Exploring Mount Rainier National Park

Park: Mount Rainier National Park

Year Established: 1899

Acres: 236,381

Annual Visitors: 2 million

Entrance Fee: $15-$60

Mount Rainier National Park is part of the Cascade Range in Washington, and it’s located about 35 miles southeast of Tacoma. The park was established in 1899 in order to preserve its biggest attraction—Mount Rainier, an active volcano that soars more than 14,000 feet above sea level and spans 369 square miles. 

While Mount Rainier itself is composed of around two-dozen named glaciers, with Emmons Glacier being the largest, most of the park is forested. The park’s lower elevations feature an abundance of red cedars, giant Douglas firs, and mountain hemlocks, while higher elevations give way to expansive alpine meadows painted by colorful wildflowers. 

 In addition to majestic flora, the park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife. Depending on where in the park you go, you may catch sight of black-tailed deer, black bears, mountain goats, Roosevelt elk, and more. The park also hosts more than 220 bird species, including woodpeckers, warblers, and nutcrackers. 

Given the park’s majestic scenery, diverse wildlife, and various elevations, there’s plenty to do there, which is probably why millions of people visit it each year. Some of its most popular destinations include the Carbon River Trail, which is the only trail in the park where bikes are allowed, so it’s great for any biking enthusiast. 

The trail spans miles and breaks off into other trails, making it ideal for a day (or several) of exploration. However, you need only follow it for 1/4 mile to discover a lush, dense rainforest, an anomaly rarely found so far from coastal areas. You can also follow the trail for 3.6 miles to find the Green Lake Trail, which will lead you to the ever-serene Green Lake. 

Speaking of lakes, Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in the park, set within a glacial basin and surrounded by beautiful wildflower meadows. Typically open from July to October, you can find it via State Route 166. But be aware that parking is often limited, so you may need to park as much as a mile away during peak times. For other hiking options, check out this list from National Geographic of the best hikes in the park. 

If you’re planning to explore the park for several days (which we highly recommend), then you can choose from a variety of campsites spanning from primitive sites with little infrastructure to sites with plenty of amenities. One of these sites includes the popular White River Campground, located in the northeast corner of the park. Nestled in an old-growth forest, the campground is a stellar destination for climbers and features water and flush toilets. It’s also home to a historic patrol cabin, built in the 1920s, that features an exhibit sharing a bit more about the area’s history. 

If you’d rather stay indoors than camp out, then you can book a room at the Paradise Inn. Built in 1916, the inn is one of the most popular national park lodges in the country and is within walking distance to a wide variety of trails. It’s also pet-friendly, so it’s a great choice if you’re bringing your furry family members to the park with you. 

Regardless of whether you choose to visit the park for an afternoon or set up camp for two weeks, you’re bound to have a memorable time. You can find more information about things to do and places to stay in Mount Rainier here.