A purple and pink streaked sky over a mountain peak and forested valley.

National Park · Washington

Mount Rainier National Park

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.

Auto and ATV
Scenic Driving
Astronomy
Stargazing
Biking
Camping
Backcountry Camping
Car or Front Country Camping
Group Camping
Climbing
Mountain Climbing
Fishing
Freshwater Fishing
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hands-On
Citizen Science
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking

Weather & when to go

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.

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle
Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. Vehicle must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.
$30.00
Entrance - Per Person
Walk-up or single bicycle fee. Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days.
$15.00
Entrance - Motorcycle
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
$25.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. For sedan with 1 to 6 seats, the fee is $30 + $15 per client.
$30.00
Commercial Entrance - Van
These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle.
$75.00
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle.
$100.00
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
These fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle. NOTE: There are no current road restrictions for unmodified motor coaches of the standard length in the park. However, be aware that roads in the park are steep, narrow, and winding. In particular, it is recommended that RVs and vehicles with trailers longer than 25 feet LOA not travel up the Sunrise Road beyond the White River Campground intersection.
$200.00

Operating hours

Mount Rainier National Park

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.

Nisqually

Located in the southwest corner of the park via SR 706, the Nisqually Entrance provides year-round access to the park. NOTE: To reach the Nisqually entrance using GPS use the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304. Fee station. If entering the park outside of daylight hours, purchase an online pass at Recreation.gov in advance, or at the next available staffed entrance.

Carbon River

Carbon River Entrance in the northwest corner of the park is open year-round via SR165 through Wilkeson. Vehicle access is permitted only to the park entrance. Beyond that point the Carbon River Road is open to pedestrians and bicyclists. Pay entrance fees at Carbon River Ranger Station a few miles before park boundary or use payment envelopes after hours.

White River

Sunrise, White River, and southbound SR 123 are accessed via SR 410 from Enumclaw through the White River Entrance, open from late June to mid October. Fee station located on turn-off from SR 410 on the road to Sunrise. Hours may vary. Fee envelopes available for after hours.

Chinook Pass

In summer, travelers coming from east of the Cascades can enter the park using Chinook Pass (SR410), passing under the Chinook Entrance Arch walking bridge. Entrance open June to mid-November, 24 hours a day. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.

Stevens Canyon

Branching off of SR123 just north of Ohanapecosh, Stevens Canyon Entrance provides access to Stevens Canyon Road, Paradise, and the west side of the park. Open late May to mid September. Fee station with fee envelopes available after hours.

SR123/Ohanapecosh

Located along SR 123 via Hwy 12 from Yakima or Packwood, this park entrance is open 24 hours a day from late May to early November. This is the closest entrance to the Ohanapecosh area. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.

SR 410/North Entrance

In summer, travelers coming from the north can enter the park using SR410, which connects to SR123 and turns east at Cayuse Pass. Entrance open late May to early November, 24 hours a day. No fee station; purchase pass at the next available staffed entrance.

Campgrounds

Cougar Rock Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗
White River Campground
NPS info ↗
Ohanapecosh Campground
Reserve ↗NPS info ↗

FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Mount Rainier National Park?: Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park costs $30.00 (Entrance - Private Vehicle), $15.00 (Entrance - Per Person), $25.00 (Entrance - Motorcycle). The America the Beautiful annual pass ($80) covers entry at every NPS site.
What are the hours at Mount Rainier National Park?: 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.
Do I need a reservation for Mount Rainier National Park?: No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Mount Rainier National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.