Mount Rainier National Park, Washington State, USA
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED TO ENTER THIS PARK FROM SPRING 2024!!! Recreation.gov
They are also planning a park and ride in the future, but this probably won't be ready in 2024
As there is a short summer window to do this trip, hotels fill up fast and I recommend booking 6- 10 months in advance to get affordable prices on flights and hotels.
*All work including photos and writing on this page is my own, except the link to the video just below which i found on Youtube and thought was good advice! It is freely available on Youtube.
Mount Rainier, now called Mt Tahoma by many people, the Native American original name, dominates this National park. Six native American tribes share a deep history with this volcano and there are calls for it to officially go back to it's original name of Tahoma rather than Mount Rainier which was named by the British Navy captain George Vancouver after his friend Admiral Peter Rainier in 1792.
It is a Stratovolcano, a height of 14,410 feet, which can be seen for 80 miles in any direction on a clear day. It is 59 miles from the city of Seattle. Although classed as active, it hasn't erupted for many years, but would cause a catastrophy for Washington State if it did ever erupt. It is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous USA and always has a snowy top, even during the heatwave of 2021 where temperatures hit over 40c. The park covers 369 square miles, with Sunrise being the highest point accesible by car. Only experienced mountain climbers should attempt to climb higher than that point. and even some of them die each year trying to climb it. Mount Rainier is the largest of 5 volcanoes in the Cascade mountain range. The most famous is nearby Mt St Helens, which last erupted in 1980.
Mount Rainier glacier melt results in five rivers, which are most active in springtime and some can dry up almost entirely by September if it has been a hot summer. It has the world's largest volcanic glacier cave system.
This mountain was also visited by a famous naturalist John Muir, whose quotes are etched on the steps in Paradise.
This is my favourite National Park in the US. As you fly into Seattle you can see this massive volcano from the air from many miles away and certainly whilst landing at Seatac airport on a clear day. Try and get a window seat.
This park is so beautiful and has become very popular since Covid. It really is my Happy Place and I never tire of returning to it whenever I can. The Paradise viewpoint really is Paradise for me. I could sit there enjoying the views for hours and the hikes from that point. This area is perfect for all members of the family and even people that are reliant on a wheelchair can sit here at Paradise and enjoy that view. It's bizzare that a volcano capable of so much destruction just looks so peaceful and relaxing when you are there. (It is monitored for signs of activity, but nothing is imminent.)
Mount Rainier, now called Mt Tahoma by many people, the Native American original name, dominates this National park. Six native American tribes share a deep history with this volcano and there are calls for it to officially go back to it's original name of Tahoma rather than Mount Rainier which was named by the British Navy captain George Vancouver after his friend Admiral Peter Rainier in 1792.
It is a Stratovolcano, a height of 14,410 feet, which can be seen for 80 miles in any direction on a clear day. It is 59 miles from the city of Seattle. Although classed as active, it hasn't erupted for many years, but would cause a catastrophy for Washington State if it did ever erupt. It is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous USA and always has a snowy top, even during the heatwave of 2021 where temperatures hit over 40c. The park covers 369 square miles, with Sunrise being the highest point accesible by car. Only experienced mountain climbers should attempt to climb higher than that point. and even some of them die each year trying to climb it. Mount Rainier is the largest of 5 volcanoes in the Cascade mountain range. The most famous is nearby Mt St Helens, which last erupted in 1980.
Mount Rainier glacier melt results in five rivers, which are most active in springtime and some can dry up almost entirely by September if it has been a hot summer. It has the world's largest volcanic glacier cave system.
This mountain was also visited by a famous naturalist John Muir, whose quotes are etched on the steps in Paradise.
This is my favourite National Park in the US. As you fly into Seattle you can see this massive volcano from the air from many miles away and certainly whilst landing at Seatac airport on a clear day. Try and get a window seat.
This park is so beautiful and has become very popular since Covid. It really is my Happy Place and I never tire of returning to it whenever I can. The Paradise viewpoint really is Paradise for me. I could sit there enjoying the views for hours and the hikes from that point. This area is perfect for all members of the family and even people that are reliant on a wheelchair can sit here at Paradise and enjoy that view. It's bizzare that a volcano capable of so much destruction just looks so peaceful and relaxing when you are there. (It is monitored for signs of activity, but nothing is imminent.)
This lady gives very good advice below:
My suggestions on Places to visit.
For a first visit I recommend driving to the Ashford visitors centre, Stopping at the Alder Lake viewpoint before entering the park. Asford (Rainier base camp)is the most popular entrance, so go on a week day. use the toilets there and then drive the loop to Paradise, (There are toilets and a restaurant at Paradise). stop at Paradise for amazing views and some hikes. Also stop at the viewpoints along this road from Ashford to Paradise.
Then continue driving the other side of the Mountain to Reflection Lake for a brief stop before heading to the Grove of the Patriachs Trail. This trip will take a whole day to see it properly and do some short hikes.
For a second day or second trip you can go to the highest peak at Sunrise and do some longer trails in other parts of the park.
Below are photos I took at Paradise.
For a first visit I recommend driving to the Ashford visitors centre, Stopping at the Alder Lake viewpoint before entering the park. Asford (Rainier base camp)is the most popular entrance, so go on a week day. use the toilets there and then drive the loop to Paradise, (There are toilets and a restaurant at Paradise). stop at Paradise for amazing views and some hikes. Also stop at the viewpoints along this road from Ashford to Paradise.
Then continue driving the other side of the Mountain to Reflection Lake for a brief stop before heading to the Grove of the Patriachs Trail. This trip will take a whole day to see it properly and do some short hikes.
For a second day or second trip you can go to the highest peak at Sunrise and do some longer trails in other parts of the park.
Below are photos I took at Paradise.
When to go
June - September is the best time, but check the website below for updates on road closures and any warnings in place. In the summer it can get quite hot, but in other parts of the park it can also be cold, so always wear layers and a waterproof/windproof jacket. Sometimes the park is not fully open until July, so I recommend July as the best month to visit.
Website: National Park Information. In the winter some parts of the park are accessible but most are not and you will need snow chains to reach the few parks that are accessible. Crystal Mountain is open all year round and is a ski resort in the winter. Avoid visiting at weekends, when the park will be very busy!!! Since Covid the park has become busy all summer and they are thinking about limiting the numbers and introducing park and rides, so check the webisite before planning a trip there to see about reservartions.
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Equipment needed
If you are just driving around and stopping briefly at the viewpoints for photos and a short walk then you will be ok in normal clothes and comfortable walking shoes with a rain jacket. Take water with you and snacks in a rucksack and stick to the main tourist short trails.
If you wish to do the longer trails and hikes you will need bear spray as there are black bears. If you see a black bear make lots of noise and clap and it should leave you alone. You will also need a proper survival kit and first aid kit as many hikers do get lost, or the weather can change for the worse very quickly. Proper hiking equipment from hiking shops in Seattle or other nearby cities are essential. Also of course plenty of snacks and re hydration fluid, sun cream and a hat as well as warm clothing. |
Driving around the Park is easy and safe, although it will be busy in the summer and parking at paradise and viewpoints can be very busy. Aim to get to Paradise quite early. I would go there first, if possible before 0900 hrs or last, late in the day to be there for sunset. You will struggle to find a parking space at Paradise 0900-1600.
Some of the best hikes in the park.
- Skyline hike (Highly recommended!!)
- Grove of the Patriarchs (Family friendly one.)
-Silver Falls Trail
-Mount Fremont Lookout (Great view!)
-Tolmie Peak (Recommended, but you need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to the trailhead. 15 miles of dirt track, but some ordinary cars do make it there.)
-Spray Park
- Burroughs Mountain
- Alta vista
There are many more than this, around 150 actually. The most adventurous hikers might like the 93 mile Wonderland trail, right around the park!!
Above is Reflection Lake
Below is Alder Lake Dam
Below is a view from the air landing in Seattle.
Where to stay
We stayed in Issaquah, Dupont and Seattle on the trips we have made there, but there is accommodation a bit closer to this 1 1/2 hour drive. It depends what else you want top see on your trip here. We stopped at Dupont to go South to Oregon, Issaquah to go East to Leavenworth etc. If you plan on spending more than one day in the park then you might want to stay actually in the park, where accommodation is limited, so book in advance as the park is only totally open from late June to early September
Seattle 59/80miles (Depending on where in Seattle area you are staying)
Issaquah (Lovely town!) 65 miles
Dupont 60 miles
Greenwater 20 miles
Packwood 13 miles
Ashford 5 miles
This website will take you to accommodation within the Park.
Seattle 59/80miles (Depending on where in Seattle area you are staying)
Issaquah (Lovely town!) 65 miles
Dupont 60 miles
Greenwater 20 miles
Packwood 13 miles
Ashford 5 miles
This website will take you to accommodation within the Park.
Above Christine Falls
You can combine your trip to Mount Rainier with one of these other National Parks or with nearby cities of Seattle and Portland.
Olympic National Park 114 miles
North Cascades National Park 180 miles
Glacier National Park 535 miles
Yellowstone National Park 771 miles
Yosemite National Park 818
Olympic National Park 114 miles
North Cascades National Park 180 miles
Glacier National Park 535 miles
Yellowstone National Park 771 miles
Yosemite National Park 818