Good to know
- Tickets
- Charges an entry fee per vehicle, covered by the America the Beautiful pass. Check nps.gov for current rates.
- Time needed
- One full day for Paradise or Sunrise; two days to see both.
- Best time
- Late July to August for wildflowers. Sunrise Road and many high trails are open only from about July to early October.
- Getting there
- Ashford is about 10 minutes from the Nisqually entrance. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is about 2 hours by car.
Where to stay nearby
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Mount Rainier National Park questions
Do I need a reservation for Mount Rainier in 2026?
No. The park is not using timed entry in 2026. Just pay the entry fee and arrive early on weekends.
What is the best hike at Mount Rainier?
The Skyline Trail loop at Paradise, about 5.5 miles, has glacier and meadow views. Sunrise's Mount Fremont Lookout is a good choice too.
Is Mount Rainier open in winter?
Only the road from Nisqually to Paradise stays open, and it may close in storms. Drivers must carry tire chains.