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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Mount Rainier National Park |
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Tahoma Woods, Star Rte, Ashford, WA 98304
Phone: 360-569-2211
Open All Year
Overview. Known to Indians as Tahoma, Tacoma, or Tacobets, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington's Cascade Range. Its snow-capped summit, the result of thousands of years of glacial movement and volcanic activity, dominates the horizon from as far away as 100 miles.
Rainier itself is an "episodically active" volcano; its last reported eruption was over a century ago. Glaciers flow downward from Columbia Crest, spilling over rocks and cliffs. Old-growth forests cover the valley below with western hemlock, Douglas fir, and western red cedar. Lowland forest flowers bloom in late spring and early summer as temperatures rise and snow melts. In late July and August, subalpine meadows are carpeted with a colorful array of wildflowers.
What to see and do. The best place to start your tour is at any one of four visitor centers where rangers are available to answer questions. Slide presentations and exhibits can give you an overview of Mount Rainier, or you can join ranger-guided hikes or gatherings around a campfire.
The park offers about 260 miles of trails that lead into the wilderness. A permit is required for overnight trips. You can pick up your permit at any ranger station or at the Wilkeson, Longmire or White River Wilderness Information Centers. You can't miss the views of glaciers from trailside lookout points. Two of the most impressive glaciers are Nisqually and Emmons. Serious trekkers look forward to the 93-mile Wonderland Trail. It circles the mountain, passing through every major life-zone in the park. A shorter, 18-mile section of the Wonderland Trail between Stevens Canyon Road and the White River entrance appeals to those who want to experience the same variety of terrain without spending two weeks on the trail. However, this section of trail often has a greater density of hikers as well.
Only the most experienced climbers should attempt to scale Rainier's treacherous peak. Registration is required, as well an annual fee. Contact the Park Service for information and the latest weather conditions.
Additional activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, picnicking, and winter sports.
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Archeological Sites |
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Bird Watching |
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Climbing |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Snowboarding |
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Snowmobiling |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
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