nisqually Entrance, Eatonville, Washington, 98328.
Carbon River Entrance: The Carbon River Entrance is located on the northwest side of the Park and is open year-round. However, the Carbon River Entrance provides access to only the Carbon River and Mowich Lake area, home to a temperate rainforest. To access the other section of the Park, you would need to use the White River Entrance or the Nisqually Entrance. Carbon River Entrance Address: Carbon River Entrance, Carbonado, Washington 98323.
Stevens Canyon Entrance: The Stevens Canyon Entrance, located on the southeast corner of the Park, is a seasonal entrance open only outside the winter months. The Stevens Canyon Entrance is a good option for people coming from Spokane or eastern Washington. This is also an excellent alternative to the Nisqually Entrance, which tends to get pretty busy during the summer months. Stevens Canyon Entrance Address: Stevens Canyon Entrance, Randle, Washington 98377.
White River Entrance: Located on the northeast corner of the Park, the White River Entrance is a seasonal entrance open outside the winter months. The White River Entrance is best for people coming from Seattle and northern Washington. White River Entrance Address: White River Entrance, Enumclaw, Washington 98022.
Chinook Entrance: The Chinook Entrance, located on the east side of the Park, is a seasonal entrance open during the summer months is an excellent choice for people coming from eastern Washington. Chinook Entrance Address: Chinook Entrance, Chinook Pass, Washington 98937.
Mount Rainier National Park Sections
There’re five sections in Mount Rainier National Park, each offering distinct scenery and experience!
There are five sections of Mount Rainier National Park – Longmire the southwest section, Paradise section in the south-central region, Ohanapecosh the southeast part, Sunrise in the northeast, and Carbon River & Mowich Lake in the northwest corner of the Park. All Park sections are interconnected, except the Carbon River section, which can be accessed via a road outside the Park that leads to the Carbon River Entrance and parking.
Each section of Mount Rainier National Park has its own Visitor / Information Center, vista points, hiking trails, and campgrounds. The Longmire, Paradise, and the Sunrise sections are the most popular areas in the Park, but the other two sections, Carbon River & Ohanapecosh, though less popular, are equally impressive.
Here’re the five sections of Mount Rainier National Park, along with their main vista points, highlights, hiking trails, and campgrounds!
Longmire, the southwest section of the Mount Rainier National Park, is located about 6 miles from the Nisqually Entrance and is accessible year-round. Once served as the Park’s headquarters, the Longmire area is home to the historic headquarters building, which now serves as a museum. The entire Longmire area is a designated National Historic District.
Visitor / Information Center
Longmire Wilderness Information Center: Located in the historical Longmire administration building, the Longmire Wilderness Information Center is open only during the summer months and offers maps, wilderness permits, and rangers helping plan hikes and trips inside the Park. Longmire Wilderness Information Center Address: Longmire Wilderness Information Center, Longmire Rd, Packwood, WA 98361.
Highlights
Longmire Museum: The historic Park’s headquarters building now serves as the Longmire Museum and a visitor center with several exhibits, an information desk, and a book store. The museum is open year-round and is located within walking distance from the Longmire Parking Lot.
National Park Inn: The National Park Inn is another historical building in the Park and still continues to serve as a lodge with a restaurant and a gift shop and is open year-round. The National Park Inn is located adjacent to the Longmire Parking Lot and can be toured even if you’re not staying at the hotel.
Christine Falls: The Christine Falls flowing below the Christine Falls Stone Bridge is an iconic vista of Mount Rainier National Park. The Christine Falls vista point is located about 4 miles east of Longmire and is visible via a short walk.
Ricksecker Point: The Ricksecker Point, accessible via a one-way road about 6.5 miles east of Longmire, offers excellent views of Mount Rainier and Nisqually Valley. Ricksecker Point Address: Ricksecker Point, Packwood, WA 98361.
Mountain Vistas & Waterfalls: The Longmire area also offers some of the best mountain vistas and gorgeous waterfalls in the Park, but these vista points are accessible only via hiking trails.
Popular Hiking Trails
Trail of the Shadows: This is an easy 0.7 miles loop through a forested valley passing through mineral springs and a historic cabin and takes about 30 minutes.
Rampart Ridge: The hike to Rampart Ridge is a moderately strenuous 4.6 miles loop, offering spectacular valley views, and takes about 2 – 3 hours.
Carter Falls Trail & Madcap Falls: The hike to Carter Falls Trail & Madcap Falls is a 2.8 miles roundtrip hike on the Wonderland Trail, which is a moderately strenuous hike.
Eagle Peak Trail: This is a strenuous 7.2 miles roundtrip hike to the Eagle Peak vista point, offering spectacular views of Nisqually Glacier and Tatoosh Range.
Lodging & Dining
The Longmire section in Mount Rainier National Park offers two lodging options inside the Park, the year-round National Park Inn and the seasonal Cougar Rock Campground. The dining option in Longmire is limited to the restaurant in National Park Inn, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Paradise, the south-central section of the Mount Rainier National Park, is located about 18 miles from the Nisqually Entrance and around 11 miles from Longmire. The Paradise section of the Park is accessible year-round and the hub of all winter recreational activities in Mount Rainier National Park. Paradise is known chiefly for its spectacular valley views and wildflower bloom; however, Paradise has it all, including historic buildings, mountain views, waterfalls, alpine lakes, and several popular hiking trails in the Park.
Visitor / Information Center
Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center: Paradise is home to Mount Rainier National Park’s main visitor center, the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, which is open year-round, but in winters, it’s open only weather permitting. The Jackson Visitor Center offers an information desk, a cafeteria, a gift shop, has several exhibits, and plays a movie about the Park in its small theater. Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center Address: Henry M Jackson Visitor Center, Paradise Rd E, Ashford, WA 98304.
Paradise Wilderness Information Center: The Paradise Wilderness Information Center, open seasonally only during the summer months, is just a short walk from the Jackson Visitor Center. The Paradise Wilderness Information Center offers maps, trip planning information, and wilderness permits.
Highlights
Historic Paradise Inn: The Paradise Inn, a landmark and historic structure, is a seasonal hotel in the Park. The Paradise Inn also offers a dining room and a gift shop and can be toured even if you’re not staying in the hotel. Paradise Inn is located close to the Paradise Visitor Center and the Ranger Station, Paradise Inn Address: Paradise Inn, Paradise, WA 98368.
Paradise Valley Scenic Drive: The Paradise Valley Drive a scenic mountain drive along Paradise Road East, a one-way road, starting near Paradise Inn passing through the Paradise Valley, offering breathtaking views of lush valleys.
Inspiration Point: The Inspiration Point is a vista point along the St Road, about 2.8 miles south of Paradise Inn and east of the Paradise Valley Scenic Drive, offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and Tatoosh Range. Inspiration Point Address: Inspiration Point, Washington 98361.
Reflection Lakes: Located about 3.5 miles southeast of Paradise, the Reflection Lakes is an alpine lake offering Mount Rainier’s reflection on its crystal clear waters. Reflection Lakes Address: Reflection Lakes, Stevens Canyon Rd, Packwood, WA 98361.
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Paradise is an excellent place to see wildflowers and a few gorgeous waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park, but are only accessible via easy to moderately strenuous hikes.
Popular Hiking Trails
Nisqually Vista Trail: Starting from the Lower Parking Lot at Paradise, the Nisqually Vista Trail is an easy 1.2 miles roundtrip hike offering spectacular views of the Nisqually Glacier.
Alta Vista Trail: The moderately strenuous 1.7 miles roundtrip Alta Vista hike offers sweeping valley views and wildflowers. There’re two trailheads for Alta Vista Trail, one near the Lower Parking Lot and one near the Jackson Visitor Center.
Myrtle Falls Trail: This is an easy and wheelchair-friendly 1.7 miles roundtrip hike starting from the Upper Parking Lot near the Jackson Visitor Center, leading to two waterfalls of Mount Rainier National Park – Myrtle Falls & Sluiskin Falls.
Ruby Falls & Narada Falls Trail: The Ruby Falls and Narada Falls hike from the Upper Parking Lot at Paradise is a moderately strenuous 2.2 miles hike, leading to two gorgeous waterfalls in the Park, the Narada Falls and the Ruby Falls.
Lodging & Dining
The Lodging option in Paradise is limited to Paradise Inn, a seasonal hotel that’s open outside the winter months. The dining option in Paradise is limited to the dining room in Paradise Inn, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and cafe serving snacks and beverages, located in Paradise Inn and Jackson Visitor Center.
Ohanapecosh, the southeast section of the Mount Rainier National Park, is located about 23 miles from Paradise and around 40 miles from White River Entrance. The Ohanapecosh section of the Park is a forested land with old-grown trees and the Ohanapecosh River and is accessible only outside the winter months. The Ohanapecosh area, with river access, campgrounds, and several nature hiking trails, offers a wilderness experience in the Park.
Visitor / Information Center
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center: The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center offers an information desk, a few exhibits, and a book store. However, the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is open only outside the winter months. Ohanapecosh Visitor Center Address: Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, Randle, WA 98377.
Highlights
Hot Springs, Island of old-growth forest, & Canyon Views: The Ohanapecosh section is popular for its canyon views, bubbling Hot Springs, and a forested island but are accessible only via easy to moderate hikes.
Popular Hiking Trails
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail: The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail is an easy 1.1 miles roundtrip nature trail that leads to an island of old-growth trees surrounded by the Ohanapecosh River.
Hot Springs Nature Trail: The Hot Springs Nature Trail is an easy 0.4 miles roundtrip trail, starting from the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and passing through a forested area that leads to the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs.
Silver Falls Trail: This is a spectacular waterfall of Mount Rainier National Park that can be accessed via various hiking trails. However, the easiest of all trails lies north of Ohanapecosh, a pullout on the State Highway 123, from where the hike to the waterfall is just 0.6-mile roundtrip.
Box Canyon Trail: The Box Canyon Trail is a short and easy 0.5-mile loop offering views of Box Canyon, where you would see water gushing out of a slot canyon. The Box Canyon Trailhead is located along the Stevens Canyon Road at Box Canyon – Wonderland Trail Trailhead.
Lodging & Dining
The Ohanapecosh section offers a campground, Ohanapecosh Campground, and a few picnic areas, but there are no restaurants or cafes in this section of the Park.
Sunrise, the northeast section of the Mount Rainier National Park, is located about 14 miles from the White River Entrance. Sunrise is the highest point in Mount Rainier National Park that’s accessible via a vehicle. Situated on such a high elevation and surrounded by lush valleys, Sunrise offers some of the best views in the Park and is one of the most visited sections in Mount Rainier. However, the Sunrise section is seasonal and is accessible only during the summer months.
Visitor / Information Center
Sunrise Visitor Center: The Sunrise Visitor Center is seasonal, open outside the winter months, offers an information desk, a few exhibits, and a book store. However, the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is open only outside the winter months. Sunrise Visitor Center Address: Sunrise Visitor Center, Sunrise Park Rd, Ashford, WA 98304.
Highlights
Historic Landmarks: The Sunrise Visitor Center and the Sunrise Day Lodge are part of the National Historic Landmark District in Mount Rainier National Park.
Sunrise Point: The Sunrise Point Lookout offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier and Sunrise Lake. The Sunrise Point Lookout is located along Sunrise Park Road and has a small parking lot. Sunrise Point Lookout Address: Sunrise Point, Sunrise Park Rd, Ashford, WA 98304.
Lava Columns: Located along the road to Sunrise, an area with a pullout offers views of lava columns formed during the volcanic activities in the area. The Lava Columns pullout is located along Sunrise Road, about 2 miles from the entrance gate.
Tipsoo Lake: Located about 20 miles east of Sunrise Visitor Center, Tipsoo Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake amid a lush valley. Tipsoo Lake, accessible via a short 0.5-mile roundtrip hike, is located near Chinook Pass, Tipsoo Lake Address: Tipsoo Lake, Washington 98022.
Popular Hiking Trails
Sunrise Nature Trail: The Sunrise Nature Trail is an easy 1.5 miles roundtrip nature trail meandering through lush valley floors, offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier.
Emmons Vista Trail: The hike to Emmons Vista Overlook is an easy 1-mile roundtrip hike from the Sunrise Parking Lot along the Sunrise Rim Trail, offering stunning views of Emmons Glacier.
Shadow Lakes Trail: The hike to Shadow Lakes is a moderately strenuous 3 miles trek along the Sunrise Rim Trail starting from the Sunrise Parking Lot.
Silver Forest Trail: This is a moderately strenuous 2 miles roundtrip hike along the Sunrise Rim Trail leading to the Silver Forest, where you will see silver-colored tree barks formed due to the harsh weather.
Lodging & Dining
Sunrise’s only lodging option is the White River Campground, located about 11 miles from the Sunrise Visitor Center. There’s also a day-use lodge in Sunrise that offers snack and beverage services in the Sunrise section, the Sunrise Day Lodge located near the visitor center.
Carbon River, the northwest section of the Mount Rainier National Park, is the most secluded section of the Park. Unlike other areas, Carbon River is not internally connected with other Park sections and can be reached via State Highway 165 outside the Park’s boundary. Vehicles are not allowed past the Carbon River Entrance, and the area can be explored only via hiking and biking. Keeping all the negatives aside, this is the most pristine section of the Park and is home to temperate rainforest and Mowich Lake, the deepest and largest Lake in the Park. Some of the Carbon River areas are open year-round, but the Mowich Lake area is seasonal and accessible only during the summer months.
Visitor / Information Center
Carbon River Ranger Station: The Carbon River Ranger Station is open year-round, weather permitting, and offers an information desk, wilderness permits, and camping permits. Carbon River Ranger Station Address: 35415 Fairfax Forest Reserve Rd E, Carbonado, WA 98323.
Highlights
Rainforest, Glacier & Lake: The Carbon River is home to the Carbon Glacier, the Glacier fed Carbon River and temperate rainforest. However, the Carbon River section is open to only bicycles and pedestrian traffic and involves quite a bit of hiking.
Mowich Lake: Mowich Lake is the deepest and the largest in Mount Rainier National Park and can be reached by vehicle via a partially paved road. The Mowich Lake offers fishing, hiking trails, and non-motorized boating, but the Mowich Lake area is accessible only during the summer months. Mowich Lake Address: Mowich Lake, Washington 98304.
Popular Hiking Trails
Rain Forest Nature Trail: The most hiked trail in Carbon River, the Rain Forest Nature Trail, is a short 0.3-mile loop through the rainforest’s old-growth and moss-covered trees. The Rain Forest Nature Trailhead is located near the Carbon River Entrance at Carbon River Rainforest Trail, Ashford, WA 98304.
Carbon Glacier Trail: The Carbon Glacier Trail is a strenuous 17 miles roundtrip hike to the Carbon Glacier along the Carbon River, starting at the Carbon Glacier Trailhead, Carbonado, WA 98323.
Tolmie Peak Trail: The Tolmie Peak Trail is a moderately strenuous hike to Tolmie Peak. The trail starts at Mowich Lake and is about 6.5 miles roundtrip hike.
Spray Park Trail: Starting from Mowich Lake, Spray Park Trail is a moderately strenuous 6 miles roundtrip hike, offering views of Spray Falls and Spray Park valley.
Lodging & Dining
The seasonal campground, Mowich Lake Campground, is open during the summer months and is the only lodging option in the Carbon River section of Mount Rainier National Park. There’re no restaurants or cafes inside the Carbon River section of the Park.
Mount Rainier Gondola Rides
See stunning views of Mount Rainier & Cascade Mountains onboard an aerial gondola ride offered at Crystal Mountain Resort!
The Mount Rainier Gondola Ride is an excellent way to see and experience Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Ranges from the summit of the Crystal Mountain. The gondola rides are offered year-round at the Crystal Mountain Resort, located about 12 miles from the White River Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier Gondola Ride Address: Crystal Mountain Resort, 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd, Enumclaw, WA 98022.
The Mount Rainier Gondola Rides departs from the base of Crystal Mountain and goes all the way up to the mountain’s summit. There’s an observation area atop the summit, offering some of the best views of Mount Rainier and the neighboring Cascade Mountains. The summit also features a restaurant, the Summit House Restaurant, offering great food along with incredible vistas. The tickets for the Mount Rainier Gondola Rides can be purchased online on the Crystal Mountain Resort website.
There’re several tour companies that offer tours of Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle, Washington. Most of these tours are day tours lasting for 10 to 12 hours, covering the main sections of the Park, including Longmire and Paradise. These tours are well-paced and narrated via a knowledgeable tour guide, with ample time at the main vista points in the Park.
Most of the tour companies offer group tours with a predetermined route and stops with hotel pick up and drop off. However, a few companies offer organized tours of Mount Rainier National Park tailored to your interests and needs. Here’re a few tour companies that you could try in Seattle.
Mount Rainier National Park Suggested Itineraries, Hotels & Restaurants
Every section in Mount Rainier National Park is equally impressive, but if you’re short on time, stick to Longmire, Paradise & Sunrise.
Mount Rainier National Park, with several vista points and hiking trails, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! Though Longmire, Paradise & Sunrise are the most popular and visited sections of the Park, if you have time, I suggest visiting the Ohanapecosh and Carbon River sections for a more wilderness experience.
While Mount Rainier National Park is a popular day-trip destination from Seattle and Portland, I highly recommend spending 3 – 4 days in Mount Rainier National Park. I have organized my Mount Rainier National Park trip itinerary and recommendations based on the number of days you plan to spend in the Park.
1 Day Mount Rainier National Park Trip Itinerary: If you’re visiting Mount Rainier National Park just for a day, your best option is to drive along the flank of Mount Rainier, stopping at popular and easily accessible vista points in Longmire, Paradise, and Sunrise. Alternatively, you could also use one of the local Seattle tour companies offering guided tours of Mount Rainier National Park.
- Longmire – Longmire Museum, Ricksecker Point, Christine Falls
- Paradise – Paradise Valley Scenic Drive, Inspiration Point
- Sunrise – Sunrise Visitor Center, Sunrise Point
2 Day Mount Rainier National Park Trip Itinerary: If you have two days in Mount Rainier National Park, you could spend a day leisurely exploring all vista points in Longmire, Paradise, and Sunrise, and might as well hike a couple of easy trails and ride the Mount Rainier Gondola.
- Day 1 – Drive to Longmire, Paradise, and Sunrise, leisurely exploring the vista points, hike a couple of easy trails, and ride Mount Rainier Gondola.
- Day 2 – Drive to the northwest section of the Park to Carbon River and explore the rainforest and Mowich Lake.
3 Day Mount Rainier National Park Trip Itinerary: Same as the 2-day itinerary, plus a trip to the Ohanapecosh section and a few additional hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.
- Day 1 – Drive to Longmire, Paradise, and Sunrise, leisurely exploring the vista points, and hike a couple of easy trails.
- Day 2 – Explore the Hot Springs and Box Canyon in the Ohanapecosh section of the Park, and ride the Mount Rainier Gondola.
- Day 3 – Drive to the northwest section of the Park to Carbon River and explore the rainforest and Mowich Lake.
I recommend staying in one of the lodges in Mount Rainier National Park for easy access to the vista points and hiking trails in the Park!
Lodging and dining options inside Mount Rainier National Park are limited to its couple of lodges, four seasonal campgrounds, and a few restaurants inside the Park. However, you will find quite a few lodging and dining options in the town of Ashford and Packwood, located south of the Park.
Mount Rainier National Park Lodges: There’re two hotels in Mount Rainier National Park, National Park Inn, which is open year-round, and Paradise Inn, a seasonal hotel open during the summer months. Both the hotels are operated by Rainier Guest Services, a concessionaire of the Park, and can be reserved online on Rainier Guest Services website.
- National Park Inn: Located in Longmire, the National Park Inn offers 25 guestrooms, a restaurant, a general store and is open year-round.
- Paradise Inn: The Paradise Inn, located in Paradise, offers 121 guestrooms, a restaurant, and a cafe. However, the Paradise Inn is a seasonal hotel, open only outside the winter months.
Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds: There’re four seasonal campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park, located in different sections of the Park. You can find more details about each campground in Mount Rainier on the National Park website.
- Cougar Rock Campground in Longmire
- Ohanapecosh Campground in Ohanapecosh
- White River Campground near Sunrise
- Mowich Lake Campground in Carbon River
The campsites at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Campgrounds can be reserved online on the Recreation.gov website. The camps on other campgrounds are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Hotels & Lodges Near Mount Rainier National Park: If you’re unable to get a room in one of the Park hotels, your only other option is to stay in one of the bread and breakfasts located in the nearby town Ashford and Packwood.
- Alexander’s Lodge At Mt Rainier, Ashford, close to Longmire
- Nisqually Lodge, Ashford, close to Longmire
- Paradise Village Hotel & Restaurant, Ashford, close to Longmire
- Cowlitz River Lodge, Packwood, close to Stevens Canyon Entrance
- Crystal Mountain Resort, Enumclaw, near Sunrise
Restaurants In Mount Rainier National Park: The dining options in Mount Rainier National Park are limited to its couple of restaurants and a few cafeterias in the hotels and visitor centers of the Park. If you’re staying outside the Park, you will find a few local restaurants in the town of Ashford and Packwood. However, as you would spend most of the time inside Mount Rainier National Park, I have listed the dining options offered inside the Prak.
- Longmire: The restaurant in National Park Inn is open year-round, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Paradise: A seasonal restaurant and cafe in Paradise Inn, and a cafeteria in Jackson Visitor Center.
- Sunrise: The seasonal day-use Sunrise Day Lodge serving snacks and beverages.
Other Washington Attractions & Related Posts
I hope you enjoyed reading the post, The Ultimate Guide To Mount Rainier National Park, and I hope this will help you plan your trip to Mount Rainier National Park. You can find other Washington attractions in my Washington Travel Guide.
Happy feeding your soul!
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