{"id":99904,"date":"2022-04-01T04:36:33","date_gmt":"2022-04-01T11:36:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/?p=99904"},"modified":"2022-07-07T17:46:12","modified_gmt":"2022-07-08T00:46:12","slug":"things-to-do-at-mount-rainier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-at-mount-rainier\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to Do at Mount Rainier"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Things to Do at Mount Rainier National Park is a 369 square-mile state park in Washington state just southeast of Seattle named after Mount Rainier &#8211; the highest volcanic peak in the Lower 48 United States. Mount Rainier is always snow-capped. If you want to visit a national park with beautiful scenery and snow-capped mountains, Mount Rainier is where you should go.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-at-mount-rainier\/#Mount_Rainier_National_Park_%E2%80%93_Overview\" title=\"Mount Rainier National Park &#8211; Overview\">Mount Rainier National Park &#8211; Overview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-at-mount-rainier\/#Mount_Rainier_Climate\" title=\"Mount Rainier&nbsp;Climate\">Mount Rainier&nbsp;Climate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-at-mount-rainier\/#Things_to_Do_at_Mount_Rainier\" title=\"Things to Do at Mount Rainier\">Things to Do at Mount Rainier<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-at-mount-rainier\/#Things_to_Do_at_Mount_Rainier-2\" title=\"Things to Do at Mount Rainier\">Things to Do at Mount Rainier<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-at-mount-rainier\/#FAQs\" title=\"FAQs\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mount_Rainier_National_Park_%E2%80%93_Overview\"><\/span>Mount Rainier National Park &#8211; Overview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mount Rainier is both the tallest mountain in Washington and the tallest mountain in the Cascade Mountain Range. Mount Rainier is iconic, so it\u2019s no surprise that the national park system immediately recognized <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/mora\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\">Mount Rainier National Park<\/a> when the National Park Service was established in 1917.<\/p>\n<p>Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round. Because Mount Rainier National Park is made up of glaciers, the peak time to visit is in July and August, when it is warm, dry, and full of wildflower blossoms.<\/p>\n<p>There are eight different visitor centers and informational centers you can visit within Mount Rainier National Park.<\/p>\n<p>To navigate to Mount Rainier National Park, you will need to use the following address:<\/p>\n<p>39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Mount_Rainier_Climate\"><\/span>Mount Rainier&nbsp;Climate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>According to the K\u00f6ppen climate classification system, the climate of Mount Rainier National Park is Mediterranean-influenced humid continental climate (Dsb) or subarctic climate (Dsc). To put it simply, this means that it is cold and often wet in Mount Rainier National Park.<\/p>\n<p>Elevation plays a major role in the weather Mount Rainier National Park experiences. The higher elevations will always stay colder and see more snow than the lower elevations. The base of the glaciers can be seen with full-bloom wildflowers in the late summer months, even while there is snow actively falling on the 14,000-foot peak of Mount Rainier.<\/p>\n<p>While Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round, the busiest times in the park are during the summer months, especially July and August. During these months, the high temperatures are still cool, with an average high temperature that may not even reach 70 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/p>\n<p>Because the park gets an influx of visitors during these two months, the park can quickly become congested. To make the most of your time visiting Mount Rainier, we suggest arriving before 10:00 AM or after 2:30 PM and visiting on weekdays instead of weekends.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_Do_at_Mount_Rainier\"><\/span>Things to Do at Mount Rainier<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_99902\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-99902\" style=\"width: 1190px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-99902 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mount-Rainier.jpg\" alt=\"Things to Do at Mount Rainier\" width=\"1200\" height=\"627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mount-Rainier.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mount-Rainier-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mount-Rainier-1000x523.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Mount-Rainier-768x401.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-99902\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Things to Do at Mount Rainier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Don\u2019t worry! Mount Rainier isn\u2019t one of those parks you can only visit during the summer. Whether you want to visit Mount Rainier in the winter or the summer, we\u2019ve got you covered.<\/p>\n<h3>Myrtle Falls<\/h3>\n<p>Myrtle Falls is in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. Myrtle Falls is a 72-foot tall waterfall that sits in front of the iconic Mount Rainier in the background.<\/p>\n<p>To get to Myrtle Falls, you will take the paved road towards the Skyline Trail or Golden Gate Trail. Myrtle Falls will only be 0.4 miles down this path. During the summer or dry months, when there is no snow or heavy rainfall, you can walk down to the falls and get a picture of the falls with Mount Rainier in the backdrop<\/p>\n<h3>Reflection Lake<\/h3>\n<p>You have likely seen Reflection Lake in a postcard or stock image and didn\u2019t realize it. On a clear and calm day, Mount Rainier perfectly reflects in Reflection Lake. This is a great spot to stop and get another iconic photo of Mount Rainier. Boating and fishing are not allowed in Reflection Lake.<\/p>\n<p>Reflection Lake is on Stevens Road, which you can travel in the summer between June and September. If you plan to hike around Reflection Lake, you must stay on the trails at all times, especially during the summer months when new flora is growing.<\/p>\n<p>There are several hiking trails around Reflection Lake. The Lakes Trail is a three-mile loop trail with a trailhead accessible from both ends of the parking lot at Reflection Lake. You can access the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park by taking the Lakes Trail to get to Paradise Valley, Mazama Ridge, and the Skyline Trail.<\/p>\n<h3>Narada Falls<\/h3>\n<p>Another waterfall to add to your list is Narada Falls.<\/p>\n<p>Narada Falls is on the road that leads from the Longmire area to the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. It is one mile west of the Paradise entrance.<\/p>\n<p>Narada Falls is 176 feet tall and broken up into two parts. The first part of Narada Falls is a horsetail waterfall that drops 159 feet. The second part of Narada Falls is the 17-foot waterfall that ends in a plunge pool below.<\/p>\n<p>You will have to walk a short distance to see the waterfall. It is a 0.2-mile walk down a slippery path that is often not accessible until the snow has melted in late May.<\/p>\n<h3>Sunrise Point<\/h3>\n<p>You don\u2019t have to hike Mount Rainier National Park to enjoy a scenic view. At Sunrise Point, you can view the two tallest peaks in Mount Rainier National Park &#8211; Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.<\/p>\n<p>Sunrise Point is along Sunrise Park Road. There is a hairpin turn right before you arrive in the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier National Park, where you can pull off into the parking area and get out of your car to snap the perfect picture.<\/p>\n<h3>Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding<\/h3>\n<p>The best area of Mount Rainier to go backcountry skiing and snowboarding is in the Paradise area. You will park at the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center in Paradise and hike up more than 10,000 feet to Camp Muir. You will ski down from Camp Muir to Panorama Point and then back to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center parking area.<\/p>\n<p>Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are recommended for those more experienced skiers who prefer a more primitive experience.<\/p>\n<h3>The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for an easy, family-friendly hike, look no further than The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail. This trail is on the east side of Mount Rainier on the Stevens Canyon entrance of the park. The parking lot of the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail can only accommodate about 25 cars, so it gets filled up quickly in the summer months. We recommend getting here early in the morning to avoid the summer congestion.<\/p>\n<p>On this trail, you will cross over a suspension bridge hanging over the Ohanapecosh River for nearly 0.5 of a mile. You can only cross this bridge in a single-file line, one person at a time. Upon exiting the bridge, you will arrive on the island, where you will go through some smaller trees until you reach a fork in the road. This road is a loop, and you can go either way.<\/p>\n<p>This unique and undisturbed area in Mount Rainier National Park is truly unique. There are signs identifying the flora and fauna that inhabit the area. The trees on this island are protected by the numerous wildfires that plague the area, allowing the trees to grow for centuries. Some of these giant trees can reach more than 25 feet in circumference and tower hundreds of feet in the air.<\/p>\n<p>Take your time when walking <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/places\/grove-of-the-patriarchs-trailhead.htm\" target=\"_blank\">The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail<\/a>. Block out enough time on your day to truly take in the natural beauty and age of the trees around you.<\/p>\n<p>While this trail is easy to walk, strollers cannot navigate the roots and narrow width of the suspension bridge. So, if you have young children, make sure they are old enough to safely walk alongside you on the trail.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_99900\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-99900\" style=\"width: 990px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-99900 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Ohanapecosh-River.jpg\" alt=\"Things to Do at Mount Rainier Ohanapecosh River\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Ohanapecosh-River.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Ohanapecosh-River-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Ohanapecosh-River-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-99900\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Things to Do at Mount Rainier Ohanapecosh River<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Things_to_Do_at_Mount_Rainier-2\"><\/span>Things to Do at Mount Rainier<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Mount Rainier is the ideal area to visit if you want to view iconic scenery and landmarks. While it can be cold in the winter months, you can still enjoy many hiking trails and roads that aren\u2019t snow-covered. Mount Rainier is most popular in the summer in July and August, but you can enjoy it year-round if you know what to do and where to go at Mount Rainier.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3>How Much Time Do You Need at Mount Rainier?<\/h3>\n<p>There are many landmarks to see, including the mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls, so we recommend taking three days to truly soak up the area and not rush your experience throughout the park. Of course, you can always spend just a day or two in the park and still see the major landmarks. With three days, you have enough time to enjoy the park without feeling rushed.<\/p>\n<h3>Do Roads Close at Mount Rainier in the Winter?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. When there is heavy snowfall during the winter months, the roads throughout Mount Rainier National Park may become closed for travelers. There is a tire chain requirement during the winter and spring months between November 1 and May 1. During this time, all vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles, must have chains on their tires, regardless of weather or road conditions.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/mount-rainier-camping\/\">Mount Rainier Camping<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-crater-lake\/\">Best Time to Visit Crater Lake<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-crater-lake-hikes\/\">The Best Crater Lake Hikes<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/yosemite-hiking-trails\/\">Yosemite Hiking Trails<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-yosemite\/\">Best Time to Visit Yosemite<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-at-mammoth-cave\/\">Things to Do at Mammoth Cave<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-sequoia-national-park\/\">Best Time to Visit Sequoia National Park<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-death-valley\/\">Best Time to Visit Death Valley<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-acadia-national-park\/\">Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-time-to-visit-seattle\/\">Best Time to Visit Seattle<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/north-cascades-camping\/\">North Cascades Camping<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/best-hikes-in-north-cascades-national-park\/\">Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park<\/a><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-in-north-cascades-national-park\/\">11 Things To Do In North Cascades National Park<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Things to Do at Mount Rainier National Park is a 369 square-mile state park in Washington state just southeast of Seattle named after Mount Rainier &#8211; the highest volcanic peak in the Lower 48 United States. Mount Rainier is always &#8230; <a title=\"Things to Do at Mount Rainier\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/things-to-do-at-mount-rainier\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Things to Do at Mount Rainier\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":99905,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[177],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99904"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=99904"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/99904\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/99905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=99904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=99904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aswetravel.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=99904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}