Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is the tallest volcano in the United States and boasts the largest single glacier and the largest glacier system outside of Alaska. Thanks to the high humidity of easterly winds blowing in from the Pacific Ocean, the largest annual snowfall on Earth ever recorded occurs here.

Attractions Location: Washington, USA

Tickets:
Rack price: Starting from $5. Bicycle or pedestrian pass: $5 per person (valid for 7 days), motor vehicle pass: $20 per vehicle (valid for 7 days), annual pass: $30 (valid for one year)

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
+1 360-569-2211

Time reference: More than 3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Mount Rainier National Park tours

1-Day Itinerary

A focused day trip from Seattle or nearby. Ideal if time is tight, but requires a car for flexibility.

  • Depart Seattle early (~6 AM drive ~2h 20m via SR 706 to the Nisqually Entrance and Paradise Visitor Center) .
  • Spend ~2 hours at Paradise area: visit Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, shop at its gift store, then walk the Skyline Loop (~3–4 h total including travel between vista points) .
  • Drive (~10 min) to Narada Falls, then Christine Falls on return drive (~15 min total stops) .
  • Afternoon return drive to Seattle (~2h 20m).

Accommodation & food: No lodging needed if returning same day. Lunch: picnic at Paradise or snack bar at Visitor Center. Dinner in Seattle.

Souvenirs: Jackson Visitor Center gift shop offers books, postcards, Peak-themed apparel; Paradise Inn sells postcards and local crafts.


2-Day Itinerary

Allows time for both Paradise and Sunrise regions with an overnight near the park.

  • Day 1: Same route as Day 1 itinerary—Paradise, waterfalls. Afternoon check-in at lodge near Longmire or outside park (e.g. Ashford). Evening relax at National Park Inn area.
  • Day 2: Drive (~30 min from Longmire via SR 410 to White River Entrance) to Sunrise. Hike Dege Peak or Fremont Lookout or Burroughs routes (~3–5 h) .
  • Late afternoon drive back (~1 h) to lodging.

Accommodation & food: Stay at Paradise Inn (historic, rustic) or lodging in Ashford/American River. Day 1 dinner: at Inn or Ashford café; Day 2 breakfast at lodge, lunch at Sunrise picnic areas, dinner nearby.

Souvenirs: At Longmire store/museum—nature guides, maps; at Sunrise visitor center—trail posters, alpine wildflower art; Paradise Inn and Visitor Center gift shops.


3-Day Itinerary

Explore Paradise, Sunrise and a third area (Longmire or Ohanapecosh) at a relaxed pace.

  • Day 1: Paradise fountains & Skyline hike + falls stops.
  • Day 2: Sunrise side full hike as in 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Visit Longmire Historic District (~30 min drive from Paradise entrance): tour Longmire Museum, walk to Nisqually Suspension Bridge (~2 h including ranger centre) .

Accommodation & food: Stay Lodge at Paradise Inn or Ashford. Meals: breakfast at lodging, lunches from visitor centers or picnic, dinner local café or Inn dining.

Souvenirs: Longmire Museum store (historic-themed postcards, books), Inn/shop items in Paradise/Longmire, botanical-themed mugs or apparel.


4-Day Itinerary

Add rainforest and lake areas to deepen your Rainier experience.

  • Days 1–3: As above (Paradise, Sunrise, Longmire).
  • Day 4: Drive (~1 h via Carbon River road / SR 165) to Carbon River entrance: short rainforest trail to view Carbon Glacier (~2 h) .

Accommodation & food: Continue lodging near Ashford or stay camp near Carbon/Mowich if available. Meals: picnic by glacial lake, trail-side snacks; dinner back near gateway town.

Souvenirs: Carbon Glacier area—photos, glacier-themed postcards; park bookstores offer family-oriented trail patch, local geology books.


5-Day Itinerary

Extend with surrounding attractions and another Rainier area like Ohanapecosh.

  • Days 1–4: Paradise, Sunrise, Longmire, Carbon/Mowich.
  • Day 5: Drive (~1 h via SR 123) to Ohanapecosh area: visit Grove of the Patriarchs trail and Silver Falls (~2–3 h) .

Accommodation & food: Stay either central at Paradise or near Ohanapecosh/Hwy 123 corridor. Lunch in picnic grove; local dining near Ohanapecosh or return to Ashford café.

Souvenirs: At Ohanapecosh area—nature-themed books, forest gifts; center visitor shop offers tree-species guides, trail stickers.


6-Day Itinerary

Immerse in multiple regions with optional side-excursion outside the park.

  • Days 1–5: Follow first five days above.
  • Day 6: Take a scenic drive outside Rainier: visit Northwest Trek Wildlife Park near Eatonville (~30 min from Nisqually), see wildlife tram ride (~2 h), return afternoon for revisit of a favorite park region or short hike.

Accommodation & food: Consider one night near Eatonville or back at Rainier lodging. Lunch at wildlife park café; evening back to park-area lodging and dinner.

Souvenirs: Wildlife park shop: regional animal plush toys, postcards; park center gifts as before.


7-Day Itinerary

A full week of relaxation, hiking, history and surrounding regional highlights with Mount Rainier as your base.

  • Days 1–5: As above (Paradise, Sunrise, Longmire, Carbon/Mowich, Ohanapecosh).
  • Day 6: Optional guided tour from Seattle or Crystal Mountain resort, including transportation and short guided hikes/wilderness viewing (~6–8 h) .
  • Day 7: Revisit a favorite area in the park (e.g. Sunrise or Paradise meadow at sunrise/sunset), spend time in gift shops or relax at Paradise Inn. Final evening dinner at historic Inn or nearby Ashford. Rest before return.

Accommodation & food: Stay mid-week in historic Paradise Inn (reservations well ahead), Ashford lodges or Mowich/Mineral area if camping. Meals: mix of visitor-center dining, Inn meals, local cafés; consider historic dining at Paradise Inn.

Souvenirs: Historic Paradise Inn items (postcards, local art), trail-oriented gear, botanical prints, lodge souvenirs; tour provider merch on guided day. Unique Pet memorabilia from regional wildlife center.


User Reviews

By Wayne's commemorative stamps |

Since there are few restaurants on the mountain, it is recommended to bring your own dry food for breakfast and lunch! But that day our driver gave us a big surprise!

After hiking for about an hour, we arrived at the rest area halfway up the mountain. The driver and guide arranged a sumptuous lunch for us! !

It was an unforgettable experience to have lunch and taste red wine with Mount Rainier in the background!

After lunch, you can take a leisurely hike up the mountain to the foot of the snow-capped mountains and see the scenery up close!

By Manno Snow |

The forest park is divided into two main scenic areas: Paradise (South Mountain) and Sunrise (North Mountain). In previous years, July and August are the peak season for wildflowers to bloom across the mountains. Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain this year, the wildflowers have bloomed a little later than usual, and are still in bud. Otherwise, the wildflowers covering the mountains, echoing with the snow-capped mountains in the distance, would be a sight to behold, a paradise!

The Skyline Trail is approximately 5 miles long. While 5 miles may not seem particularly far, translating it into a mountain trek would be nearly exhausting for someone like me who often slouches. We reached the trail's highest point just before sunset. Over the next few miles, we passed alpine meadows, pine forests, waterfalls, gurgling glacial meltwater streams, and arid alpine terrain. The only thing I could think of was, "All this is worth it." The gentle afterglow of the setting sun illuminated one side of the snow-capped mountain, while the other side, a black silhouette, the peaks sharply defined. The scene was breathtaking!

By Carina |

I walked the most popular Skyline Trail, which was 6 miles long. I was exhausted after the walk and spent the whole day here. Autumn is still beautiful.

By Walking soy milk |

Mount Rainier, the fifth national park in the United States, is an active stratovolcano. The winding road to the visitor center hides the snow-capped peaks, often obscured by the mountain's mass, only to become visible around the next bend. Between Paradise and Summer Land, we chose Paradise, the easier of the two. There are several trails, and we chose the longer one on the right, as it leads to Paradise. Due to the scorching heat and midday, the climb to the summit was challenging. From the base to the summit, you can clearly see the vegetation change with altitude. The beauty of visiting in summer is that you can both see flowers in bloom and touch snow-capped mountains. When I first saw the view above, I was overwhelmed by the thought: paradise before my eyes. I was exhausted by the climb to Paradise, but when I looked up and saw the snow, I suddenly felt excited. That's exactly what "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" means.

By Traveling the world with a sword |

We signed up for a day trip, which involved a bit of hiking, but it was quite easy. The snowy scenery was beautiful for children from the south!

By One leaf tells the story of autumn |

On the way from Seattle to Volcano National Park, I saw a distant view of snow-capped mountains, shaped like Mount Fuji. On the way up, the car windows began to fog up, a testament to the chilly temperatures. As soon as I got off the bus, I realized I had dressed wisely.

There are three ways to go up the mountain. I took the one that is said to be the most beautiful route. The grass and small trees in the park in September began to turn yellow and red. In the distance, a large red and yellow meadow, combined with the snow-capped mountain top in the distance, reminded me of the landscape calendar at home when I was a child.

By Li Xiaozhu wants to lose weight |

You can go to the Paradise Visitor Center to inquire about a suitable route. The entire mountain is covered in snow, and even the easiest trails are covered in snow. So, we were shivering in our sneakers and could barely move. Skiing was okay, though.

By Sophia ~ Orlando |

Reflection Lake

Paradise Inn

Cougar Rock camping site

A beautiful place like a fairyland

By little fat cat |

It is a paradise for outdoor hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts. The mountains are covered with wildflowers in summer and covered with snow in spring and winter.

By Happy old man |

Established in 1899, Mount Rainier National Park covers approximately 950 square kilometers and features volcanic peaks, foothills, valleys, and canyons, with Mount Rainier and Emmons Glacier being the most famous.

Rainier National Park is located in central Washington State, approximately 80 kilometers southeast of Seattle. Mount Rainier, one of the many volcanoes in the Cascade Range, is the national park's central attraction. Among the Cascade Range's many towering peaks, Mount Rainier is the highest. This massive active volcano is capped by 26 glaciers, more than any other peak in the lower 48 states. The mountain is a mecca for mountaineering enthusiasts worldwide.

The first European to discover Mount Rainier was Captain George Vancouver. While mapping Paquit Sound for the British in 1792, he saw it and described it as "a high, steep, snow-capped mountain." He named it after his friend, Lil Admiral Peter Rainier. However, neighboring Indian tribes had already called the mountain "Tahoma," meaning "Mountain of God."

Mount Rainier, at 4,323 meters, towers over its neighboring peaks, which rise to 1,800 meters. Covered in snow year-round, the mountain's trails open each summer after the snow melts at the foothills, attracting a constant stream of hikers and hikers, making it one of Washington State's premier hiking destinations. It's said you can watch the sunrise and sunset from here, offering a variety of activities, including hiking, skiing, forest bathing, and cycling.

Mount Rainier, one of the many volcanoes in the Cascade Range, is the centerpiece of the national park. This massive peak is capped by 26 glaciers, more than any other peak in the lower 48 states. It's a destination for climbers worldwide.

By Muzza |

A beautiful national park, very close to Seattle. I went there with my parents and highly recommend walking some trial

By China-TravelNote users |

It exceeded my expectations. It was a last-minute decision to come here, but I was so glad I took a day off to escape the city.

By Sunny's Piglet |

You must go. I went there twice, to sunrise in early September and to paradise in early October.

By Aka |

Don't miss Mount Rainier when you're in Seattle. It's a bit of a hike, but it's well worth the trip. The scenery is completely different in winter and summer.

By Xuan |

If you stay at the Paradise Inn on the mountain, the effect is very good and the hiking scenery is quite beautiful.

By Cynthia |

A must-see in Seattle. The famous Mirror Lake is a photography mecca. Don't sleep in and come early. It's definitely worth it.

By Zhuang and Orange |

If Seattle is ten points beautiful, at least five points are attributed to Mount Rainier. It's hard to imagine stopping at a city traffic light and looking up to suddenly see a perfect cone of snow-capped mountains looming in the distance through the mist. That's awe-inspiring—yes, awe-inspiring. On our second day in Seattle, we headed straight for Mount Rainier National Park. A national park enthusiast expressed envy at the fact that the national park is only a two-hour drive from the city. Along the way, we'd occasionally spot the snow-capped cone crater around a turn, and every so often, we'd see this North American Fuji (Washington State license plate logo) on the license plates of the cars ahead. Mount Rainier was our constant companion. Paradise and Sunrise are the two main attractions in Rainier National Park, both located roughly midway up Mount Rainier, but Paradise is located south, offering beautiful scenery, while Sunrise is located north, offering a more rugged vista. The drive between the two takes an hour and a half.

By Xiaoyu |

It was a very cloudy day, but when we reached the mountain, the clouds and fog suddenly cleared up and the sun shone brightly.

By Jack Man |

The beautiful Snow Mountain National Park near Seattle is a great place to drive from the foot of the mountain all the way up the mountain. There are countless beautiful views along the way. Depending on the change in altitude, you can enjoy the forest, glaciers and other landscapes.

By green fruit |

You can see the snow-capped mountains from afar in Seattle. There are several visitor centers with cars that drive up to the mountains, which are covered with snow all year round. I was so impressed to see a group of hikers carrying so many bags...

By bubbles |

My favorite place on the entire trip! We stayed at a hotel inside the park, and the room rate also included free snowshoes, so we had a blast exploring the mountains the next day!

There are many trails to choose from on the mountain. We took a medium-length and difficult hike, following the signs and markers along the way. Since there were not many tourists, it was very quiet and interesting. I highly recommend this park and recommend planning at least two nights here.

By Sky-high drifting |

Great! Wonderful!

By Old Yangtou |

The best way to get here from Seattle is by car, allowing you to stop along the way to admire the scenery. On our way to the national park, we passed a zoo with several yellow school buses parked there. The map suggests it's a great place for outdoor training. If time permits, families with children should definitely check it out. Inside the park, there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the scenery, allowing you to see the waterfalls up close and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. It's important to remember to bring warm clothing, as it's essential to stop along the way and visit the mountaintops for scenic views.

By Lemon Redxie |

Definitely worth a visit, one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States

By Alex |

I decided to go to Seattle because of the photos a friend posted on WeChat Moments. It's so beautiful. In August and September, there were fields of flowers and green trees before me, and in the distance, snow-capped mountains appeared and disappeared. Combined with Seattle's unpredictable weather, the snow-capped mountains appeared and disappeared in the clouds. It was absolutely beautiful! !!!

By Dai_Meng |

It's too beautiful to explain. I must bring it back again.

By bobomoon |

Mount Rainier National Park is an absolute must-see. Many people say traveling to Seattle is boring, but Washington State's two national parks are truly amazing. Mount Rainier is divided into two areas: Paradise and Sunrise. There are hotels available on the Paradise side, but it's best to book in advance during the busy season. Late July and early August are the best times, but starting in September, the area is prone to heavy fog, making it impossible to see anything. Spend two or three days waiting for clear weather and hike the trails—you'll be pleasantly surprised. Sunrise doesn't offer accommodations, only day lodges where you can eat and enjoy some hiking trails. Hiking enthusiasts can easily spend a week here.

By Cocakoala |

Mt. Rainier is a great place for skiing. Gazing at the distant snow-capped mountains at dusk from the foot of the mountain is a truly captivating sight. Due to the temperature and the season, the mid-altitude landscape is covered in needle-like frost, creating a particularly lovely effect. The views from the summit are also breathtaking, allowing you to feel as if you're right next to the sun. Overall, a visit is highly recommended. However, a long drive is required, so be patient!

By Schrödinger's cat |

It's very beautiful. You can camp but you need to make an appointment in advance. It's a national park I like very much.

By Spirit Drain |

Seattle is a paradise for hikers. Rainier is the very soul of Seattle, a permanent fixture on the south side of the skyline year-round. Spending three or four hours walking around Paradise, watching your ascent and descent is incredibly satisfying! P.S. Friends who visited years ago say the snowline is receding.

By Bei Yiwu |

Covered in snow all year round, it's quite spectacular. You can go up there and walk around and admire the snowy scenery. It's a great tourist attraction.

By parker |

We climbed Mount Rainier on July 16, 2014. It was a great season. The snow was thick and still unmelted. But as it was just beginning to melt, the wildflowers hadn't yet bloomed. They say the wildflowers bloom in early August, covering the entire mountain in blossoms and looking their most beautiful. But by August, the snow had melted, and the mountain wasn't truly snowy anymore. So, visiting in July has its advantages. The best part is that you can hike in shorts!

By Idear |

Although many roads were closed in winter, we were able to reach Paradise safely thanks to our massive SUV. The snowy scenery on the mountain was truly stunning. Many Americans were skiing, but it was a shame our group wasn't as ski-savvy.

By Eric Liu |

Active Volcano National Park is very beautiful and you can walk above the snow line.

By Euan |

It's best to visit in July and August. There's only one hotel on the top of the mountain, so it's best to book a month in advance during peak season. Reflection Lake is perfect for taking photos early in the morning when there's no wind.

By Mouse Mouse-Feng Mouse |

Mount Rainier National Park is a two-hour drive from downtown Seattle. July to October is the best time to visit. There are many attractions to explore, but Paradise and Sun Rise are generally must-sees.

By lucy cub |

Snow-capped mountains in the height of summer! There are many trails, and the park is divided into several areas. Paradise and Sunrise are the most famous, so choose a hiking route from these two areas. Before hiking, be sure to check trail conditions at the visitor center. And dress warmly! Even in the height of summer, the mountains can be quite cold. While the scenery is quite nice, be sure to check if the trails are open before going in winter.

By Gigi |

Purely natural snow-capped mountains. I went there in the summer. The mountains were covered with snow, but it was not very cold. Wearing a single layer of clothing was enough. There were no artificial things like cable cars or ropeways. If you mind climbing mountains, you don't have to go. But if you like such natural scenery, Mount Rainier is a good choice. Climbing the snow-capped mountains is much more difficult than you imagined. In fact, you are still at the foot of the mountain for most of the day. If you don't mind getting your pants wet, you can just sit on the snow and slide down the mountain.

By Small tree |

The allure of Mount Rainier lies in its snow-capped mountains, blue skies, streams, lakes, jungles, green grass, and wildflowers. The diverse colors blend seamlessly together, creating a beautiful spectacle. The towering snow-capped peaks, the vibrant wildflowers that blanket the mountains, and the clear, azure waters of the lake are breathtaking.

By Hardcore island enthusiast |

It is a great place for hikers in spring and summer and a skiers' paradise in winter.

By SJ LIN |

Wouldn't it be a waste of time if I didn't visit the national parks when I arrived in Seattle? It's hard to book a room, so be careful.

By lifeng |

I went on a business trip to the US in July, and over the weekend I called up some old friends to Sunrise. We caught up with the scenic area during its opening hours (June 27th - September 20th). It was my first time experiencing the snow-capped mountains up close and personal; they were so pristine and within arm's reach. (We hiked several trails in an entire afternoon, and the weather was so good that I got sunburned on my arms and the back of my neck.)

By happy_s |

It's absolutely stunning, truly worthy of its paradise reputation. The drive from downtown Seattle takes about two hours. After getting off I-5, the scenery is breathtaking, with small American farms visible. The ticket price is also very affordable, per car, $20 per car, for seven days of sightseeing. They also provided a map of the scenic area with the ticket, which was very helpful. I can say I've seen snow-capped mountains myself.

By Happy Travel |

Don't think you've been to Seattle if you haven't been to the snowy mountains! It's crucial to choose the right season; the mountains aren't always accessible. In winter, the path up is likely covered in thick snow and closed to visitors. I went twice, once in May, just after the scenic area opened. The parking lot and restaurant were still covered in snow, making the hike from the parking lot impractical. Many local skiers bring their own gear.

Another time we went was in early August, when the grass was lush, eagles were flying, and flowers were in full bloom. We parked in the parking lot and began our hike. The scenery along the way was breathtaking. As we climbed higher, the landscape changed with the seasons. By the time we reached the summit, we could see the perpetual snow. The weather was exceptional that day, and we were lucky enough to see the snow-capped peak! If you're planning a trip, I recommend going in August; the scenery is simply breathtaking!

I won’t post the photos, they are all on my home computer.

By Anna |

The scenery here is like being in a fairy tale world!

By CaramelCone |

Snow-capped mountains and wildflowers are just like Xinjiang in August.

By Solo Qipin |

This is hands-down the most anticipated attraction in and around Seattle. We drove into the national park from the southwest entrance. Since it was still snowing in early April, many roads were closed. We reached the South Peak of the Snow Mountain and then had to return the same way. A road to the east runs through the Snow Mountain, which is only open on Fridays. The South Peak is accessible at will. If you don't have climbing equipment, you can rent it at the nearby visitor center for a reasonable price. They also offer hot meals, which are quite good. Many people bring skis and snowboards, climbing to the top and then skiing down. The temperatures are still pleasant in early April, so be sure to wear sunglasses and, ideally, gloves, as they make it easy to play in the snow. The journey from downtown Seattle takes about two to three hours, so it's recommended to leave early. If you haven't seen the Snow Mountain, this is a must-see. Even if you have, it's well worth the trip. The fee is the same as for all national parks, probably between $20 and $15. I used an annual pass. Snow chains are seasonally required, but I drove a Chevrolet Cruze and had no issues without them. By the way, you will meet many people who can speak Chinese. If you have any questions, just go up and ask! I hope my comments can be of reference to you.

By Josie |

If you can, rent an RV and go camping. Mt. Rainer is amazing! I'll definitely go back next time!

By Watching the maples and listening to the rain |

It's very beautiful, with blue skies and white clouds. The snow on the top of the mountain hasn't melted yet. I went there in July and was able to play in the snow, which was amazing.

By Seattle Mumu |

It's a two- to three-hour drive from downtown Seattle. Rainier is a breathtaking sight, with lush greenery below and snow-capped mountains above. Once you reach the top, you'll be able to see the mountains beyond. As someone who's only climbed mountains in China, this is truly a truly spectacular sight—highly recommended (you'll need hiking boots!).

By Clouds of the Westernmost Part |

This is my favorite mountain, and a local day trip there was fantastic! In beautiful July, birds chirped and flowers bloomed below, and the grass was lush and birdsong was everywhere. Up there, streams gurgled and trees flourished. The peaks were capped with snow and the sun shone brightly. It was absolutely stunning!

By oho |

The national park near Seattle is about a three-hour drive each way. Glaciers, waterfalls, streams, and rainbows are breathtakingly beautiful. The brothers even had a blast making snowmen, skiing down a sled, and having a snowball fight while wearing short sleeves. Admission is per car, and a five-seater car is only $15, significantly cheaper than domestic attractions. There's no cell service in the national park, so a navigation system is crucial. Visiting the snowy mountains is crucial on a clear day; otherwise, even if you manage to get in, you'll miss out on the view and return home disappointed. Weekends are often crowded, making parking difficult to find, so traveling off-peak is a great option.

By Yi Yi walks alone |

Mount Rainier National Park was established on March 2, 1899, making it the fifth national park in the United States. The evening fog had lifted, and the morning mountain air was exceptionally crisp. Unfortunately, my writing skills are limited, and I struggle to accurately capture this breathtaking beauty.

By Fire |

Mount Rainier National Park is centered around Mount Rainier, one of the world's most majestic mountains. From its summit, the scenery below 1,500 meters is completely shrouded in a sea of fog, with only the higher peaks peeked out, like floating islands in the ocean. The summit is capped year-round by snow, with 27 glaciers cascading outward. Furthermore, in the mountain's grasslands, the snow melts in July and August, transforming the mountain into a stunning sea of flowers.

By sunVanillaSky |

It's a three-hour drive from downtown Seattle. Rainier is incredibly majestic, with lush greenery below and snow-capped mountains above. Once you reach the top, you'll be able to see the mountains in the distance. As someone who's only climbed mountains in China, this is truly a truly spectacular sight – highly recommended (hiking boots are required).

By Monet's Haystacks |

A must-see if you have time after June. The price is $15 per person with a car. The national parks are nothing special. Mount Rainier is the most beautiful.

By One Day |

Mount Rainier towers over the northwestern United States. Its magnificence is undeniable, so much so that anyone driving along Highway 5 will be tempted to go inside and take a look.

By Anything |

Mount Rainier National Park is a park centered on Mount Rainier, located in western Washington State, south of Seattle. It was established in 1899 to protect the natural beauty of Mount Rainier, which is covered in snow and ice.

By hai01 |

Mount Rainier National Park is not only a landmark of Washington State, but also has many artifacts with this mountain as their pattern. It carries a mysterious color and has a sacred flavor.

By Eeyah Eeyah |

This steep, snow-capped active volcano stands at 4,391 meters above sea level. After midsummer, the snow begins to melt, and flowers bloom across the mountain, blending with waterfalls, forests, and meadows in a magical and ethereal atmosphere. Our visit was a little early in the season, and the thick snow still blanketed the already lush green mountains, creating a unique and picturesque scene. Unfortunately, more than half of the roads and scenic spots won't open until July, after the snow melts.

By Flying bricks |

Rainier is my favorite and most desired national park of all the ones I know. However, due to seasonal reasons, many classic scenic spots on the mountain were closed to the road due to heavy snow and were inaccessible. Despite this, I still wanted to see this majestic snow-capped mountain from afar.

By pawpaw |

As long as the weather is good, you can always see this beautiful dormant volcano from Seattle. From Seattle, take Highway 5 south and it's about a two-hour drive to Mt. Rainier National Park. The scenery is amazing, with snow-capped mountains, streams, waterfalls, artificial lakes, and museums. One day is definitely not enough to explore.

By Feng Qingyang |

Today was our last stop on this trip, and it was also the Mount Rainier Snow Mountain that I had been looking forward to. I could say that my schedule was arranged to catch the flowering season here. Mount Rainier Snow Mountain really did not disappoint me. I even felt a little regretful that I should have planned an extra day here.

Mount Rainier, a dormant volcano, is the tallest volcano in the United States, the highest peak in Washington State, and one of the highest snow-capped mountains in the Americas. While not as famous as Mount Fuji in Tokyo within the Pacific Rim of Fire, it towers a full head taller, at 4,392 meters (Fuji is only 3,776 meters), and possesses a more wild beauty. Its main peak, Columbia Crest, is covered in perpetual snow and stands nearly 2,500 meters higher than its neighboring peaks. Coniferous forests, grasslands, and other vegetation cover 97% of the mountain.

Mount Rainier's wildflower season is truly stunning. From late July to late August, a variety of wildflowers bloom brilliantly, nourished by the meltwater from the snowy mountains. A stay at the Paradisé Inn within the park is a must.

By Laurie Shadow |

I almost reached the summit yesterday!!! So proud of myself!!! Hopefully I can recover soon

By Qi Xiaoqi |

I took a day off to go hiking with my friends, but time was a bit tight. The national parks in the United States are so big, and the air is so good.

By INSIDE page |

I thought the whole trip would be shrouded in clouds and fog. Seattle is cloudy and rainy for two-thirds of the year, but this time I was lucky enough to see Mt. Rainier Peak.

By Arale |

There's a place called Paradise here, and it's a veritable paradise. With alpine gardens beneath snow-capped mountains, the century-old Paradise Hotel, and magnificent glaciers, it's a trip to Seattle without a visit here.

By Ballentine |

It's very beautiful. It's located in the south of Seattle, about a 3-hour drive away, and you can drive up the mountain.

By Tang Xiaotang |

July and August are the best months to visit, especially mid-August, when wild flowers bloom all over the hillsides, adding some loveliness to the snow-capped mountains.

By Xiao Zongma |

The snow-capped mountains are incredibly beautiful. Against the backdrop of the blue sky, they look like saints. At the foot of the mountain, forests and vibrant wildflowers abound, creating a fairyland, a paradise... It's so beautiful it seems otherworldly... The feeling of climbing the mountain is magical, too, with snow beneath my feet, the scorching sun overhead, and all in short-sleeved shirts...

By Qiu Ming Mountain Car God |

It's not the tallest mountain, but it's the most stunning. It can be seen from many places in Seattle, and it's especially beautiful at sunset. Getting up close is even more impressive.

By Henry@HK |

This is another paradise! It's so beautiful for both adults and children! Our hotel was right at the entrance to the national park (perfect choice), but due to lack of information, we only planned to stay one night (the worst decision ever!). I regretted it so much later: I should have stayed at least two nights! Although I had many opportunities to go back later, driving back and forth on the same day wasn't practical, so I never made the trip. I'll just have to wait and see.



All the comments about this national park can be summed up in two words: beautiful!



It was this park that rekindled my interest in outdoor sports!



(Incidentally, the information on China-TravelNote about this mountain and this park was incredibly misleading. If I hadn't found a way to watch some videos on YouTube, I probably wouldn't have planned a trip there while in Seattle. As long as you have unrestricted internet access, you can easily find complete, accurate, detailed, and up-to-date information about this park online, without having to rely solely on secondhand or even thirdhand information on China-TravelNote. Of course, having unrestricted or minimally restricted internet access in mainland China is unrealistic for many people. This is both regrettable and frustrating.)

By |

Mount Rainier as seen from the ferry. The mountain is closed in the winter, so be sure to check opening hours in advance if you're planning to visit.

By angel |

If you go at the right time, you can fully experience the magnificent snow and mountain scenery. However, be sure to check the opening hours before going to avoid wasting your trip.

By mjwj |

Driving from Seattle to Port Angeles, we could see Mount Rainier from afar. Locals told us it had snowed the day before. We were lucky enough to see the sun shining on the white peaks, creating a stunning scene.


The attractions mentioned in the above itinerary