The Ultimate Mount Rainier National Park Guide
Description and History
Mount Rainier National Park is a national park located in Washington state, about two hours from Seattle. It is home to the highest peak in the Cascade Mountain range at 14,411 feet in elevation, and the most prominent mountain in the continental United States. The mountain is an active volcano surrounded by lush old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic glacier-carved valleys. It’s no surprise the park is one of the most visited in the United States, attracting more than two million visitors each year.
Mount Rainier has been an important feature of the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years. It is a sacred mountain to the local Native Americans, who call it “Tacoma” or “the source of all waters.” The first non-native people to explore the area were members of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. In 1899, it became the fifth national park established in the United States.
Mount Rainier is a stunning mountain, with dramatic glaciers, snowcapped peaks, and an impressive view from many vantage points. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including marmots, mountain goats, and black bears. The park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and camping to wildlife watching and cross-country skiing.
Area (square miles (acres)) -
377.78 miles (241,782 acres)
Highest Elevation -
14,408 ft.
Lowest Elevation -
1,600 ft.
Established -
1899
Founding Person/President -
John Muir, famous naturalist and preservationist, and Bailey Willis, a U.S. Geological Survey worker.
Average # of Visitors -
2,000,000 per year 2021 the park had 2,477,816 visitors.
Origin of Name -
Several Native American tribes called the mountain variations of Tacoma or Tahoma, meaning Mother of Waters, or “the source of nourishment from the many streams coming from the slopes”. Captain George Vancouver sailed into Puget Sound in 1792 and named the mountain after his friend Peter Rainier, a Royal Navy. Officer in the Revolutionary War.
Fun Facts -
Mt. Rainier is America’s fifth national park
Mt. Rainier Volcano takes up one-third of the park, approximately 100 squares miles.
Important Seasonal and Visiting Information:
Mount Rainier National Park is open all year. The best times to visit the park are Summer through Fall. These months are the best time to experience Mount Rainier in comfort and see all the beautiful wildlife Mount Rainier has to offer. Please note that only two park entrances are open through the winter months. Longmire is open throughout winter, although there are exceptions during extreme weather conditions. Longmire to Paradise is closed around dusk from November 1 through winter (when the snow melts).
To find the best time to plan your visit to Mount Rainier National Park head to article The Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier National Park
Top Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
Skyline Trail
Duration: Est. 3h 40m
Length: 6.2 mi.
Elevation: 1,788 ft
Difficulty Rating: Hard
Type: Loop
Permit: Not Required
Paradise Lodge is the most common place to start this trail, offering amazing views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys. It’s a difficult hike, but the payoff is worth it.
Wonderland Trail
Duration: 52 Hours 26 Minutes
Length: 93 mi
Elevation: 25,436 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Loop
Permit: Required for overnight camping
This 89.5-mile loop around Mount Rainier is one of the most famous and popular trails in the park. It’s a great way to get to know the park and experience its beauty.
Sunrise Rim Trail
Duration: 52 Hours 26 Minutes
Length: 8.7 mi
Elevation: 1,952 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Loop
Permit: Not Required
This 5.5-mile trail offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area. It’s a great choice for those looking for a shorter hike with a lot of scenery.
Nisqually Vista Trail
Duration: 52 Hours 26 Minutes
Length: 1.1 mi
Elevation: 180 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Loop
Permit: Not Required
This 1.1-mile trail is perfect for those looking for a short but rewarding hike. It offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area.
Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge
Duration: 3 Hours 20 Minutes
Length: 6.3 mi
Elevation: 1,450 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Out & Back
Permit: Not Required
This 6.3-mile trail is a great choice for those looking for a longer more challenging hike, passing through gorgeous old-growth forest. Be aware parts of the trail are washed out and some scrambling over rocks should be expected.
Burroughs Mountain Trail
Duration: 5 Hours 11 Minutes
Length: 8.9 mi
Elevation: 2,496 ft
Difficulty: Hard
Type: Out & Back
Permit: Not Required
This 8.9-mile trail offers magnificent views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area. It’s a great choice for those looking for a moderate hike with plenty of scenery.
Mountain Meadows to Mowich Lake Trail
Duration: 3 Hours 24 Minutes
Length: 6.9 mi
Elevation: 1,354 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out & Back
Permit: Not Required
This 6.9-mile trail leads to a beautiful lake surrounded by lush forests and stunning views of Mount Rainier. It’s a great choice for those looking for a moderate hike.
Rampart Ridge Trail
Duration: 2 Hours 52 Minutes
Length: 4.8 mi
Elevation: 1,417 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Loop
Permit: Not Required
This 4.8-mile trail offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area. It’s a great choice for those looking for a moderate hike with plenty of scenery.
Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant
Duration: 4 Hours 19 Minutes
Length: 6.9 mi
Elevation: 2,198 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out & Back
Permit: Not Required
This 6.9-mile trail leads to a stunning alpine meadow with incredible views of Mount Rainier. It’s a great choice for those looking for a moderate to difficult hike.
Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
Duration: 1 Hours 6 Minutes
Length: 2.2 mi
Elevation: 446 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out & Back
Permit: Not Required
This 2.2-mile trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area. It’s a great choice for those looking for a moderate hike with plenty of scenery and beautiful lake to stop and eat lunch.
Tolmie Peak
Duration: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
Length: 5.6 mi
Elevation: 1,541 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Out & Back
Permit: Not Required
The trail begins at the Mowich Lake parking lot and follows the trail around Mowich Lake before beginning its ascent. Along the way, hikers will be rewarded with views of Mowich Lake, the Tatoosh Range, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding area. The trail is well-maintained and marked with signs, and is open year-round. The summit of Tolmie Peak offers stunning views of the area, making it a popular destination for hikers.
No matter which of these hikes you choose, you’re sure to have an amazing time at Mount Rainier!
Best Places to Camp around Mount Rainier National Park
Ohanapecosh Campground –
This popular campground is located near the Ohanapecosh River and is open year-round.
Cougar Rock Campground –
This campground is located in the southwest corner of the park and is open from late spring to early fall.
Mowich Lake Campground – This campground is located near Mt. Rainier’s Mowich Lake and is open from late spring to early fall.
Silver Springs –
This campground is located near Mt. Rainier’s Sheep Lake and is open from late spring to early fall.
Lodge Pole –
This campground is located near Mt. Rainier’s Sheep Lake and is open from late spring to early fall.
Best Cabins and Stays around Mount Rainier
Ohanapecosh Campground – This popular campground is located near the Ohanapecosh River and is open year-round.
Cougar Rock Campground – This campground is located in the southwest corner of the park and is open from late spring to early fall.
Mowich Lake Campground – This campground is located near Mt. Rainier’s Mowich Lake and is open from late spring to early fall.
Silver Springs – This campground is located near Mt. Rainier’s Sheep Lake and is open from late spring to early fall.
Lodge Pole – This campground is located near Mt. Rainier’s Sheep Lake and is open from late spring to early fall.