Tacoma, WA

This past weekend my other half and I decided that it was time to take our youngest son who is 1 years old to his first trip up to Mount Rainier National Park. Once we arrived at the park, we first stopped at Narada Falls where we sat and enjoyed a wonderful picnic lunch, while getting the chance to see some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Washington State. After lunch we continued up the mountain stopping at the many viewing areas along the way. Finally by mid day we made it to the top at Paradise. There we were able to go inside the great Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitors Center. From there we got to see all the peeks around Mount Rainier as well as learn some history of the area. Our oldest son really enjoyed the stuffed mammals they had to view, that live in the area. I enjoyed the waterfalls the best, and always look forward to seeing them. Not only was it my 1 year olds first time there, but my other half had never been to Mount Rainier. His favorite part about the trip was being able to go on the many trials that line the park. We have already made plans to go back up there later in the summer so that we can stay in one of the cabin resorts that are also in the area.

Up at Mount Rainier they offer the chance to learn about glaciers. Discover life in a rainforest. Hike the Wonderland Trail. Explore sub alpine ecology. Watch clouds shroud the mountain and disappear. Visit a rustic historic building. Dream about climbing to the summit. Study geology. Experience a mountain meadow. Listen to a glacier crack. Observe the wildlife…and wonder.

Mount Rainier National Park is open all year. Visitation is at its peak in July and August, when the sun warms the earth enticing mountain meadows to blossom. Parking is limited in many areas of the park especially on busy summer weekends and holidays. If you are planning a summer trip to Mount Rainier, consider visiting mid-week, which is generally less crowded.

In spring, with ephemeral waterfalls and autumn, with brilliant colors reaching deep into the valleys, visitors can enjoy a more leisurely vacation in the park. During these seasons, weather may determine the availability of facilities in certain areas of the park. Before making any plans check the current status of roads, campgrounds, trails and activities.

Vehicle access to Mount Rainier in the winter is only available from the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park on the way to Paradise. The Carbon River Entrance is open but the road within the park boundary is limited to foot and bicycle traffic.

VISITOR CENTER
DATES and Hours of Operation
Call the park at 1-360-569-2211 to confirm road and facility status or check the website for current information.
Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise: Snack bar, grill, & gift shop
(360)569-6036 May 3 - June 6
10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily

June 7 - Sept. 28
10:00 am - 7:00 pm daily
Longmire Museum
(360)569-2211 ext. 3314 May 3 - September
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
(360)569-6046
Generally open: late May through early October June 13 - October 13
9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
Sunrise Visitor Center
(360)663-2425
Generally open: July through early September July 3-September 7
10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sun - Wed
10:00 am - 6:00 pm Thurs - Sat

Fees:

Entrance Fee
The entrance fee is $15 for a private, noncommercial vehicle or $5 for each visitor 16 and older entering by motorcycle, bicycle, horseback, on foot, or for individuals traveling together as a non-commercial, organized group. These fees provide the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit for Mount Rainier National Park.
Commercial Tour Fees
These fees are only charged to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. This fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle:
Sedan with 1 to 6 seats = $25
Van with 7 to 15 seats = $75
Minibus with 16 to 25 seats = $100
Motor coach with 26 or more seats = $200

Mount Rainier Annual Pass
The $30 annual park pass covers entrance fees for the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Mount Rainier National Park, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and Whitman Mission National Historic Site. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable. This pass can be purchased at any entrance to Mount Rainier. Use this order form (PDF, 269 KB) to purchase a Mount Rainier Annual Pass by phone, by mail, or by fax.
If you are looking for information for Special Use Permits I would suggest that you go to the following website, which will help you with that information, as well as give you more info on the Mountain and the Park. http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

Directions:

By Car -

Always check the road status page before planning a trip to the park. Unexpected road closures may occur at any time due to the dynamic nature of Mount Rainier.
Year round access to the park is via state route 706 to the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park. Limited winter access is available via highway 123 in the southeast corner of the park. The Carbon River/Mowich Lake area, in the northwest corner of the park, is accessed via state route 165 through Wilkeson. In summer only, the north and east sides of the park can be accessed using highway 410.
During the summer of 2007, the northern part of SR 123 just south of Cayuse pass to Stevens Canyon road will be closed. The directions below reflect necessary travel routes due to the closure.

To reach the Southwest Corner of the Park from Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, or Portland:
The Nisqually entrance, located in the southwest corner of the park, provides the most direct access to Longmire and Paradise. This entrance is open year-round.

From Seattle -

South on I-5 to SR 512 (exit 127). East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance.

From Tacoma -

East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance.

From Yakima -

Follow these directions to travel from Yakima to Paradise/Longmire. Stevens Canyon Road in the park will be open with a brief one lane section through a damaged area:
West on US 12 to SR 123. North on SR 123 to the Stevens Canyon Entrance. Follow Stevens Canyon Road west to Paradise and Longmire. In winter: West on US 12 to SR 7 in Morton. North on SR 7 to Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance and Longmire/Paradise.

From Portland -

North on I-5 to US 12 (exit 68). East on US 12 to SR 7 in Morton. North on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 to the Nisqually Entrance.
To reach the East Side of the Park from Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, or Portland:
In the summer, travelers coming from east of the Cascades can enter the park using Chinook Pass (SR 410) and Cayuse Pass (SRs 123 & 410) or via I-90 and US 12. In winter, however, SR 123 and SR 410 are closed. For winter access to the east side of the park, visitors must use I-90 and US 12.

From Seattle -

To White River/Sunrise: South on I-5 to I 405 (exit 156). East on I 405 to SR 167. South on SR 167 to SR 410. East on SR 410 to the White River Entrance.
To Ohanapecosh: During the summer of 2007, continue south from White River on 410 east to US 12. Turn right on US 12 and travel west to SR 123. Turn right on SR 123 and travel north. Follow signs into park and Ohanapecosh. This route is open summer only.

From Tacoma -

To White River/Sunrise: East on SR 512 to SR 167. North on SR 167 to SR 410. East on SR 410 to the White River Entrance and Sunrise.
To Ohanapecosh: South on IS 5 to US 12 (exit 68). East on US 12 through Morton, Randle, and Packwood to SR 123 north. Follow SR 123 north into Mount Rainier National Park and the Ohanapecosh area.

From Yakima -

To White River/Sunrise: West on US 12 to SR 410. West on SR 410 over Chinook and Cayuse Passes to the White River Entrance.
To Ohanapecosh: During summer of 2007, travel east on US 12 to SR 123. Turn right on 123 and travel north into Mount Rainier National Park. Follow the signs to Ohanapecosh. This route is open only in the summer and early fall.

From Portland -

To White River/Sunrise: North on I-5 to SR 167 (exit 135) in Tacoma. Travel east on 167 to SR 410. Travel east on SR 410 to Mount Rainier National Park and White River/Sunrise area.
To Ohanapecosh: North on I-5 to US 12 (exit 68). East on US 12 to SR 123. North on SR 123 to Mount Rainier National Park and the Ohanapecosh area.

By Plane -

Three airports, served by major airlines, are located near Mount Rainier National Park:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located in Seattle, Washington. The one-way distance from the Seattle to the town of Ashford, located just outside the Nisqually entrance in the southwest corner of the park, is 85 miles.

Yakima Air Terminal is located in Yakima, Washington. The one-way distance from the Yakima to town of Ashford, located just outside the Nisqually entrance in the southwest corner of the park, is 115 miles.

Portland International Airport is located in Portland, Oregon. The one-way distance from the Portland to town of Ashford, located just outside the Nisqually entrance in the southwest corner of the park, is 168 miles.

Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to or in Mount Rainier National Park.
From May 1 to September 30, Gray Line Tours offers daily trips from Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park. For more information, call Gray Line Tours at (800)426-7532 or visit the Gray Line Tours web site.

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I believe that everyone should get the chance to see Mount Rainier up close, and for those that live in Washington it should be a must. Remember not many people have such beautiful sights in their state. She stands over our state like our protector.