Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and well prepared. Learn more about the requirements for climbing Mount Rainier.
3-4 Days
Enjoy a moderate, family-friendly loop hike through the forest to a beautiful waterfall along the Ohanapecosh River.
2 Hours
Winter brings into focus a frosty view of the mountain. An abundance of snow creates a winter recreation paradise, but also brings the challenges of icy, snowy roads. The road to Paradise is plowed, when possible, to allow access. Spend hours at Paradise or add a stop in Longmire to make a full day of winter fun.
2-6 Hours
This tour is a great opportunity to see four of Mount Rainier's stunning waterfalls between Longmire and Paradise without taking on any long or strenuous trails.
2-4 Hours
Embark on a strenuous hike up to a historic fire lookout with adjacent backcountry camping sites and enjoy views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valley.
5-6 Hours
This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.
2-3 Hours
Hike to the historic Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout perched on a rocky outcrop above Lake George.
6-7 Hours
Enjoy a short hike to picturesque Bench and Snow Lakes with views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range.
2 Hours
Hike the Burroughs Mountain Trail for outstanding mountain views and to visit the most accessible tundra in the Cascade Range.
3-6 Hours
Mount Rainier National Park is a great place for beginner and experienced snowshoers to explore the winter landscape.
1-6 Hours
Looking for easy and enjoyable trails that the whole family can experience together? Consider the following trails in the Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River/Mowich areas of Mount Rainier National Park. These day hikes range from short strolls to longer trails through the wilderness.
2-8 Hours
Enjoy a short hike from the White River Campground through the forest to a view of the Emmons Glacier and a beautiful turquoise lake colored by glacial silt.
1-2 Hours
Enjoy a short hike from Mowich Lake to a large cascading waterfall fed by a glacier.
2-3 Hours
Enjoy an extended, relaxing visit to Mount Rainier in one of the park's campgrounds.
Interested in exploring Tipsoo Lake but don't know what to do? This list should help you find the right activity.
0-4 Hours
The easy Nisqually Vista trail offers stunning year-round views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and the Tatoosh mountain range as well as seasonal delights, such as summer wildflowers and fall foliage.
45-60 Minutes
Take a short walk up the Skyline Trail to visit the 10th Mountain Division Memorial which honors the U.S. Army Troops who trained at Paradise during World War II.
30-60 Minutes
Come explore the parks after dark! Star gazing is a great way to end a long day of hiking and exploring the park. The Sunrise area is a perfect spot for star gazing. There are several ways to view the stars at sunrise from staying in the parking lot to hiking on trails. There is something for everyone.
30-120 Minutes
At Mount Rainier, designers selected massive logs and glacial boulders as the building materials best suited for integrating new structures with their natural settings. This style of architecture, known as "National Park Service Rustic", can be seen throughout the Longmire District on this walking tour.
60 Minutes
Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire to honor the Mount Rainier National Park Rangers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
5-10 Minutes
Hike or bike Westside Road through a dynamic landscape that is evidence of outburst floods that closed this portion of road to public vehicle traffic. Hike the trails that lead off this road lead to meadows, views of glaciers, and historic patrol cabins.
Discover Carbon River, in the beautiful northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, where you can hike, bike, or snowshoe during the winter.
0-12 Hours
Make a day of it by visiting in Longmire in winter. Hike or snowshoe through the forest with views of Mount Rainier and bubbling mineral springs. Explore the Longmire Historic District and warm up with a hot meal in the National Park Inn.
2-4 Hours
Paddle sports offer a unique opportunity to get out on the water and experience wilderness lakes that are scattered across Mount Rainier National Park. Mowich Lake is the largest lake in the park and is one of the easiest to access, though still challenging.
2-8 Hours
Go on an adventure and try to identify the three most commonly abundant trees that surround the entire Ohanapecosh area.
30-60 Minutes
Complete a Junior Ranger booklet and collect a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger badge. Learn more about the plants and animals of the park and how Mount Rainier was formed.
30-60 Minutes
With just 4 hours, visitors can enjoy glacier views, blooming wildflowers, and rich cultural history at the most popular subalpine meadow in the park!
2-4 Hours
Looking for kid friendly hikes to do while visiting Mount Rainier? This list should help you find the right hike for your group depending on where you are in the park.
20-90 Minutes
Whether you’re pushing a stroller or traveling with grandparents, Paradise offers activities the whole family can enjoy together.
2-6 Hours
Spring comes slowly to the mountain. While wildflowers bloom along city streets, the snow at Paradise may be higher than your head! Planning your spring trip to the mountain in advance is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.
Enjoy all that the Ohanapecosh area has to offer with these four activities.
2-8 Hours
Photographers of all skill levels can enjoy photographing the Mount Rainier wildflowers. Follow these simple tips and tricks to optimize your photoshoot in the park.
15 Minutes
With just a little planning you can create art anywhere. Take time to really experience your favorite overlook by painting a picture in the park.
Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park is both scenic and challenging. Bicycles are allowed on park roads but they are not permitted on any hiking trails.
4-8 Hours
With 97% of the park designated wilderness, backpacking and wilderness camping is one of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park.
2-14 Days
Everyone loves beautiful days when Mount Rainier is visible and the skies are blue! However, sometimes the weather does not cooperate. There is still so much to appreciate on days when the clouds roll in. Enjoy this list of park ranger favorites for days when the mountain isn’t out!
1-8 Hours
If you are looking for great views of Mount Rainier, stunning wildflower meadows, interesting history, or a chance to see wildlife, look no further than Sunrise! Use this guide to help plan your day in Sunrise and explore all this part of Mount Rainier National Park has to offer.
2-8 Hours
If you are wondering exactly what you could do at Cougar Rock Campground aside from sleep, then we've got you covered. Here are some activities that you can do while staying at Cougar Rock Campground.
1-14 Days
Mount Rainier is famous for its wildflowers, but blooming season is short and varies with elevation. Discover the best times to visit to view wildflowers.
Mount Rainier National Park is substantial in size, but congestion still occurs during peak season and during times of nice weather. Escaping the crowds completely can be a challenge, but there are ways to still plan a rewarding visit. This guide provides alternatives to popular locations like Paradise and Sunrise. However, the secret is out! Even relatively less popular areas can still be busy.
4-8 Hours
Even if you never step foot outside your vehicle, a drive through Mount Rainier National Park can be a rewarding experience. This road trip experience follows the historic design of the park from Nisqually Entrance to Paradise and then connects to the east side and Sunrise.
4-8 Hours
The Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park has it all—history, hiking, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities, and more! Use this guide to help you decide what to do on your day in Paradise.
2-8 Hours
Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.
2-8 Hours
Mount Rainier is not known for fishing, but many lakes were historically stocked with non-native fish. Anglers can play an important role in protecting native fish populations by following fishing regulations and reducing numbers of non-native fish.
Enjoy winter camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in this less-visited area in the northeast of the park.