
The Silver Forest Trail at Sunrise features spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the White River valley.
Photo: JD Hascup Photo
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.
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.
Get directions →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.
Mount Rainier National Park parkwide fire ban goes into effect June 26, 2026
Beginning Friday, June 26, 2026, until lifted, Mount Rainier National Park will implement a parkwide fire ban. All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills will be prohibited. This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.
SR 410/Chinook and SR 123/Cayuse passes scheduled to reopen May 22
State Route 410/Chinook Pass and SR 123/Cayuse Pass through Mount Rainier National Park will reopen for the season by 8 a.m. Friday, May 22, in time for Memorial Day weekend.
Public input sought on State Route 410 White River erosion and flood risk reduction project
The National Park Service and the Washington State Department of Transportation are seeking public input on a proposed project to reduce flooding and erosion risks to a section of State Route 410 adjacent to the White River in Mount Rainier National Park.