Are you contemplating your summer itinerary? We warmly invite you to include the majestic Mount Rainier as a cornerstone of your travels. Renowned for its dazzling wildflower meadows—home to vibrant subalpine foliage that transforms into a stunning palette of reds—Mount Rainier offers a visual feast that's especially enchanting during the summer months.
This is the time when the weather typically gifts us with its most stable patterns, just before the changing season. Visitors can expect fewer crowds, allowing for a serene communion with nature that's increasingly rare in today's bustling world.
At the heart of the park stands the awe-inspiring 14,410-foot stratovolcano, wrapped in a blanket of pristine snow even as the valley blooms beneath it. The sight is nothing short of miraculous, and summer provides the perfect backdrop to truly appreciate its splendor.
With 28 major glaciers adorning its flanks, Mount Rainier claims the title of the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. And while Mount Rainier is indeed an active volcano, rest assured that any volcanic activity would be preceded by ample warnings. However, we do advise our guests to remain vigilant regarding lahars—potentially hazardous mudflows that can occur with little notice.
Mount Rainier National Park is not just a hub of natural wonders but also a land steeped in rich cultural heritage. The park lands are ancestral homes to several Indigenous tribes, including the Cowlitz, Muckleshoot, Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, Yakama, and Coast Salish peoples. We continually engage with these communities to ensure their perspectives are respected and integrated into our stewardship of the park.
 For your visit, consider the Paradise and Sunrise Corridors—both are at their prime from early May through September. Reservations are highly recommended during this peak season to ensure a seamless experience. Keep in mind, summer attracts the majority of the park's yearly visitors, which can impact not only the experience but the delicate ecosystem of the park. In previous years, visitors have waited up to three hours for entry, and heavy foot traffic has led to trail erosion and meadow damage which can take years to restore.
For a smooth park visit, please plan ahead. A park entrance fee is required: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per individual arriving on foot or bicycle. Passes are obtainable through recreation.gov.
Join us this summer for an encounter with the sublime. Here at Mount Rainier National Park, the adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you.