Mount Rainier National Park

Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits.

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WEATHER INFO

Weather patterns at Mount Rainier are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean and elevation. The climate is generally cool and rainy, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s. While July and August are the sunniest months of the year, rain is very likely in spring, fall, and winter. Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable. In the higher elevations, like Paradise, winter can last from November to May with many feet of snow on the ground.

Weather @ Mount Rainier

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DIRECTIONS INFO

Spanaway, Washington

2.0 hr

Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state. Several major cities in Washington- Seattle, Tacoma, and Yakima- and Portland, Oregon, are within 200 miles of the park. For GPS to Nisqually Entrance use: 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304.

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Alerts

PARK CLOSURE

Carter Falls Trail Closed

Until further notice, the Carter Falls Trail is closed because the log footbridge that crosses the Nisqually River has been dislodged and there is no safe water crossing.

PARK CLOSURE

Winter Season Closures

The following regular winter season closures are in place: West Side Road, Cougar Rock Campground and Picnic Area, Paradise Picnic Area, Paradise Valley Road, Stevens Canyon Road, White River Campground, White River Road, Sunrise Road, State Routes 410/Chinook Pass (between Crystal Mountain Blvd. and Morse Creek) and 123/Cayuse Pass (at the park boundary).

PARK CLOSURE

Nightly Longmire Gate Closures

Regular winter nightly closures of the Longmire gate to Paradise will begin starting October 31. The uphill gate will close each day at 4pm (the downhill gate will close at 5pm). The gate will reopen at 9am the next day if conditions allow. The road may close early or remain closed the entire day due to weather or staffing conditions, as determined by the Winter Road Opening Matrix (choose the "more" link).

INFORMATION

Snow Chain Requirements and Winter Travel

All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park during the winter season (November 1 - May 1). Choose the "more" link for other winter travel tips.

PARK CLOSURE

SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.

There is NO public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles and there is no alternate route.

INFORMATION

Ohanapecosh Campground area closed for construction in 2025.

The entire Ohanapecosh Campground area is CLOSED for the duration of the construction project, including all campsites, visitor center, restrooms, picnic area, & Ohanapecosh river access.

INFORMATION

Expect long lines at entrances on weekends.

Lengthy delays are likely at the southwest park entrance on SR706 on weekends. Check Google Maps for backup (represented by the orange/red line) at link below. Please do not block driveways or roads while in line outside the park.

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Mount Rainier National Park