Mt Rainier National Park

Introducing Mt Rainier National Park

Majestic Mt Rainier (14, 411ft), the US’ fourth-highest peak (outside Alaska), is also one of its most beguiling. Encased in a 368-sq-mile national park (the world’s fifth national park when it was inaugurated in 1899), the mountain’s snow-capped summit and forest-covered foothills harbor numerous hiking trails, huge swaths of flower-carpeted meadows and an alluring conical peak that presents a formidable challenge for aspiring climbers. The park has four entrances. Nisqually, on Hwy 706 via Ashford, near the park’s southwest corner, is the busiest and most convenient gate, being close to the park’s main nexus points and remaining open year round. The other entrances are Ohanapecosh, via Hwy 123; White River, off Hwy 410; and Carbon River, the most remote entryway, at the northwest corner. Call 800-695-7623 for road conditions.

For information on the park check out the National Park Service (NPS) website at www.nps.gov/mora, which includes downloadable maps and descriptions of 50 park trails.

Park entry is $15 per car or $5 per pedestrian. For overnight trips, get a wilderness camping permit (free) from ranger stations or visitor centers. The six campgrounds in the park have running water and toilets, but no RV hookups. Reservations (800-365-2267; www.mount.rainier.national-park.com/camping.htm; reserved campsites summer/rest of year $15/12, unreserved campsites $10) are strongly advised during summer months and can be made up to two months in advance by phone or online.

The park’s two main nexus points are Longmire and Paradise. Longmire, 7 miles inside the Nisqually entrance, boasts a Museum/Information Center (360-569-2211, ext 3314; admission free; 9am-6pm Jun-Sep, 9am-5pm Oct-May), a number of important trailheads and the cozy National Park Inn (360-569-2411; www.guestservices.com/rainier; 1-bed r with shared/private bath $104/139, 2-room unit $191; year-round; ), which also contains a homey restaurant. More hikes and interpretive walks can be found 12 miles further east at Paradise, which is served by the flying-saucer-shaped Henry M Jackson Visitor Center (360-569-2211, ext 2328; 9am-7pm daily May-Sep, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun Oct & Apr). Climbs to the top of Rainier leave from here and can be organized through the American Alpine Institute (360-671-1505; www.aai.cc; 1515 12th St, Bellingham, WA 98225), which offers guided five-day climbs from $1540.

The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile path that completely circumnavigates Mt Rainier via a well-maintained unbroken route. The hike is normally tackled over 10 to 12 days with walkers staying at one of 18 registered campsites along the way. Before embarking, you’ll need to organize a free backcountry permit from the Wilderness Information Center (877-617-9950; www.nps.gov/mora; 55210 238th Av E, Ashford WA 98304-9751); forms are available online.

The remote Carbon River entrance gives access to the park’s inland rain forest. The ranger station (360-829-9639), just inside the entrance, is open daily in summer.

Gray Line (206-624-5077; www.graylineseattle.com) runs tours from Seattle ($59, 10 hours).

Last updated: Jul 22, 2009