Mount Rainier National 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.

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.

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

Architecture and Building
Archeology
Arts
Industry
Mining
Logging and Timber Cutting
Landscape Design
Monuments and Memorials
Native American Heritage
Schools and Education
Science, Technology and Innovation
Transportation
Bridges
Roads, Routes and Highways
Tunnels
Tragic Events
Floods
Animals
Birds
Cats (wild)
Elk
Fish
Climate Change
Fire
Forests and Woodlands
Geology
Geothermal
Glaciers
Lakes
Mountains
Natural Sounds
Night Sky
River and Riparian
Scenic Views
Trails
Unique Species
Rare
Endangered
Volcanoes
Watersheds
Waterfalls
Wilderness

Silver Forest Sunset

A purple and pink streaked sky over a mountain peak and forested valley.

The Silver Forest Trail at Sunrise features spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the White River valley.

Climbing Mount Rainier

Climber on glacier steps downward with icy crags in background.

Summiting Mount Rainier involves climbing a volcano, scaling glaciers, dealing with high elevations and much more. Almost 10,000 people a year attempt to summit.

Giants of the Old-Growth Forest

Towering cedars and douglas-firs reach skyward while a beam of sun breaks through the canopy.

With some of the few remaining old-growth forests in the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier National Park protects native plants great and small in places like the Grove of the Patriarchs.

Marmot in Morning Dew

A hoary marmot with white frosted fur rests on a rock beside white flowers in a meadow.

From small amphibians and hoary marmots to the black bears and elk, many animals call the wild places of Mount Rainier home.

Kids Hiking Through Wildflower Meadow

Two children hike on trail through wildflower meadow with Mount Rainier above them.

Enjoying the outdoors through recreation is a big part of many visitors' experiences.

Mount Rainier at sunset

Sunset paints the glaciers of Mount Rainier in pink and gold.

Every scenic overlook shows a different side of Mount Rainier. Viewed from Gobblers Knob Lookout at sunset, the glaciers covering the mountain turn pink and gold.

National Park Inn in Winter

The historic National Park Inn covered in a foot of snow.

For thousands of years, people have traveled up to, over, and around Mount Rainier. Today the park strives to preserve this history while providing a chance for new generations to find their own adventures.

Wildflower Meadow Along the Wonderland Trail

Purple lupine and white bistort bloom in a meadow alongside a sign for the Wonderland Trail.

Both the Wonderland Trail and subalpine meadows encircle Mount Rainier. Summertime blooms splatter the hillsides with color.

Mount Rainier from Aurora Lake

A glaciated mountain framed by forested hillsides reflects in a still mountain lake.

Aurora Lake in Klapatche Park on the west side of Mount Rainier.