Mount Rainier National Park

Rate this place

Parks

Washington

Nearby: Wilderness Tatoosh Wilderness William O. Douglas

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Mount Rainier National Park is located in the state of Washington and is one of the most popular national parks in the country.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

There are several good reasons to visit this park, including stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and various recreational activities.

One of the most famous points of interest in Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, which is an active volcano and the highest peak in the Cascade Range. Visitors can take guided hikes or climb to the summit, which is a challenging feat that requires experience and proper equipment. The park also has several hiking trails with breathtaking views of the mountain, waterfalls, and alpine meadows.

Another attraction in the park is the Paradise area, which is a popular spot for picnics, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park's ancient forests, subalpine meadows, and alpine tundra provide habitat for several species of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain goats.

Interesting facts about Mount Rainier National Park include that it was established in 1899, making it one of the oldest national parks in the country. The park covers an area of over 236,000 acres and receives over two million visitors annually. Mount Rainier is also one of the snowiest places on Earth, with an average of 54 feet of snowfall each year.

The best time of year to visit Mount Rainier National Park depends on the visitor's interests. The park is open year-round, but most facilities and roads are closed from late fall to early spring due to heavy snowfall. Summer is the busiest season, and visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Fall is a great time to see the changing colors of the leaves, while winter offers opportunities for snow sports and scenic snowshoe hikes.

In conclusion, Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves natural beauty, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. With its stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous recreational activities, this park is an excellent choice for a family vacation or a solo adventure.

Explore Interactive Map

MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK

Parks • Parks • Recreation

December 5, 2025

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References