Q What time does the park close?

A The gates at Longmire to Paradise close every evening (dusk) and reopen after snow removal in the morning. (Heavy snowfall can delay opening.)

Q What is the normal entrance fee?

A 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. 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.

Q I am on a limited budget, where can I go without having to pay an entrance fee into the national park?

A Chinook Pass, Cayuse Pass, Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, Crystal Mountain, Shriner Peak, East Side Trail, Silver Falls, High Rock Lookout, Mt. Tahoma Trail system and Crystal Lakes.

Q Since animals are restricted inside the park boundaries, where can I take my dog for a walk?

A If "Fido" is on a leash (no longer than 6 feet), the west side road to Round Pass and any portion of the Pacific Crest Trail is open to pets. There are many areas outside of the park where pets are allowed:

Goat Lake Trail and Glacier View from FS Road 59 at Mt. Tahoma Trails;
High Rock Lookout near FR 52;
Forest Service Road trails in the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest such as Sheep Lake just east of Chinook Pass;
Noble Knob, FR 7174;
Sun Top on FR 7160 near Greenwater.

All walking trails within the Crystal Mountain trail system are open to your pets. Sunrise has a pet walking area. Another area outside of the National Park boundary is the Foothills Trail system on the northwest side of the park.

Q How far up the mountain can I drive?

A Sunrise is the highest driveable point (elevation 6,400 ft), but it is not open year round. The highest point from the Nisqually entrance is Paradise, elevation 5400 ft.

Q What are the addresses of Mt. Rainier so I can use a mapping program for driving directions?

A Sunrise: 70002 SR Hwy 410 E Enumclaw, WA 98022;
Longmire or Paradise Use: Ashford, WA 98304

Q Where can I stay in the Park?

A The National Park Inn at Longmire and the Inn at Paradise are the only lodging within the park boundaries. Currently, only the National Park Inn is open. Paradise Inn will reopen in May 2008 and is currently accepting reservations for the summer of 2008. There are many places to stay within only a few miles of the park boundaries.

Q Where is the National Park Inn?

A It is within the park at Longmire, located just inside the Nisqually Entrance.

Q Are cabins available for overnight rental within the National Park?

A No, but there are a variety of cabins near the park boundaries.

Q What will the weather be like?

A Visitors should be aware that mountain weather is very changeable. Be prepared for unseasonable weather at all times of the year.

Q How much snow will there be?

A It depends on when you come. The road crews work hard to keep the road clear. It is required to carry chains for mountain road travel in the winter. August and September are typically snow free.

Q Will I be able to see the mountain?

A It depends on the weather and it changes rapidly on the mountain. The mountain creates its own weather system.

Q Where are the best places to take memorable photos of Mt. Rainier without having to hike or walk long distances?

A A picture perfect photo of Mt. Rainier can be found in the small community of Mineral, where Mineral Lake sits majestically at the base of Mt. Rainier.

As you approach the mountain on Hwy 706, the next opportunity to photograph Mt. Rainier is just past the Nisqually entrance at the Kautz Creek Rest Stop (46 44' 12.00" N, -121 49' 45.90" W; 2588 ft). Continuing up the road toward Paradise, stop at the Longmire Inn, the Nisqually River Bridge Parking Area (46 46' 57.4" N, -121 45' 51.3" W; 3877 ft), the Ricksecker viewpoint (turn off the main road at 46 46' 17.50" N, -121 46' 43.00" W; 3998 ft) and at the several pullouts along the road (two such pullouts are at 46 46' 39.50" N, -121 45' 41.50" W; 4466 ft and 46 47' 0.80" N, -121 44' 59.60" W; 5137 ft). Once arriving at Paradise (46 47' 8.70" N, -121 44' 8.90" W; 5400 ft), the mountain will be in your camera viewfinder where-ever you look.

On the White Pass Scenic Byway, the best view of Mt. Rainier is at the Goat Rocks Viewpoint on the west side of White Pass (46 37' 54.00" N, -121 26' 51.60" W).

On Chinook Pass, the most often photographed area is at Tipsoo Lake at the pass summit. Several angles of the mountain are captured on a variety of short walks and hikes. Sunrise is another often photographed area especially in the early morning. A brisk walk on the slopes at Crystal Mountain or a ski lift ride will provide the premier view of Mt. Rainier from Crystal Mountain. The road from Enumclaw to Sunrise offer two excellent viewpoints of Mt. Rainier, one within the park and the other a short distance from the White River entrance.

Q What clothes should I wear?

A Wear layers and warm clothing. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Flip flops and sandals are not appropriate. A rain jacket is suggested. If you are hiking away from your car, alway carry your 10 Essentials.

Q What are the 10 Essentials?

A Map, compass, extra food, extra clothing, first aid kit, sunglasses, headlamp/flashlight, knife, fire starter, waterproof matches.

Q When can I see Wildflowers?

A July and August are the best months. Find more detailed information on the Wildflowers and Wildlife page.

Q When does the fall color begin and where can you see good fall color?

A Fall colors begin at the highest elevations first. Normally, this occurs in September when the days get shorter and the nights become colder. Fall color displays from the vine maple and huckleberries are dramatic until the snows begin to cover them. On the White Pass Scenic Byway, US Hwy 12, dramatic golden yellow colors are visible later in the season. The Tamarack (or also known as larch) are vivid on the eastern slopes of the White Pass summit in November. For more information, visit the Fall Activities page.

Q Are there Handicap Accessible areas in the National Park?

A Although many of the developed areas at Mount Rainier National Park predate laws requiring fully accessible facilities, we are working to ensure that all visitors can experience and enjoy the park. If you have special needs or situations not explained in the information below, call (360)569-2211 x3314, any day between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to speak to a park ranger. Visit Accessible Areas for more info.

Q Where can I get good cell phone coverage?

A Most major carriers have full coverage at Crystal Mountain, Sunrise and Paradise.