| Visiting Mount Rainier National Park |
| Part 1: The Mountain |
On clear days, Mount Rainier dominates the Seattle-Tacoma skyline, towering over the metropolis in breathtaking beauty. "The Mountain", as it's known by natives, draws your eyes like a magnet. It also draws over two million visitors each year. Mount Rainier and the surrounding foothills were designated as a national park in 1899.
A View of Mount Rainier from Tacoma
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The roads and highways surrounding Mount Rainier National Park do not combine to form a single loop. Therefore, visitors must choose from one of four different park entrances. Each entrance leads to a different series of unique activities and mountain views. Most enter from the Nisqually entrance at the southwest corner of the park. The other gateways include Ohanapecosh in the southeast corner, White River at the northeast, and Carbon River in the northwest.
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Climbing
Over 10,000 people attempt to climb
to Mount Rainier's 14,410-foot summit each year. Any climber who wishes to go
higher than 10,000 feet must register
and obtain a permit. Professional guide services are available to train, outfit,
and lead aspiring Mount Rainier climbers.
- Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.
- Alpine Ascents International
- American Alpine Institute
- Cascade Alpine Guides
- Mount Rainier Alpine Guides
Wonderland
Trail
This 93-mile trail loops around Mount Rainier, offering backpackers spectacular
views of the mountain's many faces. Trekkers will be exposed to a range of landscape
zones, from alpine meadows to lowland forests to pristine rivers and streams.
Hiking the full length of the Wonderland Trail is often considered a greater
challenge that summiting Mount Rainier. With a cumulative altitude change of
over 20,000 feet, hikers are advised to break their days into 7-10 mile chunks,
taking a total of 10-14 days. Registration and permits
are required.
Park Transportation
and Tours
The following companies provide transportation and/or tours to Mount Rainier
National Park.
- Ashford Mountain Center Shuttle (360-569-2604)
- Gray Line of Seattle (800-426-7505)
- Rainier Shuttle (360-569-2331)
Other Things to Know
- Parks entrance fees are required.
- Campsite reservations for the Cougar Rock Campground or the Ohanapecosh Campground can be made through National Park Service Campground and Tour Reservation web site.
- Pets in the park are discouraged, and are allowed in very few areas.
- Wheelchair-accessible lodging, camping, trails, and visitor centers are available.
- Bicycles are not permitted on any trails in the park.
Next page > The Nisqually Entrance > Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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