Mount Rainier National Park Things to Do

This exhibit panel tells the story of Narada Falls, an impressive waterfall along the road to Paradise.

The Paradise Camp Lodge no longer exists, but has left its mark on the historic landscape of Paradise.

Discover the history of the Sunrise Road through this exhibit panel, located at Sunrise Point.

This patrol cabin is located north of Sunrise near the park’s northern boundary.

This trail shelter is one of two stone masonry shelters in the park built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Built in 1915-16, this historic cabin is the oldest backcountry ranger station in the park.

Inspiration Point is a large pullout and viewpoint on the west end of Stevens Canyon Road. From the very beginning of the park, Inspiration Point has been a popular spot for visitors to pause and take in spectacular views of Mount Rainier.

Inspiration Point exhibit panel is located along Stevens Canyon Road and overlooks the Paradise River valley with views of Mount Rainier.

Pause at Kautz Creek for the first glimpse of Mount Rainier once you enter the park via the Nisqually Entrance. A short walk with wayside exhibits leads to a viewpoint, along with access to longer hiking trails.

This exhibit panel is a part of the Kautz Creek Nature Trail.

This exhibit panel is a part of the Kautz Creek Nature Trail.

This exhibit panel is a part of the Kautz Creek Nature Trail.

This exhibit panel is a part of the Kautz Creek Nature Trail.

This exhibit panel introduces the Kautz Creek Nature Trail.

Located on the southwest side of Mount Rainier, the Kautz Glacier is a significant player in the recent geologic and climbing history of the mountain.

Klapatche Point is the terminus of Westside Road, with views of the rolling hills on the western border of the park. It is also the location of the North Puyallup Trailhead.

Hike or bike Westside Road to Round Pass. From Round Pass, hike the trail to reach Lake George and Gobbler’s Knob Fire Lookout.

The Lake George Patrol Cabin is located above Round Pass off the Westside Road.

This backcountry patrol cabin is located in the northern part of the park along the Northern Loop Trail.

Hike to Three Lakes Camp or connect to the Pacific Crest Trail along this trail that follows Laughingwater Creek through the forest.

Open year-round, Longmire is a gateway to Mount Rainier. Longmire is the first developed area in the park, with many buildings showcasing NPS rustic architecture, and is a National Historic District. Learn about the history of the area and view volcanic mineral springs along the Trail of Shadows, stay overnight and enjoy a meal at the National Park Inn, or explore one the area's hiking trails.

The third panel of the Transportation Exhibit located inside the historic Longmire Service Station. The exhibit explores the long history of travel in Mount Rainier National Park.

The Longmire community building viewpoint provides a clear view of the Nisqually River valley and Mount Rainier. Parking and picnic table provided.

The Longmire Administration Building is one of the stops along the Historic Longmire Walking Tour, which explores the rustic architecture of the Longmire area.

The Longmire Community Building is one of the stops along the Historic Longmire Walking Tour, which explores the rustic architecture of the Longmire area.

The Longmire General Store is one of the stops along the Historic Longmire Walking Tour, which explores the rustic architecture of the Longmire area.

This exhibit panel kicks off the Historic Longmire Walking Tour, which explores the rustic architecture of the Longmire area.

The Longmire Library is one of the stops along the Historic Longmire Walking Tour, which explores the rustic architecture of the Longmire area.

The Longmire Museum is one of the stops along the Historic Longmire Walking Tour, which explores the rustic architecture of the Longmire area.

The Nisqually Suspension Bridge is one of the stops along the Historic Longmire Walking Tour, which explores the rustic architecture of the Longmire area.

The Longmire Service Station is one of the stops along the Historic Longmire Walking Tour, which explores the rustic architecture of the Longmire area.

The Longmire Service Station is one of the best preserved examples of a historic gas station found in the National Park Service.

The first panel of the Transportation Exhibit located inside the historic Longmire Service Station. The exhibit explores the long history of travel in Mount Rainier National Park.

The second panel of the Transportation Exhibit located inside the historic Longmire Service Station. The exhibit explores the long history of travel in Mount Rainier National Park.

The fourth panel of the Transportation Exhibit located inside the historic Longmire Service Station. The exhibit explores the long history of travel in Mount Rainier National Park.

The fifth panel of the Transportation Exhibit located inside the historic Longmire Service Station. The exhibit explores the long history of travel in Mount Rainier National Park.

The timeline panel of the Transportation Exhibit located inside the historic Longmire Service Station. The exhibit explores the long history of travel in Mount Rainier National Park.

Located upstream of Carter Falls, this short waterfall cascades down about 34 feet.

The Marine Memorial, located along Westside Road, remembers 32 U.S. Marines that died when their plane crashed into the South Tahoma Glacier on December 10, 1946.

These falls were named for Martha Longmire by one of her sons while he was working on the Wonderland Trail in Stevens Canyon.

Martha Falls exhibit panel overlooks Martha Falls along Stevens Canyon Road.

This historic fire lookout is the highest in the park and sits along a rocky ridgeline with views of Mount Rainier.

Set in a glacial basin surrounded by fragile wildflower meadows, Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park. Accessible during the summer, the lake is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and wilderness camping.

The Mowich Lake Road provides an entrance to one of the more remote locations accessible by vehicle in Mount Rainier National Park.

Mowich Lake Patrol Cabin is one of the oldest backcountry ranger stations in the park.

This popular 60-foot waterfall has a braided cascade with Mount Rainier towering in the background.

This cabin has served as a base for backcountry patrols in the north side of the park along the Wonderland Trail.

Narada Falls is an impressive waterfall along the road to Paradise. Take the short walk down to the lower view point or stop for a picnic.

Ipsut Falls is a two-tiered waterfall located near Ipsut Creek Campground.

This tall waterfall is one of the park’s most spectacular, with the highest drop falling over 300 feet.

Look up! This exhibit panel highlights the complex canopy of the Carbon River temperate rainforest.

Temperate rainforests have a dense understory of plants.

A bronze plaque honors the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division which trained at Paradise during World War II.

Pause at Backbone Ridge along Stevens Canyon Road for views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Wilderness along the southern border of the park.

Backbone Ridge Wayside is located along Stevens Canyon Road with views of Mount Rainier.

The Bench and Snow Lake Trail is a great hike for beginners, families with children, or those just looking for beautiful scenery.

Box Canyon is an impressive slot canyon along Stevens Canyon Road carved by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River. A popular stop when touring the park by vehicle, Box Canyon includes a comfort station and picnic area.

One of three exhibit panels at Box Canyon, this panel dives deep into the formation of this canyon.

One of three Box Canyon exhibit panels, this panel examines how plants can eventually grow on glacier-carved bedrock.

One of three exhibit panels at Box Canyon, this panel reveals how glaciers have left a lasting mark on the landscape.

Located on the north side of Mount Rainier, the Carbon Glacier has the lowest terminus of any glacier in the contiguous United States.

Located in the remote northwest corner of the park, Carbon River is home to temperate rainforest, Mount Rainier's lowest elevation glacier, and a dynamic river system. Hiking, bicycling, and camping opportunities abound.

Common trees found in temperate rainforests include western red cedar and Douglas-fir.

This exhibit panel highlights a temperate rainforest's middle canopy.

Learn about the lush temperate rainforest of the Carbon River area through a set of exhibit panels.

Explore Mount Rainier's temperate rainforest along the Carbon River Rainforest Trail.

Temperate rainforests are also home to amphibians like frogs and salamanders.

Start the Carbon River Rainforest Trail at the Carbon River Entrance.

This popular waterfall is named in honor of Harry Carter, builder of much of the trail between Longmire and Paradise.

Carter Fall Trailhead provides access to the Wonderland Trail, the Nisqually River, and a moderate hike to view waterfalls.

Carter Falls Trailhead provides access to the Nisqually River, a dynamic force of nature described in this exhibit panel.

Chenuis Falls is a series of cascades over smooth bedrock ending in a beautiful pool.

Hike to a beautiful cascading waterfall in a less visited area of the park.

Chenuis Falls Trail starts from the banks of the dynamic Carbon River. Learn more about this river system through this exhibit panel.

The historic Chinook Entrance Arch spans the width of the Mather Memorial Parkway (SR 410). The impressive log and stone bridge supports the Pacific Crest Trail, near Tipsoo Lake on the eastern boundary of the park.

Christine Falls is a scenic waterfall framed by a historic bridge. It is located between Longmire and Paradise, along the road to Paradise.

The Climbers' Guide House has been in use since the 1920s by generations of climbers at Mount Rainier.

The Columbia Crest Glacier occupies the summit crater on Mount Rainier.

Plunging 320 feet, Comet Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in the park and a popular destination for many hikers. Continue past Comet Falls to climb into the subalpine meadows of Van Trump Park.

The Cougar Rock Picnic Area offers a quiet place to take a break and enjoy a meal in the forests of Mount Rainier National Park.

Cowlitz and Ingraham are two glaciers that share a common terminus on the southeast slope of Mount Rainier.

Crystal Lakes Trailhead is located along SR410 in the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park. The trail climbs up into the Cascade Range to two subalpine lakes.

Deer Creek cascades over 60 feet into a scenic gorge.

Connect to the Eastside Trail and Owyhigh Lakes Trail from SR 123 south of Cayuse Pass.

Hike or bike the Westside Road to this 140 foot waterfall along St. Andrews Creek.

Climb through forest to a saddle in the Tatoosh Range with panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. Trailhead begins in Longmire.

Visible from Paradise Valley Road, this waterfall cascades through the narrow Edith Gorge in several cascades.

The Emmons Glacier has the largest area of any glacier in the contiguous United States.

The first of two Emmons Vista Overlooks. View the whole northeast side of Mount Rainier, from the summit to the bottom of the White River Valley.

This exhibit panel explores the landscape of the Emmons Glacier.

The second of two Emmons Vista Overlooks, providing additional views of Mount Rainier, the Emmons Glacier, and the White River Valley.

The second exhibit panel along the Emmons Vista Trail examines how the Osceola Mudflow dramatically reshaped the mountain and the surrounding region.

This historic cabin was built in 1933 to house backcountry rangers.

The Emmons Vista Trailhead at Sunrise provides access to several trails, including the Emmons Vista Overlooks, Silver Forest Trail, and the Sunrise Rim Trail.

This 3-tiered cascade drops nearly 600 feet over a headwall of Stevens Canyon.

This small waterfall has a series of cascades, with the tallest dropping 30 feet over mossy bedrock.

Hike along the White River Valley with views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier along the Glacier Basin Trail. Trailhead begins in the White River Campground.

Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout, one of four historic fire lookouts in the park, sits on a rocky outcrop above Lake George near the Westside Road.

Hike a less traveled trail and discover a cascading waterfall and a beautiful lake surrounded by tall trees.

Explore the Grove of the Patriarchs and wander through trails boardwalks, bridges, and dirt paths while winding through centuries old trees.

Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park is both scenic and challenging. Bicycles are allowed on park roads but they are not permitted on any hiking trails.

Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and well prepared. Learn more about the requirements for climbing Mount Rainier.

With just a little planning you can create art anywhere. Take time to really experience your favorite viewpoint by painting a picture in the park.

Trail options and safety tips when hiking under a full moon at Longmire, Paradise, and Box Canyon at Mount Rainier National Park.

Learn how to safely star gaze in the Paradise and Stevens Canyon Road areas of Mount Rainier National Park.

Paddle sports offer a unique opportunity to get out on the water and experience wilderness lakes that are scattered across Mount Rainier National Park. Mowich Lake is the largest lake in the park and is one of the easiest to access, though still challenging.

Enjoy a short hike from Mowich Lake to a large cascading waterfall fed by a glacier.

Enjoy a moderate, family-friendly loop hike through the forest to a beautiful waterfall along the Ohanapecosh River.

Winter brings into focus a frosty view of the mountain. An abundance of snow creates a winter recreation paradise, but also brings the challenges of icy, snowy roads. The road to Paradise is plowed, when possible, to allow access. Spend hours at Paradise or add a stop in Longmire to make a full day of winter fun.

This tour is a great opportunity to see four of Mount Rainier's stunning waterfalls between Longmire and Paradise without taking on any long or strenuous trails.

Embark on a strenuous hike up to a historic fire lookout with adjacent backcountry camping sites and enjoy views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valley.

This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.

Hike to the historic Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout perched on a rocky outcrop above Lake George.

Enjoy a short hike to picturesque Bench and Snow Lakes with views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range.

Hike the Burroughs Mountain Trail for outstanding mountain views and to visit the most accessible tundra in the Cascade Range.

Mount Rainier National Park is a great place for beginner and experienced snowshoers to explore the winter landscape.

Looking for easy and enjoyable trails that the whole family can experience together? Consider the following trails in the Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River/Mowich areas of Mount Rainier National Park. These day hikes range from short strolls to longer trails through the wilderness.

Enjoy a short hike from the White River Campground through the forest to a view of the Emmons Glacier and a beautiful turquoise lake colored by glacial silt.

Enjoy an extended, relaxing visit to Mount Rainier in one of the park's campgrounds.

Interested in exploring Tipsoo Lake but don't know what to do? This list should help you find the right activity.

The easy Nisqually Vista trail offers stunning year-round views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and the Tatoosh mountain range as well as seasonal delights, such as summer wildflowers and fall foliage.

Take a short walk up the Skyline Trail to visit the 10th Mountain Division Memorial which honors the U.S. Army Troops who trained at Paradise during World War II.

Come explore the parks after dark! Star gazing is a great way to end a long day of hiking and exploring the park. The Sunrise area is a perfect spot for star gazing. There are several ways to view the stars at sunrise from staying in the parking lot to hiking on trails. There is something for everyone.

At Mount Rainier, designers selected massive logs and glacial boulders as the building materials best suited for integrating new structures with their natural settings. This style of architecture, known as "National Park Service Rustic", can be seen throughout the Longmire District on this walking tour.

Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire to honor the Mount Rainier National Park Rangers who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Hike or bike Westside Road through a dynamic landscape that is evidence of outburst floods that closed this portion of road to public vehicle traffic. Hike the trails that lead off this road lead to meadows, views of glaciers, and historic patrol cabins.

Discover Carbon River, in the beautiful northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, where you can hike, bike, or snowshoe during the winter.

Make a day of it by visiting in Longmire in winter. Hike or snowshoe through the forest with views of Mount Rainier and bubbling mineral springs. Explore the Longmire Historic District and warm up with a hot meal in the National Park Inn.

Go on an adventure and try to identify the three most commonly abundant trees that surround the entire Ohanapecosh area.

Complete a Junior Ranger booklet and collect a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger badge. Learn more about the plants and animals of the park and how Mount Rainier was formed.

With just 4 hours, visitors can enjoy glacier views, blooming wildflowers, and rich cultural history at the most popular subalpine meadow in the park!

Looking for kid friendly hikes to do while visiting Mount Rainier? This list should help you find the right hike for your group depending on where you are in the park.

Whether you’re pushing a stroller or traveling with grandparents, Paradise offers activities the whole family can enjoy together.

Spring comes slowly to the mountain. While wildflowers bloom along city streets, the snow at Paradise may be higher than your head! Planning your spring trip to the mountain in advance is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.

Enjoy all that the Ohanapecosh area has to offer with these four activities.

Photographers of all skill levels can enjoy photographing the Mount Rainier wildflowers. Follow these simple tips and tricks to optimize your photoshoot in the park.

With 97% of the park designated wilderness, backpacking and wilderness camping is one of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park.

Everyone loves beautiful days when Mount Rainier is visible and the skies are blue! However, sometimes the weather does not cooperate. There is still so much to appreciate on days when the clouds roll in. Enjoy this list of park ranger favorites for days when the mountain isn’t out!

If you are looking for great views of Mount Rainier, stunning wildflower meadows, interesting history, or a chance to see wildlife, look no further than Sunrise! Use this guide to help plan your day in Sunrise and explore all this part of Mount Rainier National Park has to offer.

If you are wondering exactly what you could do at Cougar Rock Campground aside from sleep, then we've got you covered. Here are some activities that you can do while staying at Cougar Rock Campground.

Mount Rainier is famous for its wildflowers, but blooming season is short and varies with elevation. Discover the best times to visit to view wildflowers.

Mount Rainier National Park is substantial in size, but congestion still occurs during peak season and during times of nice weather. Escaping the crowds completely can be a challenge, but there are ways to still plan a rewarding visit. This guide provides alternatives to popular locations like Paradise and Sunrise. However, the secret is out! Even relatively less popular areas can still be busy.

Even if you never step foot outside your vehicle, a drive through Mount Rainier National Park can be a rewarding experience. This road trip experience follows the historic design of the park from Nisqually Entrance to Paradise and then connects to the east side and Sunrise.

The Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park has it all—history, hiking, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities, and more! Use this guide to help you decide what to do on your day in Paradise.

Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.

Mount Rainier is not known for fishing, but many lakes were historically stocked with non-native fish. Anglers can play an important role in protecting native fish populations by following fishing regulations and reducing numbers of non-native fish.

Enjoy winter camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in this less-visited area in the northeast of the park.