Before you travel, please make sure to visit Mount Rainier’s travel information page for closures and road updates. More info

Plan Your Trip

Whether you and your family are visiting us for one night or two weeks, no matter the season, we aim to ensure that your stay at Paradise Inn or National Park Inn is nothing short of exceptional. Come and experience the majestic splendor of Mt. Rainier in all its glory and take advantage of our special offers and packages.

Parking

Parking is limited and on a first-come-first-served basis. Overnight guest parking requires a parking pass that can be obtained from the front desk on check-in. Please be aware the Paradise Inn shares a parking lot with the Jackson Visitor’s center and the lot tends to be full during the day. The front desk can offer more assistance about where additional parking is located at a further distance away.

*For more information about planning your trip, visit the National Park Service Website.

Things to Do

When you stay amidst the natural splendor at Paradise Inn or National Park Inn, you’ll immediately discover why this is a place to inspire, educate and enjoy. From summer activities like hiking, fishing, guided nature walks, and learning to rock climb to guided snow walks, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding and tubing in the winter, there’s something for everyone to love in Mt. Rainier National Park.

Summer Activities


Camping

Campgrounds are open from late spring through late fall and reservations may be made for the Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds by calling 877-444-6777 or online   Campsites have running water, flush or pit toilets, a table, and fireplace. There are no showers or RV hookups at any campground. A wilderness permit is required for backcountry campsites.

Fishing

Although not stocked, Mt. Rainier waterways are home to brook trout, Dolly Varden trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Guests and visitors taking advantage of our Naturalist Programs at Mt. Rainier should note that the supply of fish is not endless and are asked to use barbless hooks and artificial lures. Licenses are not required for fishing in the park, but Washington State fishing regulations apply.

Hiking and Nature Walks

The captivating nature trails of Mt. Rainier are home to amazing glaciers including Nisqually Glacier, the Carbon Glacier, which is recognized as the largest by volume ice glacier in the continental United States, and the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier by area.

If you feel the need to stretch your legs, Mt. Rainier Park has hiking trails that range in distance from 5 to 100 miles round trip. Or, for those less intrepid souls just looking for breathtaking views, there are shorter self-guided nature walks between .3 to 1.5 miles that give the amateur naturalist sights of the mountain, rivers, streams and heaven-inspired foliage.

For more information on trails, maps, and trail conditions visitors can stop by the Longmire Museum, Longmire Wilderness Information Center, Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise, and Sunrise or Ohanapecosh Visitor Centers. For more information about the Mt. Rainier surroundings, visitors can stop by the Wilderness Information Center at Longmire or the White River Entrance for details, maps, and trail conditions.

Learn more about trails to explore!

Mountain Climbing

It took over half a century before the first documented ascent of the summit was reached in 1890. Since then, this vertical terrain has become the training grounds for many a mountain expedition. Even for the experienced mountaineer, Mt. Rainier holds numerous challenges as weather, snow, and route conditions can change at a moment’s notice. To be safe, always obtain a current weather forecast, proper mountain climbing equipment, and an experienced guide. Be prepared to turn back should conditions worsen. The mountain will still be there for another attempt. If you plan to climb glaciers or the mountain above 10,000 feet, call 360.569.2211 for information.

Winter Activities


Snowshoeing at Mount Rainier

Cross-Country Skiing

Paradise is the hub for classic cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and is a wonderful way to capture the sheer majesty of this mountain park. In this tranquil serenity, the sloshing of your skis in the pure white snow is the only sound you’ll hear as you transverse the hills and in the beauty that is Mt. Rainier National Park.
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Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the Longmire General Store late November through March dependent on snow conditions.

Mount Rainier Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Rentals

Full-Day Rental

Adults Children under 12
Skis $16.00 $15.00
Boots $8.50 $6.50
Poles $12.00 $5.00
Complete Set $30.00 $20.00
Snowshoes $25.00 $11.00

Equipment is available on a first come basis with no advance reservations.

Mount Rainier National Park
National Park Inn General Store
Longmire, WA

Winter Hours

Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm[/show_more]


Guided Snow Walks

Park rangers give guided snowshoe walks on weekends from late December through March. Walks leave from the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise.

For more information, visit the National Park Service Winter Recreation Page.


Snowboarding and Tubing

Mt. Rainier National Park offers the great tradition of snowboarding and tubing. These activities are available at the Paradise Snow Play Area when there is sufficient snow cover to protect the underlying vegetation. Bring your boards and tubes since this type of rental equipment is not offered. Plastic sleds are available for purchase at the Longmire General Store when snow play has been opened at Paradise. NPS Winter Activates Page

Climbing Schools


Mount Rainier National Park is more than a great vacation spot. With vertical elevations that reach beyond 9,000 feet over a distance of eight or more miles, it is a training ground for novice and world-class mountaineers. Naturally, it is also home to various climbing schools and guided climbs.

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc.

As one of the largest mountain guide services and climbing schools in the U.S., they’ve been providing instruction, guided climbs and expeditions since 1969. Rainier Mountaineering guides have accomplished 5,866 successful summit ascents in the last ten years alone. Expert and highly skilled instructors and guides take great pride in helping visitors gain both historical knowledge and practical experience while conquering the rugged face and icy slopes of Rainier.

The thrill of reaching the top of the mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime accomplishment. The guides of Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., can help you meet this challenge.

International Mountain Guides

International Mountain Guides offers a variety of programs for climbing Mount Rainier to suit every schedule and experience level from beginner to expert. They offer over 25 years of experience leading mountain climbing expeditions around the globe, including 1,300+ summits of Mount Rainier. They can provide you with the experience of a lifetime on your climb of Rainier.

Alpine Ascents International

As one of Mount Rainier National Park’s selected guide services, Alpine Ascents International offer guided climbs and educational programs for every skill level. Alpine Ascents has been operating trips in Washington State and around the globe from Mount Everest to Mount Rainier since 1990. Their climbing school is touted as the best in the business and invites you to join their esteemed guides on Rainier or elsewhere. Alpine Ascents also provides transportation from Seattle.