Special Kids' Quests | Visit Rainier

Kids’ Quests

What Is A Quest?

Quests are a fun and educational way to tour the park and visit areas of interest to you.  Each Quest is an adventure that lets you discover special places in the park as you explore a theme.  Many Quest discovery sites include activities or interactive questions that you can complete to earn a certificate of recognition.

Some areas of the park are not open at certain times of the year. The road from Nisqually to Paradise is open year-round, but many other roads close between late October and late May.  Operating hours of visitor centers and other services can vary with the seasons. See the park newspaper or stop by any visitor center for information on roads, facility hours, and services. You can also visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/mora or call (360) 569-2211 ext. 3314 for current information and advice.  Park staff is always glad to help you plan your Quest.

Plan Your Trip

  • Gas is not sold inside the park but is available in many nearby communities.
  • Cell phone reception is limited in the park. Payphones are available at visitor centers and campgrounds. Public WIFI is not available in the park, though some of the nearby communities have WIFI sites.
  • All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park during the snow season (Nov 1 to May 1).

Things to Bring

  • This guide and the Quest(s) of your choice
  • Park map, available at park entrances and visitor centers. It will help you find park services and facilities and locate Quest discovery sites.
  • Park newsletter, available at park entrances and visitor centers. It will give current hours of operation for park facilities and provide other helpful information.
  • Drinking water, energy snacks, a warm jacket, walking shoes
  • A pen or pencil

Kids’ Quest for Geologic Forces

Follow this Quest to explore the immense forces that build up and tear down great mountains. Witness the results of volcanic eruptions, massive avalanches, moving glaciers, and catastrophic floods, and see the miracle of recovery and re-growth.  ...

Kids’ Quest for History

At Mount Rainier National Park you can experience the essence of the American West. This Quest will help you explore the history, adventure, nature, and wilderness beauty preserved by one of America’s original western parks. ...

Kids’ Quest for Giants

Mount Rainier National Park preserves some of the last of the Pacific Northwest’s spectacular old growth forests. Follow this Quest to find some of the biggest and oldest members of the plant kingdom and enjoy the beauty of the park’s lush forests. ...
Emmons Glacier

Kids’ Quest for Glaciers

If you are interested in glaciers, Mount Rainier is the place for you! Experience the grandeur of Rainier’s mighty glaciers and learn how the mountain has been shaped by powerful forces of ice and water. ...

Kids’ Quest for Summit Views

This Quest will guide you to the best places to catch breath-taking views of Mount Rainier. You can also explore the world of climbers on their Quest for the Summit and find out what is at the very top (the easy way!). ...

Kids’ Quest for Waterfalls

Mount Rainier’s waterfalls are not only thrilling to see, but can also tell stories of the park’s history and the natural forces that shape the area. Discover the park’s beautiful waterfalls and see why this mountain range is named “The Cascades.” ...
Mazama Ridge HIke August 2013

Kids’ Quest for Wildflowers

On this Quest you can visit three major life zones on the mountain to experience the splendor of their wildflowers. You will find the best spots to enjoy flowers and learn some of their secrets. ...