Location Information Operating Hours News Programs/Activities Reservations Visitation Trails/Roads Food/Concessions Accessibility Other Attractions Additional Info. Lodging Info. Local Weather

Visitation

Visitor Impacts

Annual visitation exceeds 2 million visitors, with the majority of visitors coming to the park during the months of May through October. During this peak period, the best time to visit the park is Monday through Friday, to avoid large crowds which arrive early on sunny summer weekends. Parking lots at the most popular areas such as Paradise and Sunrise, are generally full before noon on weekend days.

Most park roads are closed from October/November until late May due to snowfall accumulations. Temporary closure of the Nisqually to Paradise Road (SW entrance), which is open year-round, may occur when heavy snowfall occurs and avalanche conditions become dangerous. In winter, vehicles should be equipped with all-season tires, and carry tire chains.

Visitor Center

Longmire Museum - open year-round
Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center - Paradise - open daily mid-April into October (weekends and holiday periods only October-April)
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center - open late May into October
Sunrise Visitor Center - open late June into September

Basic Visits

Approximately eight hours is recommended to make the entire loop through Mount Rainier with brief stops at various visitor activity areas en route.

Climate

At 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is often said to create its own weather. It reaches into the atmosphere and interrupts the flow of moist maritime air masses from the Pacific Ocean. This results in great amounts of rain and snowfall. The heaviest precipitation occur between October and early May. During the winter of 1971-1972, 1,122 inches of snow fell at the Paradise weather station on Mount Rainier (5,400 foot elevation), which was a world record. Average summer temperatures can range from the upper 30's to mid-70's.
Warm clothing, and sturdy footwear are recommended.