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Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
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Description: The enormous, active, volcanic cone of Mount Rainier (14,410 feet) is the centerpiece of this national park. Glaciers flow down the slopes of the mountain, whose annual melt feeds rivers and lakes at the bottom. The edges of the park, particularly the northern corners, contain dense, old-growth rainforest, home to such threatened species as the spotted owl. During the summer months, subalpine meadows bloom bright with fields of wildflowers.
Although nearly all the facilities in the park are accessible, the majority of the lands (216,855 acres) are designated wilderness and thus roadless, requiring you to leave your car and hike, snowshoe, ski, or climb to experience the backcountry. Backcountry camping is permitted, including camping and hiking off-trail, and camping up on the glaciers. Alpine campers are asked to be extremely cautious around the rare islands of alpine vegetation. For the less adventurous, there are several self-guided nature trails and maintained loop hikes under 7 miles. Six developed campgrounds contain nearly 600 campsites, including several group areas, and tent-only campgrounds. Bikes are allowed on roads only. Fishing for brook trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout is fair, although lakes are not stocked, and so populations may be sparse. Canoeing is permitted on most lakes. Three visitor centers, in historic log buildings built in the 1920`s and 1930`s, offer exhibits, interpretive programs, maps, books, permits, and any other information you may need.
Location: From Tacoma, go about 35 miles south on WA 7, then about 18 miles east on WA 706. WA 706 is open year around; other acess routes, like WA 123 are closed during winter months.
Address: Mount Rainier National Park
Tahoma Woods, Star Route
Ashford, WA 98304 |
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Phone: 360-569-2211 |
Season: year round; limited access in winter |
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Fee: entrance fee + concession fees (camping) |
Reservations: for camping, call 1-800-365-CAMP; backcountry sites can be reserved too
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Activities
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Biking
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Fishing |
Picnicking
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| Boating (Motorized) |
Hiking/Backpacking
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Scenic Driving
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| Boating (Non-motorized) |
Horseback Riding |
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| Boating (WW) |
Hunting |
Water Sports |
| Camping |
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Wildlife Viewing |
| Caving |
Off Highway Vehicles
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Winter Sports
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| Climbing
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Services and Facilities
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Visitor Center
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Group Campgnd
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RV Sites
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Exhibits |
Campgnd, Primitive
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Electric Hookup
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Interpretive Programs
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Drinking Water
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Dump Station
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Cultural-Historic Sites
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Restrooms
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Boat Ramp
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Campgnd, Developed
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Showers
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Marina |
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| Rental Cabins |
Notes: Permits are required for climbers attempting to summit Mount Rainier. Permits cost $15 for a single trip, or $25 for an annual pass, which covers the cost of flying 6 tons of feces off the mountain annually. Please pack all human and other waste off the mountain in the blue bags provided for this purpose. Free permits are required for camping in the backcountry.
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