Are you an adventurer looking for your next outdoor escape? Then Mount Rainier National Park is a great destination that should not be missed! Located in Washington State, this incredible active volcano stands at 14,410 feet and covers an area of 235,000 acres. With so much to do, it isn’t easy to know where to start. Well, I’m from the area and here to give you all the indoor information you need. Read on to find out about the top things to do in Mt. Rainier National Park, how to get there, and where to stay- plus insider tips for your trip!
14 Things To Do In Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Before we dive into the activities, it’s worth noting the best time to plan a trip to Mount Rainier National Park. If you haven’t been to the park before, the optimal window is from mid-summer to early fall. From July through October, you can take advantage of pleasant weather, snow-free hiking trails, and the opportunity to experience wildflowers in bloom. However, with this period being the most popular, you should be prepared for the crowds when planning your visit.
If you’d prefer a less crowded experience, visiting the park during September or October is ideal because you can still take in the amazing fall colors while avoiding the snow that can start hitting later in the season. Winters in Mount Rainier National Park get plenty of snow, so it isn’t closed to visitors, but you’ll, however, need to enter via the Nisqually or Carbon River entrances. In winter, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing become the central activities.
Hike the Skyline Trail
One of the top things to do at Mount Rainier National Park is to hike the Skyline Trail. This 6.2-mile route offers incredible views of the park, including Panorama Point, Myrtle Falls, and Glacier Vista. It’s open year-round, but the surrounding fields’ wildflowers shine during late spring and summer. If hiking is not your thing, the trail turns into a 5-mile, roundtrip Panorama Point Snowshoe Trail during winter, though it might be advisable to check with a ranger before attempting it. Be sure to plan ahead and bring the necessary gear!
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🌐 Website: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/skyline-trail.htm
🕙 Hours: Open year-round, but the best time to hike is during summer (June-September).
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass or $20 per person for an individual annual pass.
See Myrtle Falls
Take in the beauty of Myrtle Falls during a visit to Mount Rainier National Park. This sensational sight is located about 0.8 miles from the parking lot and can be reached by taking a 20-minute hike to the Myrtle Falls Viewpoint. The views here are breathtaking, meaning you won’t want to forget your camera.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🕙 Hours: Open year-round, but the best time to see the falls is during spring and summer when the water flows freely.
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $20 per person for an individual annual pass.
Admire Reflection Lakes
When dreaming up things to do in Mount Rainer National Park, anything related to the Reflection Lakes should be at the top of your list. These tranquil lakes, filled with crystal-clear alpine water, provide brilliant mirror-like reflections of Mount Rainier. Photographers and nature enthusiasts alike will appreciate the early morning light as it casts a golden hue across the landscape. Summer, in particular, is full of vibrant colors and wildlife, while fall brings a new set of beautiful oranges and reds for you to capture. You’ll need to drive along Stevens Canyon Road from Paradise to get here, but the road is only open from June to September.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🕙 Hours: Open year-round, but the best time to see the lakes is during the spring and summer months when the water is clear, and the wildflowers are in bloom.
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $20 per person for an individual annual pass.
Visit a Fire Lookout
Explore the history and soak up magnificent views when you visit one of Mount Rainier National Park’s fire lookouts. Popular lookouts include Fremont Lookout, which was built in 1934 and overlooks Grand Park, Skyscraper Mountain, Redstone Peak, and Berkeley Park. There’s also Gobblers Knob Lookout and Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout, each offering an interesting experience. You even have the chance to stay overnight; just be sure to check if the lookout is open first.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🕙 Hours: Open year-round, but the best time to visit a fire lookout is during the summer months when the weather is mild, and the views are clear.
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $20 per person for an individual annual pass.
Explore Narada Falls
Visiting Narada Falls is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a beautiful and easy hike at Mount Rainer National Park. This 159-foot horsetail waterfall with a 17-foot plunge into a charming pool is a must-see when you come to the park. It’s only a 0.3-mile roundtrip, so even beginners can enjoy the magnificent views with ease. Since it tends to be slippery, be careful when stepping on the rocks. Restrooms and a seating area are nearby, but parking can be limited. Don’t miss this gorgeous site when you visit Mount Rainier!
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🕙 Hours: Open year-round, but the best time to see the falls is during spring and summer when the water flows freely.
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass, or $20 per person for an individual annual pass.
Check Out Fremont Lookout
History and nature buffs should take the time to visit one of the many fire lookouts at Mount Rainer National Park. The Fremont Lookout is one of the most popular ones in the park, as it was built in 1934 and provides stunning views of the park’s surrounding areas. It’s situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet and overlooks Grand Park, Skyscraper Mountain, Redstone Peak, and Berkeley Park. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the remarkable views of Mount Rainier sprawled out before you.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🕙 Hours: Weather permitting, the lookout is open from late June to early September.
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle or $20 per person (ages 16 and older).
Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Mount Rainier offers plenty of excitement for winter visitors, as the park isn’t closed off when the temperatures get colder. You can access the park via the Nisqually and Carbon River entrances, where you can partake in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. If you want to hit the slopes, make sure you check the conditions beforehand and get the necessary equipment. In addition, don’t forget warm and waterproof clothing to prepare yourself no matter the weather.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🕙 Hours: Varies depending on snow conditions.
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle.
Camping at Mount Rainier National Park
What better way to experience all Mount Rainier offers than by camping overnight? There are several campsites around the park, so you can pick the one that best fits your needs and budget. Whether you prefer tent camping or RV camping, you’ll be able to find something that can accommodate you and your group. Just make sure to choose a campsite that’s close to the amenities you need, such as bathrooms and water sources. Also, remember to bring the necessary camping equipment and supplies so you have a comfortable and safe stay.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🌐 Website: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm
🕙 Hours: Varies depending on the campground.
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle, plus camping fees.
Visit the Gobblers Knob Lookout
A stop at the Gobblers Knob lookout is one of the unique things to do when visiting Mount Rainier National Park. This lookout is full of rich history and features captivating views of the surroundings. It’s a great spot for photographers and enthusiasts of nature, as there are plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of the landscape. It’s also worth noting that there are other noteworthy fire lookouts that you can explore, such as the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout. These lookouts provide plenty of insight into the area’s history and present breathtaking scenes.
Visiting Mount Rainier National Park is a great way to relax and explore the beauty of nature. With numerous things to do and see, it’s something everyone should experience at least once.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🕙 Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
🎟️ Entrance fees: None
Visit Carbon River and Nisqually Entrances
You can access the park during winter via the Carbon River and Nisqually entrances. Here, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing on Mount Rainier. This is a great time for those who wish to avoid the masses of visitors during peak season.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction (Carbon River)
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction (Nisqually Entrances)
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211
🌐 Website: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/directions.htm
🕙 Hours: Carbon River Entrance – Open year-round, Nisqually Entrance – Hours vary by season
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or $15 per person for those entering on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle
Discover the Wildflowers in Bloom
From July to August, you’ll be able to admire the beauty of the wildflowers in bloom. It’s best to take the Skyline Trail, a 6.2-mile path that passes through fields of trees and offers incredible views of Mount Rainier. Wildflowers like Lupins, Goldenstars, Indian Paintbrush, and many more are sure to add a beautiful touch of color to your experience.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (360) 569-2211 ext. 3314
🕙 Hours: Open year-round; hours vary by season
🎟️ Entrance fees: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or $15 per person for those entering on foot, bicycle, or motorcycle
Experience Snowshoeing in Mount Rainier
The Skyline Trail also becomes a 5-mile snowshoe trail during winter. It’s important to seek guidance from a park ranger before attempting this, as the trail is only suitable for experienced hikers. Regardless, you’re sure to have a great experience.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
Take in the Fall Colors
You can marvel at the gorgeous fall colors when visiting the park from September to October. A picturesque location to appreciate autumn’s beauty is the Reflection Lakes. Here you can take in stunning views of the changing leaves, get an up-close look at Mount Rainer’s peak, and take some incredible photos.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
Capture Wildlife among the Flowers
Finally, not only will you find amazing wildflowers in bloom, but you might also capture some wildlife. Keep an eye out for elks, bears and bald eagles, which are all common around the park. Whether it’s summer or winter, there are lots of interesting creatures to observe and photograph.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
Wrapping Up
The best way to experience the enchantment of Mount Rainier National Park is to visit the park during the late spring and summer months. From mid-summer to early fall, you can find some of the most spectacular wildflower meadows in the entire region. With a variety of different activities to choose from, such as hiking the Skyline Trail and exploring the Grove of the Patriarchs, it’s no wonder Mt. Rainier is one of Washington’s most popular destinations.
Whether you’re looking to capture the beauty of snowshoeing through the winter frost or climbing to the summit of the peak, there’s something for everyone at this magical park. So why not take the time to explore all that Mt. Rainier has to offer today?