Mount Rainier National Park Map

Mount Rainier Maps just free maps, period.

Mount Rainier National Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover. Located in Washington State, this park spans over 236,000 acres and is home to the highest peak in the state, Mount Rainier. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure, it’s no wonder why millions of visitors flock to this park each year.

Top Attractions

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Mount Rainier National Park. Some of the top attractions include:

Paradise: This area of the park is known for its wildflower meadows and stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Longmire: Visit the historic Longmire Museum to learn about the park’s history and explore the surrounding trails and hot springs.
Sunrise: This area of the park offers some of the best views of Mount Rainier and is a popular spot for hiking and wildlife watching.
Ohanapecosh: This area is known for its ancient forests and stunning waterfalls.

Hidden Gems

While the top attractions in Mount Rainier National Park are certainly worth a visit, there are also plenty of hidden gems to discover. Some of these include:

Grove of the Patriarchs: This short hike takes you through an ancient forest filled with some of the largest trees in the park.
Narada Falls: This stunning waterfall is often overlooked in favor of other, more popular falls in the park.
Camp Muir: For experienced hikers, this strenuous hike offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains.
Carbon River: This area of the park is home to some of the best wildlife watching opportunities.

Food Scene

While there are no restaurants within the park itself, there are plenty of nearby towns and cities that offer a variety of dining options. Some of the best places to eat near Mount Rainier National Park include:

Wildberry Restaurant (Ashford): This farm-to-table restaurant offers locally-sourced ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
Copper Creek Inn (Ashford): This restaurant and lodge offers delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine and stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Highlander Steakhouse (Enumclaw): This classic steakhouse offers hearty meals and a welcoming atmosphere.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Visiting Mount Rainier National Park doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money on your trip:

Visit during the off-season: Prices for lodging and activities are often lower during the shoulder season (late spring or early fall).
Pack your own food: Bringing your own snacks and meals can help you save money on dining out.
Take advantage of free activities: There are plenty of free activities in the park, such as hiking and wildlife watching.

Outdoor Adventures

Mount Rainier National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top outdoor activities include:

Hiking: With over 260 miles of trails, there is no shortage of hiking opportunities in the park.
Biking: There are several bike-friendly trails in the park, including the Carbon River Trail and the Westside Road.
Climbing: For experienced climbers, Mount Rainier offers a challenging and rewarding climb.
Fishing: The park’s lakes and rivers offer plenty of opportunities for fishing.

Family-Friendly Activities

Mount Rainier National Park is a great destination for families. Here are some of the best family-friendly activities:

Junior Ranger Program: Kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing activities and attending ranger-led programs.
Wildlife Watching: Kids will love spotting animals such as elk, deer, and marmots.
Easy Hikes: There are plenty of short, easy hikes that are perfect for families with young children.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

For those looking to venture off the beaten path, Mount Rainier National Park offers plenty of unique experiences:

Backpacking: For a true wilderness experience, consider backpacking in the park.
Snowshoeing: In the winter, the park offers guided snowshoe tours through the snowy landscapes.
Stargazing: Mount Rainier National Park is a designated Dark Sky Park, making it the perfect spot for stargazing.

Natural Wonders

Mount Rainier National Park is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country:

Mount Rainier: The park’s namesake is a towering, snow-capped peak that dominates the landscape.
Nisqually Glacier: This glacier is one of the largest and most accessible in the park.
Wildflower Meadows: In the summer, the park’s meadows explode with color as wildflowers bloom.

Vibrant Nightlife

While Mount Rainier National Park isn’t known for its nightlife, there are still plenty of things to do after the sun goes down:

Star Parties: Join a ranger-led star party to learn about the night sky and view the stars through telescopes.
Campfires: Many campgrounds in the park offer campfire programs, complete with s’mores and storytelling.
Evening Wildlife Watching: Join a guided tour to spot nocturnal animals such as owls and bats.

Local Markets

For those looking to experience the local culture, Mount Rainier National Park is surrounded by several small towns and cities that offer local markets and festivals:

Ashford Farmers Market: This weekly market offers locally-grown produce and handmade goods.
Eatonville Country Christmas: This annual festival features local vendors, live music, and a parade.

Beaches and Mountains

While Mount Rainier National Park is known for its mountains, it’s also located near several stunning beaches:

Ocean Shores: This beach town offers miles of sandy beaches and plenty of outdoor activities.
Westport: This fishing town is known for its stunning beaches and charming downtown area.

Cultural Immersion

For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, Mount Rainier National Park offers several opportunities to learn about the area’s history and traditions:

Longmire Museum: This museum offers exhibits on the park’s history, geology, and wildlife.
Native American Heritage: The park is home to several Native American tribes, and visitors can learn about their history and traditions.

Art and Music Scene

Mount Rainier National Park is surrounded by several small towns and cities that offer a thriving arts and music scene:

Enumclaw Music and Arts Festival: This annual festival features live music, local art, and food vendors.
Ashford Art Walk: This self-guided tour takes visitors through several local galleries and studios.

Walking Tours

For those looking to explore the area on foot, Mount Rainier National Park offers several walking tours:

Trail of the Shadows: This easy, 0.7-mile trail takes visitors through an old-growth forest and past historic hot springs.
Ohanapecosh Hot Springs: This easy, 1.2-mile trail takes visitors to a historic hot spring.

Architectural Marvels

Mount Rainier National Park is home to several stunning examples of historic architecture:

Paradise Inn: This historic lodge was built in 1916 and features rustic architecture and stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Longmire Historic District: This district includes several historic buildings, including the National Park Inn and the Longmire Museum.

Historical Sites

For those interested in history, Mount Rainier National Park offers several sites of historical significance:

Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground: This area was once used by Native Americans for hunting and fishing.
Tahoma Cemetery: This cemetery includes the graves of several early settlers and park employees.