Mt. Rainier Regional Summer Activities

General Info

• Visit the official Mount Rainier National Park website
• Avalanche Forecast for the Mt. Rainier Area
• View the Camp Muir Web Cam

Mt. Rainier represents the ultimate in American alpine climbing destinations. Proximity to Sea-Tac International Airport makes Rainier among the most accessible ‘big mountain’ climbs in the world. Rainier’s accessibility attracts climbers from across the globe. As the most glaciated peak in the lower 48 states, Rainier has long been the premier training ground for both professional and amateur mountaineers. Many consider Mount Rainier among the ‘must do’ climbs for athletes preparing for the even greater challenges of the world’s highest climbs in areas such as Alaska and the Himalayas. Climbing routes for various skill levels are found among Rainier’s glaciers and dramatic rock cleavers that score Rainier’s skyline.

Beginning Climbers Are Strongly Advised To Obtain The Local Knowledge And Training Available From The World-class Guide Services Offering Climbing Programs On Rainier.

Some routes are suitable for novices under the supervision of more experienced climbers. The weather conditions and terrain on the upper slopes of Rainier can be harsh and unforgiving for those unprepared for the challenges and hardships found en route to the 14,410-foot summit.

Serious Physical Preparation And Suitable Specialized Equipment Are Also Mandatory For Any Attempt At Scaling Rainier.

Climbers must register with Mount Rainier National Park and obtain a climbing permit for their party.

More great climbing opportunities can be found on the many lesser-known peaks in the region or nearby, including Mt. Adams, the second-highest mountain in Washington at 12,300 ft. The rocky outcroppings of the Tatoosh Range south of Mt. Rainier, including classic scrambles on Pinnacle Peak, are noteworthy and accessible to area visitors. These climbing options can typically be less crowded than the most popular routes during the mid-summer high season on Mt. Rainier itself and each can create a memorable experience for climbers of every skill level.

The Rainier region’s alpine climbing zones can be accessed from each of the region’s four main areas.

Guide Services

For a guided climbing experience, the following guide services are available:

• Alpine Ascents International
• International Mountain Guides, LLC
• Rainier Mountaineering Inc.
• Blackbird Mountain Guides

Winter Climbing

Winter storms on Mount Rainier are frequent and severe, with high winds, deep snow, and extremely poor visibility. Winter conditions generally exist from mid-September to mid-May. All parties attempting a winter ascent should be experienced in winter mountaineering, avalanche forecasting and rescue. Plus all climbers should be familiar with the intended routes of ascent and descent. The maximum party size for winter climbing is twelve. A party size of at least four is recommended. Parking is limited to 18/20 overnight spots, some of which are reserved for groups. Mountaineers are encouraged to carpool and arrive early to obtain a parking pass especially on the weekends.

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Grab your checkered tablecloth, pack your basket and enjoy a meal outdoors at one of Mt. Rainier National Park’s four designated picnic areas. Parking and restrooms are available in each area. Picnic Areas close seasonally during the winter months.

Picnic Areas

• Cougar Rock
• Paradise
• Box Canyon
• Ohanapecosh Campground
• Sunrise

A few picnic tables are also located around the park including the Kautz Creek rest area, in the Longmire area, Narada Falls and outside the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.

Please note from mid-June through the month of August are peak visitation months at Mount Rainier National Park. To help avoid congestion and crowds here are a few helpful tips:

1. Visit on a weekday if possible and arrive early in the morning before the bulk of the crowds or late in the day when most people are leaving will help you avoid long entrance station lines and delays, and difficulty finding a place to park.
2. Arrive in the evening and go stargazing at the visitor centers at Paradise or Sunrise
3. Have an alternate plan and destination in mind if long lines and waits are encountered entering the park. Experience the sights and activities of gateway communities during peak hours and weekends. USFS lands and the Crystal Mountain Resort provide nearby destination alternatives.
4. Use an annual park or interagency pass, or having the correct payment in cash, can minimize time spent at the entrance station and keep the line moving. Credit card transactions take more time to process and contribute to delays. A new option is purchasing the pass online through YourPassNow.com and printing the pass before you visit.
5. As peak season wait times increase to enter the park during popular summer weekends break up your trip by visiting the public restroom in Elbe on SR706 at the WSDOT-managed Safety Rest Area. In addition, visitors with children may enjoy letting them stretch their legs at the Ashford County Park located at 29801 SR706 in Ashford. The 80-acre park has walking trails, a playground with a large play structure, balancing elements, infant swings, and regular swings. There is plenty of parking, and public restrooms are located next to the playground.

Q: Can I take my dog (on a leash) to the picnic area behind the visitor center at Sunrise, Mount Rainier National Park?
A: You sure can! That particular picnic area is located near enough to the visitor center, and there is a paved path that leads to multiple picnic tables. Remember that dogs must be on a leash at all times, and are not allowed on the trails at Mount Rainier National Park. Please dispose of pet waste responsibly.

Q: Can I reserve a picnic table ahead of time?
A: No, all picnic tables are first-come-first-served.

Q: What if I can’t find a picnic table at Mount Rainier National Park? Are there any alternative picnic spots?
A: Yes, during the summer months Crystal Mountain Resort has a few picnic tables at the top of Crystal Mountain. You can hike up to the top of Crystal for free, or you can purchase scenic gondola tickets and enjoy a relaxing ride to the top.

One of the most spectacular aspects of Mt. Rainier National Park is its world-renowned wildflower meadows. No matter what the length of your stay, a stroll among these seemingly endless fields of wildflowers is a must-do. Each July and August, Mt. Rainier’s meadows burst with color. Avalanche lilies, paintbrush, asters, daisies, cinquefoil, fireweed, purple shooting stars and so many others, blanket the mountain in every color of the rainbow.

Wildflower Viewing Tips

• Best Time: Late-July to Early-August
• Best Places: Paradise, Sunrise and Chinook Pass/Tipsoo Lake
• For Hikers: Top 10 Wildflower Trails
• Etiquette: Do not pick the flowers and stay on the trails
• Status Report: Get the Park’s Latest Wildflower Update

Top Wildflower Viewing Locations

Paradise
Someone once stated, “a trip to Paradise is going to heaven before you die.” Wildflowers in every shade sway in the breeze, filling meadow upon meadow with brilliant colors. A network of sixteen trails skirt around these meadows. A great choice is the paved Skyline Trail, departing from the visitor center, providing fabulous flower views and it’s suitable for the whole family. Other area hikes with fantastic flower displays are Spray Park, Van Trump Park, and Indian Henrys.

Sunrise
On the other side of the mountain, visitors to Sunrise will witness a true alpine ecosystem. Sitting at 1,000 feet higher than Paradise, this ecosystem is especially fragile. In summer, mountain meadows abound with wildflowers; the Sourdough Ridge Trail is a popular, easy 2 ½ mile hike. At their height in summer, visitors can see acre upon acre of vivid wildflowers, with swaths of lupine, paintbrush, and red mountain heather.

Chinook Pass/Tipsoo Lake
Many photographers say that the wildflowers at Tipsoo Lake rival anything found at Paradise. Located at the summit of Chinook Pass, this subalpine lake and surrounding area is simply a wildflower seeker’s dream. Stroll through fields of vibrant color – the yellows, oranges, pinks, and purples of lupine, Indian paintbrush, partridge foot and many others set a dramatic scene. Easy area nature trails meander near the lake offering dazzling views of these world-class wildflower meadows. For a longer day hike, take the Naches Peak trail.

Wildflower Identification Guide