Visit Rainier Fall Travel Guides

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rainier National Park without breaking the bank!

Spend time in the great outdoors on six fee-free entrance days in 2024, making it more affordable than ever to plan your visit.

Mark your calendar for these special dates:

• January 15: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• April 20: First Day of National Park Week
• June 19: Juneteenth
• August 4: Great American Outdoors Day
• September 28: National Public Lands Day
• November 11: Veterans Day

On these fee-free days, entry to Mount Rainier National Park is complimentary for everyone. It’s an open invitation to explore the vast landscapes, pristine wilderness, and iconic vistas that make Mount Rainier a true natural treasure.

Take your time to soak in the grandeur of this expansive park. With no entrance fees, you have the perfect opportunity to plan an extended stay and truly connect with the wonders that unfold around every corner. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Mount Rainier offers something for everyone.

To make the most of your visit, be sure to secure your accommodations early. From charming cabins to cozy lodges and welcoming inns, the area surrounding Mount Rainier National Park boasts a variety of lodging options. Don’t miss out on the chance to stay close to the heart of the action—reserve your spot today.

Click here for a list of lodging options in and around Mount Rainier National Park. Plan ahead. Experience an unforgettable adventure in the splendor of one of America’s iconic national parks! We look forward to welcoming you on these fee-free days as we celebrate the beauty and wonder of Mount Rainier together.

Celebrate spring showers during the first Enumclaw Umbrella Art Festival

Date: April 20 & 27, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Location: Downtown Enumclaw, Washington
Parking: Street parking is available

Join us for Enumclaw’s first-ever Umbrella Art Festival, presented by Bordeaux Wine Bar! Celebrate art, rain, and creativity in historic downtown Enumclaw.

What to Expect:

• Local Artists: Discover the work of a dozen talented local artists showcased in downtown businesses. From paintings to sculptures, each piece tells a unique story of the Pacific Northwest.
• Interactive Art: Immerse yourself in the creative process with live art demonstrations and interactive installations. Meet the artists, learn about their techniques, and even witness masterpieces come to life before your eyes.
• Umbrella Parade: Bring your favorite umbrella and show off your style while exploring historic downtown Enumclaw.
• Community Spirit: Support the local arts community and connect with fellow art enthusiasts in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply appreciate beauty, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the Umbrella Art Festival.

Plan Your Visit:

• Rain or Shine: The festival will take place rain or shine, so don’t let the weather dampen your spirits! Grab your umbrella, embrace the elements, and let your creativity shine.
• Explore Enumclaw: Extend your visit and discover the diverse attractions this charming town has to offer. From browsing charming boutiques to savoring wine, spirits, or craft beer in various tasting rooms, admiring the stylish cars at the Thunderdome Car Museum, or embarking on a guided trail ride at Echo River Ranch, to hitting your mark at the local axe bar, there’s a wealth of experiences awaiting you.
• Cost: This is a free event.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of art in the rain! Mark your calendar, gather your friends and family, and join us for an unforgettable weekend at the Umbrella Art Festival in Enumclaw.

Participating Businesses Hosting Artists

Fields & Fins: April 27th and 28th!

Introducing Fields and Fins, a new event designed to connect visitors to family farms, ranches, country stores, and experiences in the Upper Nisqually Valley. From pony rides and live musical performances at EZ Times Horse Rides to a farmers market and plant sale at Frey Family Farm, Fields & Fins offers opportunities to engage with local farmers and experience various activities.

Participating Sites

Morning:

• 12:01 AM (Saturday) to 11:00 AM (Sunday) at Mineral Lake: 🎣 Kick off your weekend by participating in Mineral Lake’s 31st Annual Fishing Derby. Enjoy angling, a beer garden, food trucks, a kids’ zone trout pond, music, and vendors throughout the weekend.
  • Noon (Sunday): Stay for the announcement of the Derby winner.

Morning (Saturday):

• 9:00 AM-6:00 PM: Start your day by visiting the Elbe Country Market for the petting zoo and shopping. Farmers from Chickentopia will be on-site, and there will be a wood carving demonstration at noon. The market is located at 54209 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA 98330, directly across from the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad depot.
• 10:00 AM at EZ Times: 🐐 Enjoy pony rides for kids and farm games. EZ Times is located at 18703 WA-706, Elbe, WA 98330.
  • 11:00 AM: 🐷 Attend a piglet meet and greet with Kuma Tako Ranch.
  • Noon: 🎶 Catch Becky Rowe Berge’s live performance during a free BBQ.

Afternoon:

• 1:00 PM: 🌾 Take some time to relax and explore Frey Family Farm’s plant sale until 5:00 PM. Frey Family Farm is located at 28411 SR 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304. Please note that the plant sale is only available on April 27th.

Evening:

• 5:00 PM onwards: 🍕 Wrap up your day with a delicious meal at Basecamp Bar & Grill. Serving pizza, beer, burgers, salads, and more, this open-air restaurant offers fire pits, covered seating, and a small climbing wall. Find Basecamp Bar & Grill at 30027 WA-706, Ashford, WA 98304.

Area Lodging

Looking for lodging to complete your Fields & Fins experience? Explore a variety of options in the nearby communities:

• Mineral: Stay near the campground hosting opening day festivities, indulge in the charm of a historic bed and breakfast, or relax in cozy vacation rentals.
• Elbe: Experience a unique stay at the Hobo Inn, the largest collection of cabooses in Washington state, where each caboose is converted into a comfortable motel room.
• Ashford: With over 100 places to stay, Ashford offers a diverse range of lodging options including lodges, vacation rentals, treehouses, yurts, cabins, and inns. Find your perfect retreat and make the most of your Fields & Fins weekend!

Don’t let this opportunity be the “big one that got away”! Reel in the fun at Fields & Fins.

Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Mountain

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a journey to the historic National Park Inn in breathtaking Mount Rainier National Park. There’s something special about leaving the city behind and winding through old-growth forests past rivers and waterfalls. So why not escape the hustle and bustle and indulge Mom with a brunch buffet at this storied inn?

The menu boasts a delightful array of dishes inspired by the flavors of the Pacific Northwest, featuring savory delights and mouthwatering sweets.

While an overnight stay adds an extra touch of relaxation and luxury to your Mother’s Day escape, it’s not necessary to enjoy this holiday brunch. However, for those yearning to make the occasion truly unforgettable, consider extending your stay and immersing yourselves in the magic of witnessing the sunset behind the majestic mountain and waking up to the awe-inspiring sunrise painting the sky.

Whether you opt for a leisurely hike, a scenic trail meander, or simply a moment of relaxation amidst the park’s natural splendor, National Park Inn offers a stunning backdrop for a memorable Mother’s Day weekend. Secure your reservations now as space is limited. Treat Mom to a culinary experience with a side order of stunning scenery.

Washington’s National Park Fund (WNPF) is partnering with Mill Haus Cider Co for a special “Pints in the Parks” event

Scheduled for June 2 the Pints in the Parks event will celebrate Mount Rainier National Park’s 125th birthday. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to WNPF which will then go to support priority projects at the Mount Rainier National Park.

Join the fun for a night of delicious food and drinks with special guests from Mount Rainier National Park!

For lodging near the event click here.

Discover the 2024 Enumclaw Plateau Farmers’ Market!

The 2024 Enumclaw Plateau Farmers’ Market invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy a memorable shopping experience.

Who should shop at the farmers’ market?

• Hikers winding down from a hike up Mount Peak
• Vanlifers headed to camp along the Chinook Scenic Byway
• RVers camping at the Enumclaw Expo RV Campground
• Visitors en route to a vacation rental in Greenwater or Crystal Mountain
• Locals and tourists

This market is a fantastic stop along your journey. The market offers 16 weeks of bountiful shopping every Thursday from June to September*, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Browse farm-fresh, locally-grown produce, handcrafted treasures, and creations from talented artisans and makers.

Conveniently located on First Street/Kasey Kahne Drive, between the Enumclaw Library and Tractor Supply, this market provides the ideal opportunity to stock up on local goods before continuing your adventure.

After a day of exploring the natural wonders of Enumclaw and its surrounding areas, join us to celebrate the bounty of the Enumclaw Plateau. Support local growers and creators while discovering the freshest produce, unique gifts, and more.

Don’t miss out on summer’s delicious growing season! Mark your calendars and spread the word. See you at the market!

For area lodging near the farmers’ market click here.

*No market on July 4, 2024.

Whiskey Trains: A Spirited Journey

🎟️ Whiskey Train Ticket Pricing: Adults – $95 (21+ Only)

🕒 Departure Times: 6:00 pm

Embark on the ultimate whiskey lover’s experience with Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad’s Whiskey Tasting Trains!

Journey from Elbe through the forest and foothills to the Mineral Museum, where live music awaits. Immerse in rhythmic tunes and savor three curated whiskeys from local distilleries. Each has a unique story. Accompanying these spirits, indulge in delectable cheese, crackers, and snacks to enhance the experience. For cocktail lovers, explore the crafted specialty cocktails available for purchase.

Enjoy responsibly and plan a safe journey home; don’t drink and drive. Better yet, make it a memorable getaway by staying overnight. Take in the small-town charm of Elbe and the surrounding area. Explore the awe-inspiring beauty of nearby Mt. Rainier National Park. Enhance your experience beyond the whiskey-tasting journey. For lodging within walking distance of the train station, click here.

Authentic Booking: Ensure an authentic experience by reserving your spot directly through the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. Don’t purchase tickets through third-party sellers.

The iconic 100-year-old steam engine, Polson 70, leads the historic train set, featuring an open-air car, two classic Pullman passenger coaches, and a transformed baggage car—now a gift shop and concession stand. Whiskey lovers will enjoy a night of spirits, stories, and the charm of a bygone era.

🚂🥃 Reserve Your Spot Today!