Mt.Rainier is always worth the trip unless it is just totally 'socked in' with rain and clouds. But even then the trails to the waterfalls and places like Grove of the Patriarchs are still interesting. If you are planning a trip to the Oregon Coast next year and have two weeks, do the entire coast.
The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is July through August, when wildflowers transform the park's subalpine meadows and the dry, warm weather provides optimal hiking conditions.
The most common areas to visit are Sunrise and Paradise. Sunrise is on the north side of the mountain while Paradise is on the south side to help plan this. You can do both areas in a day if you want, but it's 1.5 hours to drive between them.
Mt. Rainier National Park has four main entrances accessible by vehicle. The Nisqually Entrance, located on the southwest corner of the park, is the most popular entrance from Seattle. Nisqually is also the only entrance that is open year-round to vehicles.
Mount Rainier can be extremely dangerous if you are not prepared. Learn about geohazards, hiking safety, wildlife safety, and winter safety to ensure an enjoyable visit. Snow and frost transforms the mountain and its forests.
Can I climb Mt. Rainier with no experience? Yes, although it's a good idea to take guide in this case. All three licensed guide services (RMI, IMG, and Alpine Ascents) take fit beginners on their Disappointment Cleaver and Emmons Glacier trips.
The short answer, of course, is "no" because you are not required to have a guide to climb Mt Rainier. You are also climbing with people you do not know (unless you get a group of 12 together). As an independent climber you can assemble your own group and set your own schedule and pace up the mountain.
The climbing fee is: $52 per person 26 years and older. $36 per person 25 years and younger.
How high is Paradise on Mt Rainier?
Wait times at the Nisqually and White River Entrances can be over an hour on the very busiest summer weekends and holidays. Entering the park before 10:00 am or after 2:30 pm can help avoid delays when visitation is heavy.
Operating Hours & Seasons.
| CAMPGROUNDS | CURRENT STATUS |
|---|
| White River | OPEN |
To visit Mount Rainier National Park, you may need a permit or reservation, in addition to paying the park entrance fee, depending on your activity.
Visitors to Olympic National Park can have a wide range of options for activities compared to visitors of Mount Rainier. But if you are just after the hike, then Mr.Rainier is a better option for you. Mount Rainier can give you a spectacular view of the mountains and Washington.
Mount Rainier National Park
is open all year. Visitation is at its peak in July and August, when the weather is warm and dry and the wildflowers are blooming.
Operating Hours & Seasons.
| PICNIC AREAS | CURRENT STATUS |
|---|
| Cougar Rock | CLOSED for the season |
| Paradise | OPEN Closed for the season TBD. |
| Box Canyon | OPEN Closed for the season October 25. |
The Sunrise Visitor Center is open daily from early July to early September and closed in winter. Here visitors will find exhibits, guided interpretive programs, book sales, and a picnic area. The Sunrise Day Lodge, open Friday-Tuesday, from early July to late September, offers food service and a gift shop.
