Places

If you enjoy historic architecture, a good meal or place to relax than the Paradise Inn is the place for you! Built in 1917, the Paradise Inn is open generally from May through September and features a large dining room and gift shop.

The National Park Inn in Longmire provides year-round food and lodging for visitors exploring Mount Rainier National Park. The inn also has a general store and gift shop.

The historic Sunrise Day Lodge serves visitors from early July to late September. Stop in for a meal or ice cream after a hike. Pick up supplies and gifts in the building’s gift shop.

The historic Chinook Entrance Arch spans the width of the Mather Memorial Parkway (SR 410). The impressive log and stone bridge supports the Pacific Crest Trail, near Tipsoo Lake on the eastern boundary of the park.

The Nisqually Entrance to Paradise stays open year-round and is located six miles east of Ashford, Washington on SR 706. 

The Nisqually Suspension Bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the National Park Service. Originally constructed in 1924 and improved in 1952, this historic bridge continues to reflect the special "NPS rustic" aesthetic by using native wood materials that harmonize with the rugged park landscape.

The SR410 northern entrance arch marks the boundary between Mount Rainier National Park and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

The entrance arch on SR123 welcomes you to the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park.

Shriner Peak Fire Lookout, one of four historic fire lookouts in the park, offers commanding views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valley.

This historic fire lookout is the highest in the park and sits along a rocky ridgeline with views of Mount Rainier.

The Mount Rainier National Park Valor Memorial ensures that the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice while saving the lives of others will never be forgotten.

The Marine Memorial, located along Westside Road, remembers 32 U.S. Marines that died when their plane crashed into the South Tahoma Glacier on December 10, 1946.

Open year-round, Longmire is a gateway to Mount Rainier. Longmire is the first developed area in the park, with many buildings showcasing NPS rustic architecture, and is a National Historic District. Learn about the history of the area and view volcanic mineral springs along the Trail of Shadows, stay overnight and enjoy a meal at the National Park Inn, or explore one the area's hiking trails.

Open year-round, Paradise offers some of the best views of Mount Rainier. Aptly named paradise, this area features extraordinary views of wildflower meadows, wildlife sitings, and historic structures like the Paradise Inn. The park's main visitor center, the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, is located in the upper parking area and is open in the summer and with limited days and hours in the winter.

Explore the Ohanapecosh area and walk amongst the old-growth trees, take in the Ohanapecosh River, and discover new trails. The area also hosts a popular campground.

White River is in the northeast corner of the park. Here you will find an entrance station, wilderness information station, and restroom facilities. Continue west on the White River Road to trailheads, the White River Campground, and Sunrise.

Sitting at 6,400 ft elevation in colorful subalpine meadows that turn bright reds and oranges in fall, Sunrise offers spectacular views of the mountain and glaciers. Sunrise is typically accessible July–mid-October and closed the remainder of the year. The area offers a visitor center with exhibits and a bookstore, ranger-led activities, a day lodge with a gift shop and restaurant, restrooms, and trails. Arrive mid-week or early or late in the day to avoid the crowds.

Tipsoo Lake is a popular summer destination for wildflower viewing and hiking, but can also be very congested with limited parking. It is located on the east side of the park at Chinook Pass.

Located in the remote northwest corner of the park, Carbon River is home to temperate rainforest, Mount Rainier's lowest elevation glacier, and a dynamic river system. Hiking, bicycling, and camping opportunities abound.

Set in a glacial basin surrounded by fragile wildflower meadows, Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park. Accessible during the summer, the lake is a popular destination for hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and wilderness camping.

Christine Falls is a scenic waterfall framed by a historic bridge. It is located between Longmire and Paradise, along the road to Paradise. 

Experience the famous subalpine Paradise Meadows via the Skyline Trail. A network of trails in the area provides options for all abilities.

Inspiration Point is a large pullout and viewpoint on the west end of Stevens Canyon Road. From the very beginning of the park, Inspiration Point has been a popular spot for visitors to pause and take in spectacular views of Mount Rainier.

Klapatche Point is the terminus of Westside Road, with views of the rolling hills on the western border of the park. It is also the location of the North Puyallup Trailhead.

Sunrise Point offers unparalleled views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Range. Sunrise Point is accessible during the summer season along the road to Sunrise.

Reflection Lakes are a popular destination along Stevens Canyon Road for scenic reflections of Mount Rainier, wildflower viewing, and hiking.

Ricksecker Point is a one-way scenic loop drive featuring views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually and Paradise river valleys, and the Tatoosh Range. It is located between Longmire and Paradise.

Pause at Kautz Creek for the first glimpse of Mount Rainier once you enter the park via the Nisqually Entrance. A short walk with wayside exhibits leads to a viewpoint, along with access to longer hiking trails.

Human and natural history come together in the forest and meadows of Longmire along the easy Trail of the Shadows. For a longer hike, climb up Rampart Ridge for views overlooking Longmire, the Nisqually River Valley, and Mount Rainier.

Narada Falls is an impressive waterfall along the road to Paradise. Take the short walk down to the lower view point or stop for a picnic.