National Park Guide

Mount Rainier National Park

Washington, US

The most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, rising 14,411 feet above wildflower-carpeted alpine meadows.

236,381
Acres
260
Trails
1899
Established
2.29 million
Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season
Year-round (Sunrise Road closes in winter)
Entrance Fee
$30 per vehicle
Nearest Airport
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 2 hours
Best Months
July, August, September

Highlights

  • Wildflower meadows at Paradise with the mountain towering above
  • Sunrise visitor center for the closest drive-up views of the summit
  • Hiking the Skyline Trail loop at Paradise through alpine meadows
  • Climbing to Camp Muir at 10,188 feet for summit attempts
  • Grove of the Patriarchs walk among 1,000-year-old trees
  • Reflection Lakes mirroring Mount Rainier on calm mornings

Park Map

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About Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park centers on the massive stratovolcano that dominates the Pacific Northwest skyline, carrying 25 major glaciers containing over one cubic mile of ice. The park's 236,381 acres range from old-growth forest to subalpine meadows that explode with wildflowers each summer, to the permanent snowfields and crevassed glaciers above. Paradise, on the mountain's south side, holds the record for the most snowfall measured in a single season in the United States at 93.5 feet.

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Where to Stay

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Paradise Inn

$$

A 1916 rustic alpine lodge at 5,400 feet on the south side of Mount Rainier, featuring exposed timber construction, a massive stone fireplace, and direct access to the Paradise meadows and trail system.

Inside park$180-300/night
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National Park Inn

$$

A cozy year-round inn at the Longmire historic district within the park, offering simple but comfortable rooms with a front porch overlooking Mount Rainier. The park's only lodging open in winter.

Inside park$160-260/night
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Alexander's Lodge

$

A charming 1912 bed-and-breakfast lodge at the Nisqually entrance to Mount Rainier, offering individually decorated rooms and a hearty breakfast. One of the oldest operating lodges in the region.

1 mile from Nisqually Entrance$120-200/night
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Park Details

Highest Point
Mount Rainier summit, 14,411 ft
Camping
Available
Wilderness Areas
Yes
Pet Friendly
Limited (developed areas only)
Region
Pacific
Established
1899