Entrance Fee
$30.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Longmire Museum: 9:00AM - 4:30PM
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Plan your Mount Rainier trip
About the 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.
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What to See & Do
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.
Wilderness Camping at Mount Rainier National Park
With 97% of the park designated wilderness, backpacking and wilderness camping is one of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park.
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
This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.
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.
Self-Guided Tours
Journey to Paradise
Enter the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park and begin the journey to Paradise. Drive along a historic winding road through old-growth forest with glimpses of Mount Rainier. Stretch your legs by walking short nature trails and viewing waterfalls. Visit Longmire, the park’s first settlement, before concluding your tour in the subalpine meadows of the Paradise area. While Paradise is open year-round, in winter the road past Longmire closes nightly.
Historic Patrol Cabins and Shelters
Prior to 1920, there were very few shelters for backcountry rangers and hikers. In 1919-20, Superintendent Roger W. Toll reported the need for backcountry shelters to be placed ten to fifteen miles apart along the Wonderland Trail. Toll's system evolved into the construction of both patrol cabins and trail shelters under Superintendent O.A. Tomlinson's administration (1923-41).
Sunrise Geology Audio Tour
The road from White River to Sunrise is a journey through the geologic history of Mount Rainier. Volcanoes and glaciers have dramatically shaped the landscape. The first part of the tour is intended for listeners driving along the Sunrise Road. Once you reach Sunrise, the second part of the audio tour takes you on a short walk to view glaciers. White River and Sunrise are open during the summer season only, typically from July to mid-September.
Visitor Centers
Longmire Museum
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. A ranger or volunteer staffs the museum to assist with park information and book and map sales.
Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center
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. Inside the visitor center are accessible restrooms, an information desk staffed by a ranger or volunteer, food services, gift shop, park movie, and exhibits about the plants, animals, and the volcano.
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
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. It is next to the Ohanapecosh Campground and near the trailhead for the natural Hot Springs and Silver Falls Trails. There are restrooms, exhibits, and a ranger or volunteer on duty to answer questions when it is open for the summer season.
Sunrise Visitor Center
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. Only open and accessible in summer, the Sunrise Visitor Center has exhibits, books and maps for sale, and rangers and volunteers on duty to answer questions. Restrooms, gift shop, and food services are located nearby during the summer season.
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. Wilderness camping permits available by self-registration when closed.
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. The WIC features a 3D model map of Mount Rainier National Park and 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.
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. Rangers at the WIC assist with wilderness permits, trip planning, and providing maps and trail condition updates.
Where to Stay
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.
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.
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.
Parking & Access
Getting Here
Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state. Several major cities in Washington- Seattle, Tacoma, and Yakima- and Portland, Oregon, are within 200 miles of the park. For GPS to Nisqually Entrance use: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304.
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Paradise Parking (Upper Lot)
Expect very limited parking space during construction from Tuesday, July 22 to Saturday, August 9. Parking affected includes areas near Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center (JVC), Paradise Wilderness Information Center, and the Paradise Inn.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state. Several major cities in Washington- Seattle, Tacoma, and Yakima- and Portland, Oregon, are within 200 miles of the park. For GPS to Nisqually Entrance use: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Mount Rainier National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$30.00Grants 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
$15.00Walk-up or single bicycle fee. Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$25.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$100.00These 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
$200.00These 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.
Annual & Lifetime Passes
Annual Entrance - Park
$55.00Grants 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. NOTE: The Discover Pass is for Washington State Parks only and does not cover Mount Rainier National Park.
Operating Hours
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.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Live Webcams
Click any camera to open the live feed on the NPS website.
Tatoosh
Looking south towards the Tatoosh Range from Paradise.
Air Quality
Monitors the air quality over the Nisqually Valley from Paradise. Note that ozone and weather measurements are from the weather station at Paradise; visibility readings are from the weather station at Tahoma Woods, near Ashford, WA.
Longmire
Looking southwest from the Administration Building toward the road entering Longmire.
Mountain
Is the mountain out? What is the weather like at Paradise?
East
Looking east from the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise.
Visitor Center
A view of the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.
West
Looking west from the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise.
Sunrise East
Looking east over the Sunrise parking lot from the Sunrise Visitor Center.
Photos
A fan-shaped waterfall cascades over lava cliffs with a rainbow in its mist.
A hoary marmot with white frosted fur rests on a rock beside white flowers in a meadow.
Two children hike on trail through wildflower meadow with Mount Rainier above them.
Purple lupine and white bistort bloom in a meadow alongside a sign for the Wonderland Trail.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Mount Rainier
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.