Every season is
Rainier season.

Animals, costumes, CANDY

Bring the whole family and take a starlit tram ride through the Free-Roaming Area. Wander our lit paths and admire glowing carved pumpkins. Come in costume and play games, visit treat stations for candy. (Adults, please leave full face masks at home.)  Do some Freaky Food Science in the Kids’ Trek Pavilion, vote for your favorite pumpkin. And stop by the Baker Cabin to learn all about bats! Owls, slugs, and Keepers Meet an owl, snake, slug or raccoon, and talk to the keepers who look after them! And keep an eye out for our nocturnal animals – or an ear. You’ve never heard a wolf til you’ve heard it at Hoot ‘n’ Howl.

Keeper Chats:

6:30 PM Barn Owl

7:30 PM Snakes/slugs in Cheney Discovery Center

8:30 PM Raccoons

Hoot ‘n’ Howl is one of the most popular fall events around the Northwest. And we mean, popular. Book your tickets online by Oct. 14 to save money and guarantee a tram ride (no guarantees for day-of tickets). Double-check your ticket date before you leave home, and arrive early – parking fills up fast. Bring flashlights for the paths, a reusable bag for candy, and dress for the weather. Make sure to check in at the gate to get your tram time. Happy howling!

Fall is a fantastic time to ride the steam train! Join Snoopy and Charlie Brown aboard The Great Pumpkin Patch Express. Passengers will ride the train and read the book ‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ on their journey to the Pumpkin Patch. Every child gets to choose their very own pumpkin to take home, play PEANUTS™ themed games and activities, and meet Charlie Brown and Snoopy. Space is limited. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Call 888-STEAM-11 to reserve your train tickets over the phone or visit www.mtrainierrailroad.com. Trains depart at 10am, 1pm & 4pm PST October 13, 14, 20, and 21, 2018.

Make a weekend of it. Autumn is a terrific time to visit the Mt. Rainier area. Before or after your train ride enjoy one of the easy hikes at Mt. Rainier National Park, fresh air is good for the littles. Plus there’s watchable wildlife at Northwest Trek and Wildlife Park, a fantastic playground in nearby Ashford, and gently guided trail rides in the forest. There’s a lot to see and do!

For family-friendly lodging near the depot click here.