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Mount Rainier National Park

Washington's tallest peak, 14,410 feet, with more glaciers than any other mountain in the lower 48 and a wildflower window at Paradise that runs about two weeks in late July and August.

ESTABLISHED 1899
ACREAGE 236,381 acres
SUMMIT 14,410 ft
GLACIERS 25 named
ENTRY FEE $30 per vehicle, 7 days
ANNUAL VISITORS 2 million

Mount Rainier National Park is built around a single dominant feature. The mountain itself is 14,410 feet tall, an active stratovolcano, and the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. Twenty five named glaciers cover its upper flanks. They feed five major rivers and supply the meltwater that keeps Paradise green well after lower elevations have dried out for the summer.

The park was established in 1899, the fifth national park in the country and the first carved out of a national forest. Its 236,381 acres wrap around the mountain in a rough rectangle, and most of those acres are wilderness. Roads reach four developed corners: Paradise on the southwest, Sunrise on the northeast, Ohanapecosh on the southeast, and Longmire on the way up to Paradise. The center is wilderness.

Roughly two million people visit each year. That is forty times the visitation of North Cascades, the next park north, and it concentrates almost entirely between June and September. Outside that window, Sunrise Road is closed under snow, the wildflowers are gone, and Paradise becomes a destination for snowshoers and backcountry skiers rather than day hikers.

In 2026 the park is not requiring timed entry reservations, a reversal from the previous two seasons. That makes spontaneous trips possible again. It also means the busy day pressure on parking has returned in full, and the only real fix is to arrive early or visit on a weekday.

Mount Rainier holds more glaciers than any peak in the lower 48. Twenty five of them, feeding five major rivers that drain off the mountain in every direction.

Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park

Hard Day Hike

Skyline Trail Loop: 6 Miles of Continuous Mountain Views Above Paradise

The Skyline Trail Loop is the most photographed day hike in the park and the one most visitors aim for first. The 6.3 mile loop climbs from the Paradise Visitor Center to Panorama Point at 6,800 feet, with continuous open views of the mountain face, the Nisqually Glacier directly below, and the south Cascade range stretching toward Mount Adams and Mount Hood. Wildflower meadows peak from late July through early August. Snow lingers on the upper loop into July most years. Start before 8am to find parking at Paradise on summer weekends.
6.3 mi loop 1,788 ft gain No permit required
Hard Day Hike

Burroughs Mountain: The Closest You Can Get to the Mountain Face on a Day Hike

Burroughs Mountain is the closest you can get to the mountain face on a day hike from a road. The trail starts at the Sunrise parking area and climbs across alpine tundra to a series of three plateau summits, each one closer to the Emmons Glacier face. Most hikers turn around at Second Burroughs at 7,400 feet. Third Burroughs adds another 800 feet of gain and exposed scrambling, and is fully exposed to weather coming off the mountain. Snow free typically by mid July. The Sunrise Road must be open to access this trailhead, which generally happens late June through early July.
9.4 mi loop 2,562 ft gain No permit required
Easy Day Hike

Naches Peak Loop: 3 Miles of Meadows and Mountain Views Without the Climb

Naches Peak Loop is the trail to recommend when someone wants meadows, mountain views, and a manageable distance without committing to a full day. The 3.3 mile loop starts from the Tipsoo Lake parking area at Chinook Pass on the park's east edge, climbs gently along the Pacific Crest Trail, and circles back past a high alpine pond with Rainier framed on the return. Late July and early August bring lupine and paintbrush across the entire loop. State Route 410 over Chinook Pass closes in winter and reopens with Sunrise Road in late spring.
3.3 mi loop 600 ft gain No permit required
Moderate Day Hike

Mt. Fremont Lookout: Mountain Goats, a 1934 Fire Lookout, and Olympic Views on a Clear Day

The Mt. Fremont Lookout sits at 7,181 feet on a ridge above Sunrise with views of Rainier to the south, Grand Park to the north, and the Olympic Mountains far west on clear days. The 5.6 mile round trip starts at the Sunrise parking area, climbs through alpine meadow past Frozen Lake, and ends at a 1934 fire lookout cabin that is still standing and viewable from outside. Mountain goats are often visible on the surrounding cliffs. Best done in August, when the meadows are blooming and the road is fully open.
5.6 mi round trip 900 ft gain No permit required
Moderate Day Hike

Comet Falls and Van Trump Park: A Waterfall and a Wildflower Meadow in One Trip

Comet Falls drops 320 feet in a single plunge and is the tallest waterfall the average park visitor will see. The trail starts on the Paradise Road just below Christine Falls and climbs through old growth forest to the base of the falls at 2.6 miles. Continuing past the falls, the trail enters Van Trump Park, an open meadow with one of the most direct views of the mountain in the entire park. Most hikers turn around at the falls. The meadow is worth the extra effort. Best in late July and August once the snow clears the upper sections.
5.8 mi round trip 1,700 ft gain No permit required
Easy Day Hike

Bench and Snow Lakes: The Quietest Lake Hike on Stevens Canyon Road

Bench and Snow Lakes is the easy lake hike that most visitors miss because it sits on Stevens Canyon Road between Paradise and Ohanapecosh, not at one of the named hubs. The 2.5 mile round trip drops to Bench Lake first for a postcard view of Rainier reflected in the water, then continues to Snow Lake set in a granite bowl. Wildflowers are abundant in early August. The trailhead is at milepost 8.5 on Stevens Canyon Road. A good choice for a half day or to combine with the Reflection Lakes pullout nearby.
2.5 mi round trip 600 ft gain No permit required
Backpacking

Wonderland Trail: The 93 Mile Loop Around the Mountain

The Wonderland Trail circumnavigates Mount Rainier in 93 miles, climbing and dropping a cumulative 22,000 feet as it crosses every major valley around the mountain. Most hikers complete it in 9 to 13 days. The full loop visits Indian Bar, Summerland, Mystic Lake, Spray Park, Klapatche Park, and a series of suspension bridges across glacial rivers that have washed out and been rebuilt repeatedly. Wilderness permits are required and the early access lottery opens in February through Recreation.gov. Remaining permits go to walk up requests at Longmire and White River wilderness information centers. With the Fairfax Bridge closure, Wonderland trips through the northwest section now require longer logistical planning.
93 mi loop 22,000 ft cumulative gain Wilderness permit required

Camping in Mount Rainier National Park

Cougar Rock Campground

Cougar Rock is the park's main reservable campground for the 2026 season, sitting two miles up the road from Longmire in the southwest corner. It has 179 sites, accommodates RVs, and operates from May 22 through October 12, 2026. Flush toilets and running water available throughout the season. Reserve through Recreation.gov on the six month rolling window. Sites for July and August book out within minutes of opening. Four ADA accessible sites available.
Reservable Flush ToiletsPotable WaterRV Accessible
Reserve on Recreation.gov →
$20/night per night

White River Campground

White River sits at 4,400 feet in the park's northeast corner, the closest campground to Sunrise and the most direct base for Burroughs Mountain or Mt. Fremont Lookout. It is first come, first served only, with payment via Recreation.gov's Scan and Pay system at the entrance. The campground typically opens in early July and closes in late September, depending on snowmelt and Sunrise Road conditions. No RV hookups, vault toilets only. Arrive early on summer weekends. The campground often fills by 11am.
First Come Vault ToiletsTent SitesFirst Come First Served
Pay on Recreation.gov →
$20/night per night

Ohanapecosh Campground (CLOSED for 2026)

Ohanapecosh is closed for the entire 2026 season due to a major rehabilitation project. Normally the park's largest campground, with 188 sites along the Ohanapecosh River in the southeast corner near the Grove of the Patriarchs, it is expected to reopen for the 2027 season. No reservations are being accepted. If you were planning an Ohana trip this summer, Cougar Rock is the closest reservable substitute.
Closed Closed for RehabilitationReopens 2027
See current campground status →
N/A per night

Visiting Mount Rainier and one other national park this year? The pass already pays for itself.

Mount Rainier charges $30 per vehicle for 7 days of access in 2026. The America the Beautiful interagency annual pass costs $80 and covers Mount Rainier plus every other fee charging federal site in the country, including Olympic and North Cascades. If your year includes Rainier and even one other national park, the math is already in your favor. The pass also covers Northwest Forest Pass trailheads on the national forest land surrounding Rainier, which means parking at the Crystal Mountain access points and other adjacent trailheads is included.

Get the America the Beautiful Pass →

Where to Base Yourself for Mount Rainier National Park

Ashford

6 miles west of the Nisqually entrance. Ashford is the closest town to the park and the de facto base camp for Paradise visits. Six miles east of the Nisqually entrance on State Route 706, with a stretch of cabins, vacation rentals, restaurants, and small inns lining the highway. Whittaker’s Bunkhouse, Copper Creek Inn, and the Wildberry Restaurant are the longstanding anchors. Gas, groceries, and last cell service before the park gate. Open year round, which matters because the Nisqually entrance is the only one open in winter.

Packwood

23 miles east of the Stevens Canyon entrance, 36 miles south of the White River entrance. Packwood is the southeast gateway, on US 12 between the Stevens Canyon entrance and the White River entrance, which makes it the only town that gives flexible access to both Paradise (via Stevens Canyon Road) and Sunrise (via SR 123 to SR 410). It has more restaurants and larger lodging options than Ashford, including the Crest Trail Lodge and a handful of vacation rentals. The Packwood Cafe and Mountain Goat Coffee are the morning stops before heading into the park.

Greenwater and Crystal Mountain

14 miles north of the White River entrance. Greenwater is the smallest of the three main gateway towns, sitting on State Route 410 about 14 miles north of the White River entrance. Limited dining and lodging compared to Ashford or Packwood. The real draw of this side is Crystal Mountain Resort, which is a 6 mile detour off SR 410 and offers full hotel style lodging, restaurants, and the Mt. Rainier Gondola in summer. For visitors targeting Sunrise or Burroughs Mountain who want a real bed, Crystal Mountain is the most comfortable option.

Getting to Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier has four road entrances, each serving a different part of the park. There is no public transit option. A car is required.

Nisqually Entrance (southwest): The main entrance, open year round, and the only road into Paradise. From Seattle, take I-5 south to exit 127, then State Route 7 south to Elbe, then State Route 706 east through Ashford to the entrance. Roughly 95 miles, 2 to 2.5 hours. From Nisqually, it is another 18 miles up to Paradise.

Stevens Canyon Entrance (southeast): Open seasonally, typically late May through early November. Connects to Paradise via Stevens Canyon Road and to Ohanapecosh on the east side. From Packwood, follow US 12 west to State Route 123 north.

White River Entrance (northeast): Open seasonally, typically late May through October. The only road approach to Sunrise, the highest point in the park reachable by car at 6,400 feet. From Seattle, take State Route 410 east through Enumclaw and Greenwater. About 110 miles, 2.5 hours.

Carbon River and Mowich Lake (northwest): No longer accessible by road. The State Route 165 Fairfax Bridge was condemned in April 2025 and permanently closed. WSDOT estimates a replacement is at least five years away. Backcountry hiking access only.

Planning Your Visit

The usable window for most of Mount Rainier is mid June through early October. Paradise Road is open year round but conditions are winter driving from November through April. Sunrise Road typically opens between late June and the Fourth of July depending on snow and stays open through mid September.

For wildflowers at Paradise, the prime window is the last week of July through the first week of August. For fall color and fewer crowds, mid to late September delivers golden meadows at Sunrise without the peak summer parking crush.

Timed entry reservations are not required in 2026, but parking is the real constraint. Paradise lots fill by 9am on summer weekends. Sunrise lots fill by 10am. Arrive early or visit Tuesday through Thursday if you have flexibility. Cell service ends shortly past Ashford on the southwest side and Greenwater on the northeast side. Download offline maps before entering the park. Bear canisters are required for all backcountry overnight trips.

Seasonal Events and Highlights

Late June or early July
Sunrise Road Seasonal Opening
The opening of Sunrise Road and the White River area is the unofficial start of the high country season at Mount Rainier. The road typically opens between late June and the Fourth of July, depending on snowpack. NPS announces the date through the park website and visitrainier.com. The opening drive draws a steady stream of locals who have been waiting all winter for access to Burroughs Mountain and the Sunrise meadows.
Late July through early August
Paradise Wildflower Peak Bloom
Paradise hosts one of the most concentrated wildflower displays in the contiguous United States, peaking the last week of July through the first week of August. Lupine, paintbrush, avalanche lily, and bistort fill the meadows below the visitor center for roughly two weeks before fading. The exact peak date varies year to year with snowmelt timing. Arrive at Paradise before 8am during peak bloom. Parking fills early and turnover is slow.
Mid September through early October
Sunrise Larch and Fall Color
The high meadows at Sunrise turn gold and red in mid to late September as huckleberry, alpine larch, and sedge respond to the first cold nights. The window is short, typically two to three weeks before snow returns to the upper elevations and Sunrise Road closes for the season. NPS posts current trail and road conditions in late September. A good time for hikers who skipped the summer crowds.

Find a Cabin Near Mount Rainier National Park

Skip the campground lottery. Browse privately owned cabins close to the park on Washington Staycations.

Browse Cabins →

More from EWS on Mount Rainier National Park

Story Spending Three Days at Mount Rainier
Story Seeking Wildflowers on Mt. Rainier's Paradise Trails
Story Planning a Winter Trip to Mount Rainier
Story Fairfax Bridge near Mount Rainier National Park
Guide Mount Rainier's Timed Entry: What You Need to Know for 2026
Story Tilted Timbers: A Cozy A-frame by Mt. Rainier
Podcast Episode Christine Reed: Alone in Wonderland. Hiking the Wonderland Trail
Podcast Episode Darren Chromey: Hiking and Climbing Mount Rainier and Other Peaks
Podcast Episode Molly Hashimoto's Connection to Mount Rainier and Art
Directory Longmire Museum
Directory Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Museum
Directory Mount Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Mount Rainier National Park?

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for 7 days in 2026. Motorcycles are $25, and individuals on foot or bicycle pay $15. The America the Beautiful interagency annual pass at $80 also covers Mount Rainier and is the better deal if you plan to visit any other federal recreation site this year. The park is fully cashless. All entrance kiosks accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Do you need a timed entry reservation to visit Mount Rainier in 2026?

No. Mount Rainier is not requiring timed entry reservations in 2026, a change from the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Entry to Paradise, Sunrise, and the rest of the park is first come, first served. The trade off is that summer parking fills early. Arrive at Paradise before 9am and Sunrise before 10am on weekends, or visit on a weekday.

When does Sunrise Road open at Mount Rainier?

Sunrise Road typically opens between late June and the Fourth of July, depending on snowpack and avalanche mitigation. It generally stays open through mid September. NPS posts current road status at nps.gov/mora and announces the opening date when crews complete clearing. Sunrise is at 6,400 feet, the highest point in the park reachable by car, so the road needs more snow removal than any other approach.

Can you still drive to Mowich Lake or the Carbon River entrance?

No. The State Route 165 Fairfax Bridge that carried road traffic to both Mowich Lake and the Carbon River Ranger Station was permanently closed in April 2025 after inspections found a buckling support column. WSDOT estimates a replacement bridge is at least five years away. Mowich Lake, Tolmie Peak, Spray Park, and the Carbon Glacier are now accessible only by hiking 19 miles or more from the nearest open trailhead. For most visitors, this means backpacking or skipping the northwest corner entirely.

What are the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park?

The Skyline Trail Loop at Paradise is the most photographed, a 6.3 mile loop with continuous mountain views and peak wildflowers in late July. Burroughs Mountain at Sunrise delivers the most dramatic glacier views you can reach on foot, at 9.4 miles round trip. For an easy option, the Naches Peak Loop at Chinook Pass is 3.3 miles with steady views and minimal effort. The Wonderland Trail, 93 miles around the entire mountain, is the long distance backpacking objective most hikers eventually point at.

When is the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park?

Mid July through mid September gives the widest trail access, the most reliable weather, and the wildflower peak at Paradise. Late July through early August is the prime wildflower window. Late September brings fall color at Sunrise without the summer crowds. Outside this window, Sunrise Road is closed and most high elevation trails are under snow. Paradise is accessible year round but functions as a snowshoeing and ski destination from November through April.

Where should I stay if I want to be inside the park?

Two in park lodges are operational in 2026. Paradise Inn at Paradise is open May 18 through September 30, with 121 rooms in a historic 1916 lodge and adjacent annex. Rates run roughly $313 to $559 per night. National Park Inn at Longmire is the only year round in park option, with 25 rooms at lower elevation. Both book out months in advance for July and August. Reserve through Mount Rainier Guest Services. For more flexibility, base in Ashford for Paradise access or in Packwood for both Paradise and Sunrise.