Return to Paradise
Peak Wildflowers | Hiking Overview | Climbing Rainier | Animal Encounters | Ranger-Guided
© 2008 Deby Dixon
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Handpainted Lampshade
© 2008 Deby Dixon
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© Tacoma Regional CVB
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Mount Rainier National Park's Landmark Lodge Will Resume Operation In May 2008.
Guest Services, Inc., 
the operator of concessions in Mount Rainier National Park, has begun taking reservations for Paradise Inn for the upcoming season, starting with May 16. Updates for the opening are available at www.VisitRainier.com -- the comprehensive visitor website for Mt. Rainier region. Designated a National Historic Landmark, Paradise Inn has been closed since October, 2005 for an extensive rehabilitation that called for, in most part, structural and seismic upgrades. Paradise Inn first opened its doors on July 1, 1917, with architecture characteristic of the early 1900s National Park style fitting into its natural setting and rustic with the use of massive timbers and glacier boulders. According to the National Park Service, improvements include earthquake retrofitting, the stabilization of the foundation, rebuilding the three grand chimneys and hearths in the main lobby and dining hall, and upgrading guest rooms to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
In commenting on the project, Ellen Gage, the Park's Historical Architect, noted that if visitors comment that they cannot see what was accomplished with the restoration, the project would be considered a success in retaining the historical charm and significance of the structure for future generations to enjoy as they have for the past near 100 years.
Paradise Inn, the signature property for the Mt. Rainier region, is the longtime launching spot for climbers attempting to summit the mountain, as well as visitors from around the world wishing to experience the splendor of the Northwest's most beloved natural icon. Abundant in scenery and outdoor adventure, the Mt. Rainier region also boasts upscale vacation homes, cozy cabins, spa retreats, inns and lodges, as well as a resort. For Paradise Inn reservations, please call 360.569.2275.
Dining
Paradise Inn will have a snack bar as well as a dining room. The popular Sunday Brunch will begin service on Memorial Day weekend and continue through October 5, 2008.
The newly constructed visitor center will replace the outdated, existing Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, which will be torn down to allow for more parking areas. The new center is expected to open in late summer or early fall. The new center will meet accessibility needs, and operate more efficiently. It will also be compatible with the park's National Historic Landmark District. The new visitor center will have exhibits where you can learn the geology of the area and the plants and animals of Mt. Rainier. It will have a book/gift store, food service, and restrooms.
Paradise itself was named by Mrs. Elcaine Longmire, who exclaimed on her first visit to the area in 1885... "oh, it looks just like paradise." Paradise already had an equally appropriate Chinook name, "Saghalie Illahe" meaning "land of peace." Years ago the area near Paradise was much more developed than it is today. A laundry, ice cream plant and the Rainier Park Boat Company had commercial interests on the mountain. In 1935 there were 275 cabins and a golf course as well as a horse rental company, guide house, photo shop and a boys camp. There were rope tows and lifts that were put up in winter and taken down in the fall. Events, carnivals and motorcycle climbing contests were held on the flower fields of Paradise. In 1973, the last of the commercial endeavors ended with the elimination of the rope tows.
Record Snowfall levels
- Maximum annual snowfall was 1,122 inches between July 1, 1971 and July 1, 1972 (annual measurements are taken from July to July)
- There was over 1000 inches of snow two years in a row in 1970 and 1971
- Maximum snowpack was 357 inches in March 1955
- Minumum annual snowfall was 313 inches from 1940 - 1941
Does the snow at Paradise ever melt?
Although Paradise is the snowiest place on Earth where snowfall is measured regularly, it does enjoy a brief but glorious snow-free season. In most years, the area is snow-free from about mid-July through late September. October snowfall usually melts in between storms. The ground is usually completely snow covered for the winter by Thanksgiving.
The "peak" bloom for wildflowers is heavily dependent on weather and precipitation patterns, so accurate predictions are difficult. However, by mid-July, many flowers will be blooming, and by the first of August the meadows should be very impressive. Frost can occur by late August, but even after light frosts the meadows continue to be very beautiful, thanks to changing leaf colors and seed pod development that take the place of colorful blossoms.
In size, the Paradise meadows are about 960 acres and extend from 5400' to 7400' elevation. The meadow is within the subalpine parkland zone with a small portion above the treeline.
There are 16 trail networks in the Paradise Meadows. The lower trails are asphalt surfaced to minimize impact on the sensitive areas. The most popular trails are the 1.2 mile Nisqually Vista self-guided trail and the 2.5 mile Skyline trail to Panorama Point which takes about three hours and gains 1,050 feet in elevation. Flower lovers will enjoy the Alta Vista trail, a 1.5 mile paved walk through the Alpine Meadows. Longer more strenuous trails include Paradise Glacier, Lakes Trail, and the first leg of the well known climb is a destination called Camp Muir.
A fun, one way trail called the Paradise River trail starts at Paradise and descends to Longmire. Be sure to have a vehicle awaiting your return trip to Paradise. You will see waterfalls and much more on your descent.
One of the best views of the mountain can be seen from Pinnacle Peak Saddle. It can be accessed via a 1.5 mile hike from the trail which begins at the road across from Reflection Lake.
The Wonderland trail intersects Paradise Camp area near Reflection Lake. It is one of the last legs of the trip and drops into the Paradise River area, for a welcome 3 1/2 mile easy trip downhill.
Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. Each year thousands of people successfully climb this 14,410 foot active volcano. It is essential to gather information on weather, route conditions, avalanche information, climbing permits & fees, regulations, guide services, and other things you need to know before you climb. If you would like more information, contact Mount Rainier climbing rangers at (360) 569-6009.
Mount Rainier National Park is home to approximately 54 species of mammals, 126 species of birds and 17 species of amphibians and reptiles.
The grayish animal with the pointy nose is called a red fox, or sometimes called a 'silver phase' red fox, referring to the charcoal coloring in its fur. The gray and black fur mixed with the redder fur is normal for the red fox population here, and the coloration doesn't change from season to season.
The chunky animal that we see along the trails and in the rocky areas that is shaped sort of like a beaver is a hoary marmot, one of the meadow residents that's easy to see during the summer months. Marmots generally like to stay in the subalpine meadows rather than the lower forests, and they hibernate in the winter.
Squirrels, chipmunks and gray jays frequent the parking areas. Black bears and mountain lions do live in the park but are not common. While you are encouraged to enjoy wildlife sightings, you should be aware that feeding the animals is dangerous and unhealthy for the animals. Feeding an animal in the park carries a $100 fine.
During the winter season, snowshoe hikes are led by park rangers at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. and meet at Longmire at the National Park Inn. During the summer months, rangers lead a variety of flora and fauna talks and walks around the Paradise area. Information can be found at the visitor center during the summer season.
