Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1997 as a showcase for the "NPS Rustic" style architecture of the 1920s and 1930s.
Whether hiking on its flanks, climbing its summit, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on its slopes, camping along its glacier-fed rivers, photographing wildflower displays in subalpine meadows, or just admiring the view, nearly two million people come to enjoy the grandeur and beauty of Mount Rainier each year.
Reaching the summit requires a vertical elevation gain of more than 9,000 feet over a distance of eight or more miles. Climbers must be in good physical condition and well prepared. Proper physical conditioning can offset the effects of fatigue that lead to mistakes and injuries.
Weather, snow, and route conditions can change rapidly and can make the difference between a pleasant and rewarding experience or tragedy. Obtain a current weather forecast before beginning a climb. Turn back if weather conditions deteriorate. Severe winter-like storms on the mountain are not uncommon during the summer. Use this website to gather updated information on weather, route conditions, crevasses, rockfall, avalanche information, and Climbing Permits, Fees, and Regulations. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, climbing rangers may be reached by calling 360-569-2211, ext. 2314.
Permits, Fees and Reservations:
Climbers must register to travel above 10,000 feet or onto glaciers. Primary registration locations are the Paradise Ranger Station, White River Wilderness Information Center, and the Wilkeson Wilderness Information Center. The climbing fee is $30 per person per calendar year. Passes purchased in November and December are valid for the following calendar year. The fee is payable when registering. Climbing fees help recover costs for protecting the mountain's delicate and unique alpine environment, staffing the mountain's high camps and ranger stations with climbing rangers, managing upper mountain human waste and providing rangers who can rapidly respond to incidents on the mountain. For more information on climbing fee check out FAQ's about Climbing Fees
An in-park Wilderness Reservation System is available for climbers and backpackers planning trips during the May 1 to September 30 period. A reservations office is staffed at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center during the summer months. Beginning April 1st, reservations can be made by printing and completing a Reservation Request Form and faxing it to (360) 569-3131 or mailing it to: Wilderness Reservations Office, Tahoma Woods Star Route, Ashford, WA 98304. Tel. (360) 569-HIKE. There is a $20 reservation fee for advance reservations. This fee is in addition to the climbing permit fee and does not guarantee a spot in the public shelter at Camp Muir. Reservations can be made for trips between May 1st and September 30th.
Burroughs Mountain Trail (7 miles) in the Sunrise area;
Camp Muir Trail (9 miles) in the Paradise area;
Carbon Glacier Trail (7 miles) in the Carbon River area;
Carbon River Rain Forest (.3 mile) in the Carbon River area;
Comet Falls Trail (3.8 miles)in the Longmire area;
Crystal Lakes Trail (6 miles) 4 miles north of Cayuse Pass;
Eagle Peak Trail (7.2 miles) in the Longmire area;
Emerald Ridge Trail (17.2 miles) on the Westside Road;
Family Day Trails & Nature Trails (.3 to 7 miles);
Glacier Basin Trail (7 miles) in the White River Campground;
Gobblers Knob Trail (12.8 miles) on the Westside Road;
Golden Lakes Trail (34.5 miles) on the Westside Road;
Green Lake Trail (3.6 miles) in the Carbon River area;
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail (1.5 miles) near the Stevens Canyon Entrance;
Indian Bar Trail (14.5 miles) on the Stevens Canyon Road;
Indian Henrys Hunting Ground (11.5 miles) via Kautz Creek Trail;
Indian Henrys Hunting Ground (13 miles) from the Longmire area;
Klapatche Park Trail (21 miles) on the Westside Road;
Lake George Trail (9.8 miles) on the Westside Road;
Lake James Trail (17 miles) in the Carbon River area;
Life Systems Trail (.5 mile) at Ohanapecosh;
Moraine Park Trail (11 miles) in the Carbon River area;
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail (5.5 miles) in the Sunrise areaMystic Lake Trail;(15.8 miles) in the Carbon River area;
Naches Peak Loop Trail (3.5 miles) in the northeast areaNarada Falls Trail (9 miles) in the Longmire area
Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 miles) in the Paradise areaNorthern Loop Trail (35 miles) in the Carbon River area;
wyhigh Lakes Trail (7 miles) near the White River Entrance;
Pacific Crest Trail (10.5 miles) in the northeast area
Palisades Lakes Trail (7 miles) in the Sunrise Area;
Pinnacle Peak Trail (2.5 miles) on the Stevens Canyon Road;
Rampart Ridge Trail (4.6 miles) in the Longmire area;
Shadow Lake Trail (3 miles) in the Sunrise area;
Shriner Peak Trail (8 miles) north of the Stevens Canyon Entrance;
Silver Falls Trail (3 miles) from the Ohanapecosh Campground;
Skyline Trail (5 miles) in the Paradise area;
Snow Lake Trail (2.5 miles) in the Paradise area;
Sourdough Ridge Trail (1 mile) in the Sunrise area;
Spray Park Trail (6 miles) in the Mowich Lake area;
Summerland Trail (8.5 miles) near the White River Entrance;
Three Lakes Trail (12 miles) in the Ohanapecosh area;
Tolmie Peak Trail (6.5 miles) in the Mowich Lake area;
Trail of the Shadows (.5 mile) in the Longmire area;
Van Trump Park Trail (5.8 miles) in the Longmire area;
Windy Gap Trail (14 miles) in the Carbon River area;
Wonderland Trail (93 miles) encircling Mount Rainier;
Mount Rainier National Park isn't known for its fishing, so don't be disappointed if you fail to catch fish, or if the fish are small. Experience tells us that anglers' success is often less than anticipated.
Fish are not native to park lakes but some still survive as a result of past fish stocking efforts. Consequently, there are no limits on the number of fish that can be taken from park lakes.
Native fish are found in park streams and we encourage you to use barbless hooks and artificial lures and to release uninjured fish.Regulations Park fishing regulations for streams are generally in accordance with those of the surrounding area waters of the State of Washington. Differences and specific closures which anglers should be familiar with are included in the information below.
Fishing for bull trout and Chinook Salmon, both federally listed threatened species in the park, is prohibited.
Most lakes are ice-free only mid-July through October. Lakes and ponds, open the last weekend in April through late October. Rivers, streams and beaver ponds, open late May or early June through late October. Please check the Washington State Fishing Regulations for exact dates and more detailed information.
Limits: No limits for fish from park lakes, for park streams:
Daily catch: Six pounds and one fish, not to exceed 12 fish. Possession: 1 day's limit Minimum size: none
License: No license or permit required in the park.
Fly Fishing: The Ohanapecosh River and its tributaries are open to fly fishing only. The use of bait or other lures except artificial flies is not permitted.
