Mount Rainier National Park

About Mount Rainier

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.

From the National Park Service.

Entrance fees

Park annual pass

Grants unlimited entry for one year to pass owner and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable. If you already own a valid annual or lifetime pass (Interagency Senior, Annual, Military, etc) you do not need to purchase this pass. NOTE: The Discover Pass is for Washington State Parks only and does not cover Mount Rainier National Park.

Reservations

NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.

Weather and seasons

Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and elevation. The climate is generally cool and rainy, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s. While July and August are the sunniest months of the year, rain is very likely in spring, fall, and winter. Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable. In the higher elevations, like Paradise, winter can last from November to May with many feet of snow on the ground.

Hours

Mount Rainier National Park is open all year. Visitation peaks in July and August with warmer weather and blooming wildflowers. In spring and autumn, weather determines the availability of facilities and roads. During winter months a number of roads, facilities, and entrances close for the season.

Getting there

Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state. Several major cities in Washington- Seattle, Tacoma, and Yakima- and Portland, Oregon, are within 200 miles of the park. For GPS to Nisqually Entrance use: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304.

Campgrounds

• Cougar Rock CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• Ohanapecosh CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov
• White River CampgroundFirst come, first served

Webcams

• Tatoosh
• Air Quality
• Longmire
• Mountain
• East
• Visitor Center
• West

Visitor centers

• Longmire Museum
• Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center
• Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
• Sunrise Visitor Center
• Carbon River Ranger Station
• Longmire Wilderness Information Center
• White River Wilderness Information Center
• Paradise Wilderness Information Center

Alerts

• Information: Chain Requirement
• Information: Winter Season Closures
• Danger: WILDFIRE CLOSURES: Sunrise & northern trails.
• Information: Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project: Trail Impacts
• Caution: Be cautious around park rivers & learn how to cross safely!
• Information: Expect long lines at entrances on weekends.
• Information: Ohanapecosh Campground area closed for construction in 2026.
• Park Closure: SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.

As of October 26, 2026. Current alerts on nps.gov

Sources

Prices checked by hand against the park's fees page on October 26, 2026 (page last updated September 1, 2026).

Mount Rainier National Park fees on nps.gov. Prices, park information and photos from the NPS Data API, checked October 26, 2026. Photos credited to the National Park Service.