πŸ•οΈNational Park Data
A purple and pink streaked sky over a mountain peak and forested valley.
Climber on glacier steps downward with icy crags in background.
Towering cedars and douglas-firs reach skyward while a beam of sun breaks through the canopy.
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.
Sunset paints the glaciers of Mount Rainier in pink and gold.
National Park

Mount Rainier National Park

Washington

πŸ’°
Entrance Fee
$30
πŸ•
Hours
All Day
πŸ“
Location
Ashford, WA
πŸ“ž
Visitor Center
3605692211
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Expert Verdict & Insider Tips

⭐ **My Rating: 4.3/5** **The Vibe**: Scenic and educational, perfect for a quick day trip. **Insider Advice**: * Visit mid-week or early in the morning to enjoy the quietest views. Weekend afternoons can get busy near the main visitor centers. * Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes. Some paths are unpaved and have loose gravel. * Weather can change quickly in this region. Dress in layers and carry a light windbreaker or rain jacket.

Mount Rainier National Park is a hidden gem located in Washington. While many tourists flock to the major parks, this national park offers a much more peaceful and intimate experience with nature. It is preserved for its unique history, diverse habitats, and local significance.

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About Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is a national park located in Washington. Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and elevation. The climate is generally cool and rainy, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s. While July and August are the sunniest months of the year, rain is very likely in spring, fall, and winter. Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable. In the higher elevations, like Paradise, winter can last from November to May with many feet of snow on the ground.

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.

πŸ’° Entrance Fees & Passes

The general entrance fee for Mount Rainier starts at $15 (which commonly covers entry for a single private vehicle and passengers for up to 7 consecutive days). The park offers several fee options: Entrance - Private Vehicle ($30), Entrance - Per Person ($15), Entrance - Motorcycle ($25), Commercial Entrance - Sedan ($30), Commercial Entrance - Van ($75), Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus ($100), Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach ($200). If you plan to visit multiple national parks this year, purchasing the America the Beautiful National Parks Annual Pass ($80) is highly cost-effective, as general entry to most parks will quickly offset the pass cost.

Entrance - Private Vehicle$30
Entrance - Per Person$15
Entrance - Motorcycle$25
Commercial Entrance - Sedan$30
Commercial Entrance - Van$75
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus$100
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach$200

πŸ₯Ύ Things to Do

Mount Rainier National Park offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Astronomy, Stargazing, and 32 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.

βœ… Auto and ATV
βœ… Scenic Driving
βœ… Astronomy Guide β†’βœ… Stargazing Guide β†’
βœ… Biking
βœ… Camping Guide β†’βœ… Backcountry Camping Guide β†’βœ… Car or Front Country Camping Guide β†’βœ… Group Camping Guide β†’
βœ… Climbing
βœ… Mountain Climbing
βœ… Fishing Guide β†’βœ… Freshwater Fishing Guide β†’
βœ… Food
βœ… Dining
βœ… Picnicking
βœ… Guided Tours
βœ… Self-Guided Tours - Walking Guide β†’
βœ… Self-Guided Tours - Auto
βœ… Hands-On
βœ… Citizen Science
βœ… Hiking Guide β†’βœ… Backcountry Hiking Guide β†’βœ… Front-Country Hiking Guide β†’
βœ… Living History
βœ… Junior Ranger Program
βœ… Skiing
βœ… Snow Play
βœ… Snowmobiling
βœ… Snowshoeing
βœ… Wildlife Watching Guide β†’βœ… Birdwatching Guide β†’
βœ… Park Film
βœ… Museum Exhibits
βœ… Shopping
βœ… Bookstore and Park Store

πŸ“¦ Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist

Custom items selected for activities at Mount Rainier

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πŸ§₯ Apparel & Layers

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πŸ’‘ Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

πŸ“‹ Visitor Planning Tips for Mount Rainier

  • β†’Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Mount Rainier before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
  • β†’Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 4 active alerts for Mount Rainier. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
  • β†’Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Mount Rainier get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
  • β†’Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Mount Rainier. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
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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.

Seasonal Visitor Guides

Frequently Asked Questions about Mount Rainier

The entrance fee for Mount Rainier National Park is $30 per vehicle. The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entrance to all 474+ NPS sites and pays for itself after just 2-3 park visits.

About the Author

πŸ§—

James R. Mitchell

Founder & Lead Writer β€” National Park Data

James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.

πŸ”οΈ 63 Parks Visited✍️ 12 Years Writing🧭 Wilderness GuideFull Bio β†’

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