🌋 Mount Rainier National Park

The park centers on Mount Rainier (14,410 ft), drained by glaciers that feed five major rivers; key areas include Paradise, Sunrise, Carbon River/Mowich Lake, and deep forested valleys. Road access and conditions vary seasonally — check official road status before travel. (nps.gov)

Trails range from short boardwalks at Paradise to long routes like portions of the 93-mile Wonderland Trail. Popular day hikes include Burroughs Mountain, Skyline Loop, and Spray Falls (access varies by corridor). Pack layers, water, and a map; expect rapid weather changes. (nps.gov)

Summiting Mount Rainier requires technical glacier travel, an Annual Climbing Fee, and an in-person climbing permit; the park provides route briefs and staffed high camps in season. Parties must register at ranger stations and follow climbing regulations. (nps.gov)

Frontcountry campgrounds include Cougar Rock, White River, and (seasonally) Ohanapecosh; many sites are first-come-first-served or require Recreation.gov reservations where listed. Backcountry/wilderness camping requires a wilderness permit year‑round. (nps.gov)

Wilderness permits are required for overnight backcountry trips; a climbing permit doubles as a wilderness permit for glacier travel/above‑10,000 ft. Timed-entry reservations may be required for certain corridors during summer. (nps.gov)

To reduce congestion, the park uses a timed‑entry reservation pilot — in 2025 the Sunrise Corridor (White River/Sunrise roads) required a day timed-entry between 7:00 am–5:00 pm; Paradise rules have varied with construction. Always confirm current requirements before you go. (nps.gov)

Mount Rainier hosts black bears, elk, coyotes, and marmots. Keep distance (bears ~300 ft), store food properly, and follow NPS wildlife guidance; mountain weather, glacier hazards, and steep terrain make safety planning essential. (nps.gov)

Subalpine meadows around Paradise and Sunrise bloom mid-summer for spectacular displays (timing varies with snowpack). Stay on trails and boardwalks to protect fragile alpine plants. (nps.gov)

Drive to Paradise for iconic views of the peak, to Sunrise for broad eastern panoramas, and along park approaches for valley vistas; many roads open only in summer. Expect parking limits on busy summer weekends. (nps.gov)

The SR 165 (Fairfax) bridge that served the Carbon River/Mowich Lake entrance was permanently closed in April 2025; there is currently no public access from SR 165 to that area. Check WSDOT and NPS pages for planning updates and access FAQs. (wsdot.wa.gov, nps.gov)

Seasonal visitor centers and lodges (Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise, Sunrise Visitor Center) offer exhibits, ranger programs, restrooms, and limited food/gift services — hours change by season and construction. (nps.gov)

Plan for altitude, sun, sudden storms, and glacier hazards; carry extra layers, navigation, and a first-aid kit. For climbs and overnight trips, register with rangers, carry bear‑resistant storage or follow park food rules, and pay the annual climbing fee if applicable. (nps.gov)

Mount Rainier National Park rewards careful planning: decide what corridor you’ll visit, confirm timed‑entry and road status, secure reservations or permits for camping and climbing, and follow Leave No Trace to protect fragile alpine environments. Official NPS and WSDOT pages are the best sources for up‑to‑date conditions. (nps.gov, wsdot.wa.gov)

Sources: National Park Service park pages and guidance, NPS campground and corridor pages, NPS climbing and wilderness rules, WSDOT bridge closure notice. (nps.gov, wsdot.wa.gov)