Mount Rainier National Park

National Park · Washington, 🇺🇸 United States

Population 875

Area 948 km²

Time zone America/Los_Angeles

Official website www.nps.gov/mora/

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Featured Lists

Mount_Rainier_summit.jpg / CC BY-SA 3.0

Mount Rainier National Park Essentials

Mount Rainier National Park centers on an active 14,410-foot stratovolcano, the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. This selection highlights the park's diverse ecosystems, from the temperate rainforests of Longmire to the subalpine wildflower meadows of Paradise and the high-elevation volcanic landscapes of Sunrise. Featured sites include historic stone bridges, massive glaciers like Nisqually, and a series of dramatic waterfalls including the 320-foot Comet Falls.

14 places

Walter Siegmund / CC BY 2.5

Iconic Mountain Peaks

This collection highlights the diverse topography of Mount Rainier National Park, featuring the 14,411-foot active stratovolcano and its surrounding summits. The list includes prominent features like Little Tahoma, a remnant of the mountain's ancient structure, and Liberty Cap on the summit dome. It also features lower-elevation peaks and gaps, such as Tolmie Peak and Gobblers Knob, which house historic fire lookouts, and Steamboat Prow, a significant rock cleaver separating the Winthrop and Emmons Glaciers.

11 places

Amritha A. Joseph / CC-BY-SA

Waterfalls, Lakes & Glaciers

Mount Rainier National Park features a diverse hydrological landscape ranging from the massive Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier by surface area in the contiguous United States, to subalpine basins like Tipsoo Lake. This collection highlights prominent waterfalls such as the 320-foot Comet Falls and the stone-bridge-framed Christine Falls. Visitors can observe the active Nisqually Glacier from the Paradise area or see the mountain's peak reflected in the subalpine waters of Reflection Lakes. These features demonstrate the park's transition from ancient ice fields to cascading river systems.

9 places

John Mayer / CC BY 2.0

Best Camping at Mt Rainier

This selection includes the primary drive-in campgrounds and high-altitude backcountry sites within Mount Rainier National Park. It covers established locations like Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh, which provide access to the Paradise and Stevens Canyon areas, alongside rugged climbing refuges like Camp Muir and Camp Schurman. These sites range from vehicle-accessible plots with amenities to remote subalpine shelters along the Wonderland Trail requiring permits and strenuous hiking.

12 places

Purplepumpkins / CC BY-SA 4.0

Scenic Viewpoints

Mount Rainier National Park features a diverse range of vantage points, including historic 1930s fire lookouts like Gobbler’s Knob and Shriner Peak. These locations provide clear views of the Nisqually and Emmons Glaciers, as well as the 180-foot deep slot canyon at Box Canyon. Higher elevations like Panorama Point and Sourdough Gap offer 360-degree perspectives of the Cascade Range, including Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, while lower viewpoints focus on subalpine meadows and glacial moraines.

15 places

John Mayer / CC BY 2.0

Accessible Backcountry Spots

This collection features significant backcountry camps and historic shelters within Mount Rainier National Park. It includes high-altitude refuges like Camp Muir, situated at 10,188 feet, alongside stone structures at Indian Bar and Summerland built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. These sites serve as essential staging points for climbers and hikers on the 93-mile Wonderland Trail, offering access to diverse landscapes ranging from subalpine meadows to the edge of the Carbon Glacier.

6 places