Mount Rainier National Park Tour & Trip Packages

Mount Rainier National Park Tour Overview

Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State is a popular destination known for its stunning views and rich history. The park is home to Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the Cascade Range at a height of 4,410 feet (4,392 mt). Covering 236,381 acres (957 sq km), the park offers diverse scenery from lush forests and wildflower meadows to alpine lakes and glacial rivers. Book your Mount Rainier tour today to explore its adventurous trails and unparalleled natural beauty.

Mount Rainier National Park Location

Mount Rainier National Park is located in southeast Pierce County and northeast Lewis County in Washington, United States. It’s situated about 54 miles (87 km) southeast of Seattle and about 80 miles (129 km) northwest of Yakima.

Top Attractions in Mount Rainier National Park 

Carbon River: Located in the northwest corner of Mount Rainier, Carbon River is named after the coal deposits found along its banks. The river begins at Carbon Glacier, the lowest-elevation glacier in the contiguous U.S. The surrounding area is lush and green resembling a temperate rainforest.

Mowich Lake: Situated near Carbon River, Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park. Its crystal-clear waters,wildflower meadows, and mountain views make it the perfect spot for non-motorized boating.

Ohanapecosh: Nestled in a lush forest on the banks of the Ohanapecosh River, this area in the southwest corner of the park is ideal for a nature escape. Ohanapecosh encompasses towering Douglas-firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks, making it a beautiful spot to relax and rejuvenate.

Longmire: Once the original headquarters of Mount Rainier National Park, Longmire is now the main visitor center. It features a museum, a historic inn, and a wilderness information center. It’s a great starting point for a Mount Rainier National Park hike.  

Paradise: True to its name, Paradise offers stunning views and colorful wildflower meadows. Located 12 miles (19 km) east of Longmire, it’s a popular spot for winter activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding.

Sunrise: At 6,400 feet (1,950 mt), Sunrise is the highest point accessible by car in Mount Rainier National Park. It provides 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, Emmons Glacier, and other Cascade Range volcanoes.

Reflection Lakes: A favorite of photographers, Reflection Lakes offers breathtaking views with mirror-like reflections of the surrounding mountains and colorful wildflowers.

Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round though some parts are closed in winter. The best time for adventure in the park is from June to August when the weather is warm and pleasant. To see wildflowers in full bloom, visit in July and August. For hiking with fewer crowds, visit in September and October and for snow activities, winter (November to March) is the right time to plan your Mount Rainier tour.

Adventure Activities to Do on Mount Rainier National Park Tour

• Hiking: Mount Rainier National Park has over 275 miles (443 km) of trails for hiking including Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, Skyline Trail, Tomie Peak Trail, Carbon Glacier Trail, Green Lake Trail, Burroughs Mountain Trail, Green Basin Trail and Eastside Trail.

• Steam Train Riding: Hop on Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad in Ebbe, Washington and enjoy an 18-mile (29 km) ride on a vintage steam locomotive.

• Mountain Biking: Drive along popular mountain biking routes in the park, including West Side Road, Sunrise Road, and the Carbon River Trail.

• Camping: There are three vehicle campgrounds in Mount Rainier Park—Cougar Rock        Campground, White River Campground, and Ohanapecosh Campground.

• Climbing: Get a Climbing Permit to conquer the summit of Mount Rainier.

• Stargazing: Head to Sunrise or Paradise for some of the best stargazing spots in the park.

• Fishing and Boating: Some popular spots for fishing and boating in the park include Mowich Lake, Mineral Lake, Rimrock Lake and Alder Lake.

• Elk Feeding: In winter, help feed the Yakima elk herd at Oak Creek Wildlife Area located on the east side of Mount Rainier National Park.

• Skiing and Snowshoeing: Located in the northeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park, Crystal Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in Washington and offers a variety of winter activities.

Essential Tips for Mount Rainier National Park Hikes

• Pack Essentials: Bring layered clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, rain gear, sun protection gear, snacks, and a first aid kit.

• Stay Hydrated: Hiking in Mount Rainier can be exhausting and there’s a risk of dehydration so always carry more than enough water.

• Choose the Right Entrance: There are four entrances to the park—Nisqually (southwest), Carbon River (northwest), White River (northeast), and Stevens Canyon (southeast). Choose the entrance closest to the places of interest or according to your Mount Rainier National Park itinerary.

• Arrive Early: If you're visiting the park in summer, arrive early or visit on weekdays as you may not find parking due to large crowds on weekends.

• Carry an Offline Map: Phone reception can be limited in the park. It’s best to carry an offline map and not rely entirely on your GPS.

• Gas Up: There aren’t any gas stations in Mount Rainier so make sure your fuel tank is full.

• Follow Rules: If you're driving in the park, be sure to follow the designated speed limit and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

• Weather Check: Weather in different parts of the park can be unpredictable. It may be hot at lower altitudes and cold at higher elevations. Stay updated on weather forecasts to avoid getting caught in storms or avalanches.

Mount Rainier National Park Tour Cost

The best Mount Rainier National Park hikes and tours can cost around $___, depending on the itinerary and services you choose. At AdventureTripr, we offer Mount Rainier National Park tour packages at affordable rates and can customize your trip according to your budget and preferences. 

Mount Rainier National Park Tour Accommodation

The best accommodation option available on your Mount Rainier National Park trip is camping.  You can also stay in one of the two historic inns in Mount Rainier—the National Park Inn in Longmire and the Paradise Inn in Paradise. For more budget-friendly options, check out hotels and lodges outside the park. Remember, your accommodation options will depend on the Mount Rainier National Park tour package you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How much time should I spend in Mount Rainier National Park?

Answer: You should spend at least three days in Mount Rainier National Park to explore its key attractions and major trails. If you want to hike all the popular trails and enjoy scenic drives, consider extending your stay to five days.

Question: Do I need a permit to hike in Mount Rainier National Park?

Answer: No special permits are required to visit Mount Rainier National Park for sightseeing and day hiking. However, if you plan to camp overnight in the backcountry, you'll need a wilderness permit. You can obtain the permit at the park’s visitor center or wilderness information center.

Question: How much does it cost to get into Mount Rainier National Park?

Answer: To enter the park, you'll need an entrance pass. The Mount Rainier National Park standard entrance pass costs $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person for those entering on foot or by bicycle. The pass is valid for seven days. An annual pass costs $55.

You can even get the America the Beautiful pass for around $80, which grants free access to all national parks. The park also offers fee-free days including Sundays, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.