Mount Rainier National Park

wildflowers in meadow with trees


Mount Rainier was the fifth national park, created in 1899. The peak itself is over 14,000 feet and has the highest prominence (floor to peak) in the Lower 48 states. The size will blow you away as you visit the park! But the park is more than just Mount Rainier – it’s bordered by the Tatoosh Range and full of old-growth forests, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and the ultimate cherry on top: fields of wildflowers.

Mount Rainier Map

Places

  • Paradise. Paradise is the heart of the park – it’s the most popular destination and offers amazing hiking trails.
  • Sunrise. Sunrise is the highest visitor center in the park and is perfect for morning views of Mount Rainier.
  • Tipsoo Lake. This small alpine lake reflects Mount Rainier like a mirror.
  • Myrtle Falls. This is one of the most photographed spots in the park, featuring a remarkable 72-foot cascade with Mount Rainier as a backdrop.
  • Stevens Canyon Road. This winding road takes you through the amazing Stevens Canyon with sharp drops and occasional views of Mount Rainier.
  • Mount St. Helens. A volcano that erupted in 1980, killing 57 people in the most devastating volcanic eruption in US history.
  • Ashford. A small, gateway town to Mount Rainier with lodging and restaurants and an interesting attraction called Cannibal Hot Tub.
  • Packwood. A tiny, gateway town with many interesting wood carvings all over that honor the town’s logging past.
  • Mather Memorial Parkway. An All-American Road and an amazing scenic drive with switchbacks and awe-inspiring canyon views.
  • Crystal Mountain. The largest ski resort in Washington with a gondola ride to the top where you can eat at a nice restaurant or just enjoy incredible views of Mount Rainier and the White River.
  • Longmire. Views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually River, the old-growth forest, a hidden suspension bridge, historical buildings, and hot springs that used to be used by visitors.
  • Skyline Trail. It climbs the mountain through wildflowers, streams, waterfalls, and boulders, with incredible viewpoints of Mount Rainier and the valley. A must-do for hikers.
  • Ohanapecosh. Densely forested area of the park with natural hot springs, a waterfall, and visitor center.
  • Chinook Pass. A historic, rustic arch is located at the entrance to this pass where you can drive along the Mather Memorial Parkway for some awesome views.

Planning a Trip to Mount Rainier? Copy Our 3-Day Itinerary

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Inside the guide:

*Step-by-step plan that will take you to the best hikes, drives, wildflowers, and waterfalls
*Exact time-frames and star-ratings so you can make the best use of your time and money
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*Visiting more in the PNW? Save big $ and get guides for Olympic, Mount Rainier, the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River Gorge with our PNW Bundle.

Plan Your Trip

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Where to Stay and Eat

Best Hikes and Sites

man standing in front of waterfall

Nearby

More About Mount Rainier

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Planning a Trip to the Pacific Northwest? Copy Our 7‑Day Road Trip

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Inside the guide:

*Day‑by‑day plan for Olympic, Mount Rainier, the Oregon Coast, & the Columbia River Gorge
*Details you need: Time frames, driving routes, and where to sleep each night to reduce back-tracking
*Best Friend Guarantee: love it or get your money back