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Introduction and History

Mount Rainier, also known as Tahoma, is a large active stratovolcano in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest in the United States. Mount Rainier began forming around 500,000 years ago and grew to an estimated height of 16,000 feet (4,877 m). It stands as an iconic peak in the Washington landscape, ascending to 14,410 feet (4,392 m) above sea level.  Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., adorned with 25 glaciers. These icy rivers of ice give birth to five major rivers, shaping the surrounding landscape. The park's ecosystems teem with abundant wildlife, from marmots to mountain goats.

Mount Rainier is not just a dormant giant; it's an active stratovolcano. The last significant eruption occurred in 1894-95, with small summit explosions reported in Seattle and Tacoma. Approximately 5,600 years ago, a massive volcanic mudflow known as the Osceola Mudflow sent an estimated 3.8 cubic miles of debris down the White and Puyallup River Valleys.

Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy observed the mountain while surveying the Pacific coast in 1792 and decided to name it after his friend, Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. In 1890, the United States Board on Geographic Names officially declared the mountain as "Rainier."  In 1899, President William McKinley signed a bill creating Mount Rainier National Park, making it the nation's fifth national park.  It dominates the landscape of western Washington State, about 59 miles (95 km) south-southeast of Seattle.

The land administered as Mount Rainier National Park has been the ancestral homeland of several Indigenous Peoples for time immemorial. These include the Cowlitz, Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, Yakama, and Coast Salish nations.

Timed entrance reservations are required during peak season to explore the Paradise and Sunrise Corridors.  More information can be found at the wikipedia website.

Day Hikes, Backpacking and Climbing

Mount Rainier National Park is a hiking paradise, with trails for all levels of difficulty and stunning views of the glacier-capped volcano. Mount Rainer has over 260 miles (418 km) of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, that offer access to the mountain's diverse ecosystems and stunning scenery.   

Day Hikes

Many of the hikes within the park are at altitude.  Check with a ranger on trail condition and weather before leaving.

Skyline Trail to Panorama Point is one of the most popular and scenic hikes in the park, offering panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh Range, and the Nisqually Glacier. The trail is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long, with an elevation gain of 1,540 feet (469 m). The trailhead is located at the Paradise parking lot.

Pinnacle Peak is a short but steep hike to the summit of Pinnacle Peak, one of the highest points in the Tatoosh Range. The trail is 2.6 miles (4.2 km) long, with an elevation gain of 1,224 feet (373 m). The trailhead is located at the Reflection Lakes parking lot.

Lakes Trail via Reflection Lake is a beautiful hike that passes by several alpine lakes, such as Reflection Lake, Louise Lake, and Eunice Lake. The trail is 7 miles (11.3 km) long, with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet (549 m). The trailhead is located at the Reflection Lakes parking lot.

Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Frozen Lake is a moderate hike that leads to a historic fire lookout tower, with sweeping views of Mount Rainier, the Sunrise area, and the surrounding peaks. The trail is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) long, with an elevation gain of 800 feet (244 m). The trailhead is located at the Sunrise parking lot.

Burroughs Mountain is a challenging hike that traverses three rocky ridges, known as the First, Second, and Third Burroughs, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier. The trail is 9 miles (14.5 km) long, with an elevation gain of 2,500 feet (762 m). The trailhead is located at the Sunrise parking lot.

Backpacking/Climbing

Backpacking and climbing in Mount Rainier National Park is challenging but rewarding.  Permits and bear canisters are required.  Also, keep in mind in snowy or icy conditions that crampons, ice axes, ropes, and helmets may be required.  This is a highlevel guide.  Please visit the NPS Website for more indepth information.  Permits  and campsite reservations are required for overnight stays, they are available at recreation.gov.  Here are our top 6 hikes. Remember due to the altitude hikers should also be aware of the risks of altitude sickness, hypothermia, dehydration, and avalanches.

Wonderland Trail is the ultimate backpacking adventure in the park, a 93-mile (150 km) loop that circles the entire mountain, crossing rivers, glaciers, meadows, and forests. The trail has an elevation gain of 22,000 feet (6,706 m) and takes about 10 to 14 days to complete. The trailhead is located at Longmire, but you can start from any point along the loop. You will need to reserve your campsites in advance.

Northern Loop Trail is a 32.5-mile (52.3 km) loop that explores the remote and rugged north side of the mountain, passing by waterfalls, lakes, and alpine views. The trail has an elevation gain of 8,900 feet (2,713 m) and takes about 4 to 6 days to complete. The trailhead is located at Sunrise, and you will need to reserve your campsites in advance.

Spray Park Trail is a 16-mile (25.7 km) out-and-back trail that leads to a spectacular subalpine meadow with views of Mount Rainier, the Carbon Glacier, and the Mowich Glacier. The trail has an elevation gain of 3,500 feet (1,067 m) and takes about 2 to 3 days to complete. The trailhead is located at Mowich Lake, and you can camp at Cataract Valley or Seattle Park.

Summerland Trail is a 17.5-mile (28.2 km) out-and-back trail that climbs to a high meadow with views of Mount Rainier, the Fryingpan Glacier, and Little Tahoma Peak. The trail has an elevation gain of 4,100 feet (1,250 m) and takes about 2 to 3 days to complete. The trailhead is located at Fryingpan Creek, and you can camp at Summerland or Indian Bar.

Tolmie Peak Trail is a 12.5-mile (20.1 km) out-and-back trail that ascends to a fire lookout tower with panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Eunice Lake, and the surrounding peaks. The trail has an elevation gain of 3,000 feet (914 m) and takes about 2 days to complete. The trailhead is located at Mowich Lake, and you can camp at Ipsut Creek or Eunice Lake.

Climbing Mount Rainier

Hiking the highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range is a challenge, to say the least. There are several routes to hike up Mount Rainier, but the most popular and accessible ones are the Disappointment Cleaver Route and the Emmons Glacier Route. Both routes start from the Paradise area and require a climbing permit, a wilderness camping permit, and a reservation at Camp Muir or Camp Schurman, depending on the route. The permits and reservations are limited and can be obtained online or at the park's visitor centers.

Both routes are technically challenging and physically demanding, and require hikers to have glacier travel skills, crampons, ice axes, ropes, and helmets. The best time to hike up Mount Rainier is from mid-June to mid-September, when the weather is more stable and the snow conditions are more favorable. However, hikers should always check the weather forecast and the climbing conditions before attempting the climb, and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature, visibility, and wind. 

The Disappointment Cleaver Route is the most frequently climbed route on Mount Rainier, with an average success rate of 50%. The route is 16 miles (25.7 km) long, with an elevation gain of 9,000 feet (2,743 m). The trailhead is located at the Paradise parking lot, where hikers can follow the Skyline Trail to Pebble Creek, then ascend the Muir Snowfield to Camp Muir at 10,080 feet (3,072 m). Camp Muir is a high-altitude camp that offers basic shelters, toilets, and a ranger station. From Camp Muir, hikers can cross the Cowlitz Glacier and Cathedral Gap to reach the Ingraham Glacier, where they can set up a high camp or continue to the Disappointment Cleaver, a rocky ridge that leads to the upper mountain. The final push to the summit involves crossing the Emmons Glacier and navigating crevasses, icefalls, and steep slopes. The summit crater is about 300 feet (91 m) wide and contains steam vents and a small lake. The highest point on the crater rim is Columbia Crest, where hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

The Emmons Glacier Route is the second most popular route on Mount Rainier, with an average success rate of 40%. The route is 18 miles (29 km) long, with an elevation gain of 10,000 feet (3,048 m). The trailhead is located at the White River Campground, where hikers can follow the Glacier Basin Trail to the Inter Glacier, then ascend to Camp Schurman at 9,500 feet (2,896 m). Camp Schurman is a high-altitude camp that offers basic shelters, toilets, and a ranger station. From Camp Schurman, hikers can follow the Emmons Glacier to the summit, crossing crevasses, icefalls, and steep slopes. The highest point on the crater rim is Columbia Crest, where hikers can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Biking

There are a few bike routes within Mount Rainier.  Listed are the three that are not on heavily congested roads.  E Bikes that are less than 750 watts are allowed on the trails as well.

The Carbon River Trail is a former road that was closed to vehicles due to flooding. It is now open to mountain bikers and hikers who want to explore the temperate rain forest along the banks of the Carbon River. The trail is about 5 miles (8 km) long and leads to the Ipsut Creek Campground and the Wonderland Trail. The trail has a gentle grade of about 2% and is mostly gravel. Bicycling is not allowed on any trails past the campground.

The Mowich Lake Road is a dirt road that leads to Mowich Lake, the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park. The road is open to vehicles during the summer only, typically from mid-July to mid-October. Bicycling is allowed on the road, but not on any trails beyond the lake. The road is about 5 miles (8 km) long and has an elevation gain of approximately 1400 feet (427 m). The road is unpaved and may be rough, so bicyclists should be prepared for a challenging ride. The road offers scenic views of the lake and the surrounding subalpine meadows.

The Westside Road is a former road that was closed to vehicles due to frequent flooding and debris flows by Tahoma Creek. It is now open to hiking and mountain biking, except for a geohazard area where rock falls may occur. The road is about 8 miles (13 km) long and leads to various trails that offer scenic views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers. Bicycling is not allowed on any trails beyond the road. The road is dirt, often rutted with holes, and has a rocky, uneven surface. Bicyclists should be prepared for a challenging ride with an elevation change of approximately 2,100 feet (640 m).

Camping

There are four campgrounds located within the park boundries.  White River Campground is a first-come, first-served campground.  Mowich Lake requires a Wilderness Permit.  Reservations for Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds can be made at recreation.gov.

Cougar Rock Campground is located in the southwest section of the park, near Longmire and Paradise. It has 173 individual sites and 5 group sites. Reservations are required from late May to early October. The elevation is 3,180 feet (969 m).  The campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, potable water and flush toilets. The campground is a great base for exploring the park's attractions, such as the Nisqually River, Narada Falls, Reflection Lakes, and the Paradise area.  It also provides access to several hiking trails, such as the Wonderland Trail, the Cougar Rock Trail, and the Carter Falls Trail 

Ohanapecosh Campground is located in0 is located in the northwest corner of the park, near the Carbon River entrance. It has 10 walk-in sites. It is first-come, first-served only. The elevation is 4,929 feet (1,502 m).  Ohanapecosh Campground is a great base for exploring the park's attractions, such as Silver Falls, the Grove of the Patriarchs, and the Eastside Trail.

White River Campground is located in the northeast section of the park, near Sunrise. It has 112 individual sites. It is first-come, first-served only. The elevation is 4,400 feet (1,341 m). The campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, potable water and flush toilets. White River Campground is a great base for exploring the park's attractions, such as the White River, Burroughs Mountain, and the Sunrise area. The campground also provides access to several hiking trails, such as the Wonderland Trail, the Glacier Basin Trail, and the Sunrise Rim Trail 

Mowich Lake Campground is located in the northwest corner of the park, near the Carbon River entrance. It has 10 walk-in sites. It is first-come, first-served only. The elevation is 4,929 feet (1,502 m). The campsites have picnic tables, fire rings, potable water and vaulted toilets. Mowich Lake Campground is a great base for exploring the park's attractions, such as Mowich Lake, Tolmie Peak, Spray Park, and the Wonderland Trail.

Lodging

There are two lodges located in the park.  Both are operated by Rainer Guest Services.

National Park Inn is a historic inn located in the Longmire Historic District of Mount Rainier National Park. It is open year-round and offers 25 guest rooms, a full-service dining room, and a general store. The inn has a cozy and rustic atmosphere, with a fireplace, rocking chairs, and views of Mount Rainier from the front porch. The inn is a great base for exploring the park's attractions, such as the Nisqually River, Narada Falls, Reflection Lakes, and the Paradise area. The inn also provides access to several hiking trails, such as the Wonderland Trail, the Cougar Rock Trail, and the Carter Falls Trail. The elevation of the inn is 3,180 feet (969 m).

The Paradise Inn is a historic inn located in the Paradise area. It opened in 1917 and has 121 guest rooms, a dining room, a gift shop, and a café. The inn is known for its rustic style, cozy fireplace, and scenic views of Mount Rainier from the front porch. Reservations are required. The elevation of the inn is 5,420 feet (1,652 m). The inn is a great base for exploring the park's attractions, such as the wildflower meadows, the glaciers, and the Sunrise area. The inn also provides access to several hiking trails, such as the Wonderland Trail, the Skyline Trail, and the Nisqually Vista Trail.

Restaurants

There are several restaurants in the park that offer a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.  Not all restaurants are open year-round. Here are some of the most popular ones, along with their menu options and locations: 

Summit House Restaurant is the highest elevation (6,872 feet/2,094 m) restaurant in Washington, located at the top of the Crystal Mountain gondola. It offers American cuisine with a panoramic view of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range. Some of the menu options include burgers, salads, sandwiches, soups, and desserts.

National Park Inn Dining Room is a cozy and historic restaurant located in the Longmire area of the park. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes such as pancakes, omelets, pot roast, salmon, and pies.

The Snorting Elk Cellar is a casual and lively restaurant located in the Crystal Mountain area of the park. It serves American, bar, pizza, and deli food, with options such as nachos, wings, pizza, wraps, and beer.

Alpine Inn Restaurant is a rustic and charming restaurant located in the Crystal Mountain area of the park. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with dishes such as waffles, eggs benedict, schnitzel, fondue, and strudel.

Sunrise Day Lodge is a snack bar located in the Sunrise area of the park. It offers hot drinks, grab-and-go meals, and other quick food items, such as muffins, sandwiches, salads, and cookies.