Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park, one of the nation’s earliest national parks, is located about two hours south of Seattle and is home to the highest peak in Washington state. The park features an array of natural wonders, including spectacular valleys and waterfalls, subalpine wildflower meadows, old growth forest, and the largest collection of glaciers on one peak in the contiguous U.S.
Visitors can enjoy over 260 miles of maintained trails, ranging from easy and enjoyable day hikes, to longer, more difficult treks for experienced hikers. Other park activities include bicycling, camping, and climbing – there’s no shortage of exhilarating wilderness experiences to be had.
If you’re coming to Mount Rainier for the first time, you’ll want to enter through the Nisqually Entrance by way of the town of Ashford, and pay attention to any signs noting “scenic vistas” or “scenic loops” – these will be where you’ll get some amazing shots of the mountain.
There are numerous points of interest throughout the park – some can be reached easily, others will require some hiking. Narada Falls is an easy stop off the road up to Paradise – the smaller upper tier of the falls is easily viewable from the parking area, but you’ll need to hike down a short trail to the viewing deck to appreciate the amazing
power of this 241-foot waterfall as it blasts its way down the cliff. Paradise is located 19 miles east of the Nisqually
entrance and offers several easy hikes, including the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, which is wheelchair accessible and includes some views of subalpine meadows and Mt. Rainier.
For more information on visiting Mount Rainier National Park, be sure to visit the National Park Service’s website below. Whether it’s the sheer power of Narada Falls, or the delicate beauty of the mountain wildflowers, there are numerous ways to appreciate the beauty of Mount Rainier and explore this natural wonder.
| Address: | 55210 238th Ave E
Ashford, WA 98304 |
| Phone: | 360-569-2211 |
| Website: | Official Website |
| Hours: | Seasonal: Please See Website for Details |
| Admission: | Entrance Fee: $25 per vehicle |
| Wheelchair Access: | Yes |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes, but not on trails |
Location Map
Photo Gallery
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