Mount Rainier (Tahoma): What you need to know for visiting in 2024!

About MRNP

Mount Rainier, Mount Tahoma, or “the Mountain” is an active stratovolcano who last erupted about 2,200 years ago. She is an icon of Washington state. Mount Rainier National Park is one of the three national parks in Washington state and arguably one of the most popular in the country! It’s also the easiest access for those in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area. Each year, roughly two million visitors come to explore her beauty.

Before I visited the national park, I wasn’t sure what the hype was about. I thought it would be beautiful – but wasn’t sure my visit would live up to the beauty of Zion, the Grand Canyon, or even the North Cascades that I had come to love. It’s easy to see her around western Washington on a clear day, but being up close – is a whole different experience.

As we weaved through winding roads covered with waterfalls and wildflowers, I was captivated by her beauty. Each turn showed a different angle and each time I was absolutely awestruck. I’ve returned multiple times since then and each time I feel a renewed appreciation for her beauty and the surrounding area her presence has helped form.

Visiting the Park

MRNP has multiple sections, but the two most popular are Paradise and Sunrise. Both entrances are about 2.5 hours away from SeaTac Airport. On the way, you’re likely to pass through several small towns where you can stop for gas and snacks. The roads in MRNP are typically narrow and windy. It’s important to pay attention while driving and avoid speeding, as people have swerved off the roads in the past.

Paradise is the southern part of the park and accessed through Ashford or Packwood, WA. It’s typically open year-round and is the only accessible area of the park in the winter. Sunrise is the northeastern part of the park, typically accessed via Enumclaw, WA. Just outside of the park is Crystal Mountain, a popular ski resort. Crystal also boasts a scenic gondola which is open daily starting July 1st and weekends through June.

When traveling from one section to the other, you exit the national park and must go through the entry point again. Historically, lines to get into these areas have been very long – making going between both sections difficult to do in a day. It’s best to spend at least two days in the park, one day for each Paradise and Sunrise.

In order to better manage the flow of traffic, timed entrance reservations are required to access paradise (and longmire) and sunrise in 2024. Starting May 24 through September 2, to enter the park between 0700 – 1500 you must reserve ahead of time. Due to the travel time between these two popular areas, Paradise and Sunrise reservation need to be booked separately. You do not need an additional reservation if you already hold a wilderness permit.

Advanced reservations are always recommended – but if you’re like me and are taking a last minute trip or missed the entry, there are daily reservations available. Each day at 7pm PST, reservations for the following day will be available. All reservations are booked online.

If you’re going to visit a national park or an area controlled by the national park service more than once this year, the America the Beautiful pass will likely be the best option for you. This pass works across the country!

Things to do

There are so many places for hiking and backpacking! It’s important to keep in mind that many trails are not melted enough to complete until the end of July. And no, you cannot visit the top of Rainier. Although only at 14k feet elevation, she holds her ice cap all year round. With year round hazards and unpredictable weather changes, climbing Rainier requires mountaineering experience and a guide.

Backpacking: In order to stay overnight in the park, you must apply for a permit. Dispersed camping is not allowed. If you missed your chance for early access permits, there is daily availability for walk-ups by visiting one of the four rangers stations.

Viewpoints:

• Visitors Centers: Both the Paradise and Sunrise visitors centers have excellent photo ops. These are great options if you’re visiting too early and the trails are snowed in, or you’re unable to hike.
• Hiking: Many of the trails listed below will offer plenty landscape views of Rainier and the surrounding areas. I highly recommend getting on a trail in the national park if you’re physically able! Keep in mind that due to the starting elevation, you’re likely to feel more winded then normal.
• Lake side views: If you’re unable to hike on the trails there are a few options besides the visitors centers. Two of my favorite stops are Tipsoo Lake, just outside of the Sunrise corridor, or Reflection Lake located within the Paradise corridor.

Trails & Hikes: There are plenty of trails in MRNP, however, the list below are some of the most popular- and stunning hikes in the park. You’ll want to make these your priority!

• Skyline Trail (Paradise)
  • 5.5 miles, 8.8 km
  • Known for wildflowers in the summer and snowshoeing/backcountry sports in the winter
• Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls (Paradise)
  • 1 mile, 1.6 km
  • Paved but steep trail to a large waterfall with Mount Rainier as the backdrop
• Carter Falls (Longmire)
  • 2 miles, 3.2 km
• Naches Peak (near Chinook pass)
  • 3.4 miles, 5.5 km
  • Beautiful moderate loop with wildflowers and mountain views
• Mount Fremont Trail (Sunrise)
  • 5.6 miles, 9 km
  • Leads to a fire lookout, which is very popular for sunrise and cloud inversions
• Tolmie Peak Trail (Carbon river and Mowich area)
  • 6.5 miles, 10.5 km
  • A forested trail that passes by a lakePasses by a lake up to a fire outlook with gorgeous views

Mount Rainier is a beloved icon of Washington. In my opinion, it should be the number one destination on your Washington itinerary. From wildflowers, marmots, and snow-capped mountains – you’re bound to be encapsulated by her beauty too.