Mt. Rainier National Park sits in the Pacific Northwest about an hour southwest of Seattle. The mountain dominates the skyline and, on clear days, is visible from the city. The park blends dramatic scenery, regional history and outdoor recreation to create a memorable visit.
Approaching the park, you’ll first encounter a small outpost with a handful of stores and restaurants. This is a convenient place to fuel up, buy supplies or have a meal before driving the roughly one-hour route up to the area known as Paradise.
Entry to the park requires a pass. Single-vehicle passes are generally valid for seven days from the date of purchase, so families traveling together often find the single-car pass — typically priced around $30 — to be the most economical option.
Plan to arrive in the morning with a full tank of gas and time to explore. Much of what you’ll do in the park is self-directed, and your itinerary will often center on the drive to Paradise. Road conditions can change with the seasons: in winter the road may close because of snow, and even in late spring or early summer you can encounter lingering snow on trails and viewpoints.
The drive to Paradise includes numerous scenic pullouts and overlooks where you can stop to admire the views and stretch your legs. The park offers a wide range of hikes suitable for different abilities, including options for families with older children. A nonstop drive to Paradise takes roughly 45 minutes, but pausing at viewpoints and short trailheads is well worth the extra time.
When you arrive at Paradise you’ll be rewarded with expansive views of the mountain and surrounding peaks. Paradise Inn provides dining, a gift shop and interpretive information — a good place to get lunch, warm up, or pick up a souvenir and learn more about the park.
Like all national parks, Mt. Rainier is full of opportunities for discovery and learning. Whether you’re stopping for a short visit or spending the day exploring trails and overlooks, the park is a highly recommended destination when you’re in the area.