"Mount Rainier" by NPS/Emily Brouwer Photo , public domain
![]() | Mount Rainier GuideFall 2019 |
Visitor Guide for Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
featured in
![]() | National Parks Pocket Maps | ![]() |
![]() | Washington Pocket Maps | ![]() |
covered parks
Mount Rainier
National
Park | Official
Newspaper
Mount
Rainier
National
Park
Fall 2019 | September 3 - December 31, 2019
The Tahoma News
Caroline Meleedy photo
Welcome ...
...to Mount Rainier
National Park, a crown
jewel of the northwest
and of the National Park System.
Grove of the Patriarchs
Enjoying Fall Colors on the Mountain
Mount Rainier is famous for its amazing wildflower
meadows in summer and for abundant snowfall in
winter. Fall is another spectacular season on the
mountain with crisp, clear days more the norm than
the exception in early- to mid-fall. Bear frequent the
meadows to forage on huckleberries. A highlight of
the season is the vibrant colors of fall foliage from
the old-growth forest up to the subalpine meadows
at treeline.
•
Viewing Fall Colors
• Look for changing vine maple at lower
elevations throughout the park
• Photograph the historic rustic buildings
accented by autumn hues at Longmire.
•
•
•
•
Take the three-mile drive out Westside Road to
see fall colors. Hike from there to enjoy more
fall foliage.
Hike Grove of the Patriarchs and Eastside
trails to see the reflection of fall colors in the
Ohanapecosh River.
See the subalpine meadows cloaked in the
red and orange of changing huckleberry at
Paradise, Sunrise, and throughout the park’s
backcountry.
Take a drive on Stevens Canyon Road and the
eastside roads (SR123 and SR410), famous for
their fall colors.
Stop at viewpoints to see slopes and avalanche
tracks awash in the colors of fall.
Mountain Biking Mount Rainier
•
Road maintenance may require closure of the
Sunrise Road at any time.
Westside Road: A popular mountain bike
route, this gravel road is 13 miles one-way with
an elevation gain of approximately 1,120 feet.
Travel safely, and always wear a helmet, high
visibility clothing, and use front and rear lights.
Bicycles are not permitted on any park trails, or
in any off-trail areas. Bicyclists are subject to the
same laws as motor vehicles. Travel safely.
Bicycling on park highways has become increasingly
popular. However, winding roads, blind curves,
heavy traffic, and very narrow road shoulders
present safety issues. Here are options for cyclists
seeking less crowded routes during the fall season:
•
•
Carbon River Road: This gravel road is open
only to hikers and bicyclists beyond the park
boundary. The road gains approximately 600
feet in elevation along its 5-mile length; some
sections are rough and rocky. The road ends at
Ipsut Creek backcountry camp, beyond which
only hikers are allowed.
White River and Sunrise Roads: After these
paved roads close for the season to vehicle
traffic (usually in late October, depending
on weather conditions), bicyclists and hikers
may travel on them from the SR 410 junction
to Sunrise (6 miles one-way to White River
Campground, 16 miles one-way to Sunrise).
Winter Road Closures
While the brilliant colors of autumn are
beginning to cloak the landscape, park staff
are preparing the park for winter -- utility
systems and buildings are being winterized,
road signs are removed, snow poles are
placed along roads to guide the snowplow
drivers, and artifacts and audiovisual
equipment are removed from visitor centers
for storage. All this and more is happening
around the park in preparation for our
lengthy winter.
While you are at Paradise this fall you may
notice planting underway near the Paradise
Inn. In 2018 prior to rehabilitation of the
historic Paradise Inn Annex, native seeds
were collected from the site and cultivated
in the park’s greenhouse. Early this fall park
staff and volunteers are replanting 70,000
plants to restore the construction footprint.
Mount Rainier staff work diligently to
preserve this spectacular place with its
iconic experiences for you and for the
enjoyment of generations to come. Through
our work, we also strive to ensure that
Mount Rainier is a place where all people
are welcome to visit and become a part of
the park’s story!
Tracy Swartout
Acting Superintendent
Estimated Dates (subject to change)
Nisqually to Longmire
Open all winter except during extreme weather
Longmire to Paradise
Open all winter. Closes nightly late fall through winter and reopens the
next morning or when snow-removal activities and conditions permit.
Westside Road to Dry Creek
November 4 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall
Paradise Valley Road
October 14 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall
Stevens Canyon Road
October 28 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall
Chinook and Cayuse Passes via
SRs 410 & 123
TBD by WSDOT. For current status call Washington State Department of
Transportation, 1-800-695-ROAD.
White River Road to SR 410
October 28 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall
Sunrise Road at junction to
White River Campground
October 28 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall
Mowich Lake Road
October 21 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall
All vehicles are required to carry chains beginning November 1.
Paradise Meadows
Mount Rainier National Park was established in
1899 to preserve natural and cultural resources and
to provide for public benefit and enjoyment. The
following information will help you protect yourself
and your park.
Have You Seen a Fisher?
The park is tracking recently reintroduced
Pacific fishers by aircraft through signals emitted from
implanted transmitters. You can help by reporting
fisher sightings to a ranger. Remember that fisher,
marten, and mink are very similar looking species.
Even the experts can get them confused and photos
(even fuzzy ones) are very helpful. One thing to look
for is a long, bushy tail (a third of the total length) that
is bushy all the way to the base. Marten and mink tails
are tapered at the base. Fisher’s ears are also much
smaller in profile compared to marten and mink.
Camping
Camp in designated campsites only. Sleeping
in vehicles outside of campgrounds is not
permitted.
Fires in the Park
Make fires only in established fire grills. Collecting
firewood is prohibited.
Marijuana is Illegal
While limited recreational use of marijuana is now
legal in Washington State, possession of any amount
of marijuana or other illegal drugs remains illegal in
Mount Rainier National Park, surrounding national
forests, and all federal lands.
Mercury in Park Lakes
Research studies have shown mercury is present
in some trout in a few park lakes. Check the
Washington Department of Health website
http://www.doh.wa.gov/ for information on fish
consumption.
Tree Hazards
Keep a lookout for dead, diseased, or leaning trees
that could fall or drop branches. Avoid stopping or
picnicking near these hazardous trees. On windy
days be especially careful, strong winds and gusts
can do great damage even to healthy trees—as well
as anything in range of falling debris.
No Drone Zone!
Park Partners
Launching, landing, or
operating an unmanned
aircraft (drone) within
the boundaries of Mount
Rainier National Park is
prohibited.
Washington’s
National Park
Fund
wnpf.org
Wilderness Camping
Mount Rainier National Park offers outstanding
wilderness hiking and camping opportunities.
Wilderness camping permits are required for all
overnight stays in the park’s backcountry yearround. Permits and backcountry information are
available at all wilderness information centers and
most visitor centers. Although permits are free,
there is an optional, fee-based reservation system
for campers and climbers in effect May through
September.
Backcountry reservations are $20 per party (1-12
people) for 1 to 14 consecutive nights. Seventy
percent of all backcountry sites and zones are
available for reservation. The remaining 30 percent
are issued on a first-come, first-served basis the day
of or one day before the trip begins. Wilderness
permits must be obtained in person at the Longmire
Wilderness Information Center, White River
Wilderness Information Center, or the Carbon
River Ranger Station. See page 4 for hours.
Climbing
Each year, approximately 10,000 people attempt
to climb Mount Rainier. Nearly half reach the
14,410-foot summit. Climbing permits are required
for travel above 10,000 feet and/or on glaciers.
Climbing information—including fees, routes, and
conditions—is available on the park website and
at Wilderness Information Centers at Longmire,
White River, and Paradise. See page 4 for hours.
Pay your annual climbing fee through pay.gov; keep
your receipt and print or save it on your phone to
serve as proof of payment; and bring a picture ID.
Guided climbs and seminars are available through:
Alpine Ascents International (206) 378-1927
International Mountain Guides (360) 569-2609
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (888) 892-5462
Ranger-led Programs
Join a park ranger or volunteer for a talk, guided
walk, or evening program. These free programs
explore the park’s natural and cultural history. Find
out who else has come to Mount Rainier and why.
Discover what this mountain really is and what it
may become. Meet some of the park’s inhabitants––
from owls to elk––and find out why they are here.
Check at a visitor center for program times and
locations. See page 4 for visitor center information.
Citizen Ranger Quests
Has your inner Junior Ranger never really gone
away? Try out a Quest! They are designed for older
children (12 and up) and adults. Information on
Quests is available at visitor centers.
Mount Rainier
National Park
Volunteers
www.nps.gov/
mora/getinvolved/
volunteer.htm
Washington
Trails
Association
www.wta.org
Discover Your
Northwest
Visit Rainier
visitrainier.com
www.discovernw.org
2 | Mount Rainier National Park | Tahoma News | September 3 - December 31, 2019
Show Some Love for Your National
Parks
By Laurie B. Ward, Washington’s National Park
Fund Executive Director
Washington’s National Park Fund (WNPF)
provides a clear pathway for people who love
Mount Rainier National Park to give back to this
special place.
WNPF is the only partner providing philanthropic
support exclusively to Mount Rainier, North
Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. 100% of
the funds raised in Washington State, stay in the
state for the benefit of these parks. Charitable
contributions help fund priority projects in four
core areas:
•
•
•
•
advancing science and research
improving visitors’ experiences
expanding volunteerism and stewardship
providing for youth and family programs.
The Fund provides support for nearly 2,000
volunteers here at Mount Rainier National Park
whose efforts are valued at $1.8 million! Whether
you purchase a Washington National Parks license
plate for your vehicle, support one of WNPF’s
fundraising climbs, ride in RAMROD or include
the Fund in your estate plans, they all add up and
have a major impact on this beloved place.
For more information please go to the Fund’s
website wnpf.org or email them at fund@wnpf.org.
Experience Mount Rainier as a
Volunteer Ranger
As you visit Mount Rainier, keep your eyes open
for people wearing hats, shirts, and jackets with
a “volunteer” logo. You’ll see volunteers working
in the visitor centers and assisting visitors in the
meadows. Even more are busy behind the scenes,
organizing the park’s collection of historic photos
and taking care of plants in our greenhouse.
Have you ever dreamed of being a park ranger?
You still can—for a day, for a summer, or on winter
weekends as your schedule permits. Opportunities
abound. Ask how you can become part of our
team! www.nps.gov/mora/getinvolved/volunteer.htm
Internet & Cellular Access
Cellular service is spotty at best, and
varies with service provider. Public wifi
is available in the Jackson Visitor
Center at Paradise.
Mount Rainier
National Park
Associates
www.mrnpa.org
Mount Rainier
Institute
www.packforest.org/
mtrainierinstitute/
Steve Redman photo
Visiting Your Park
Caroline Meleedy photo
Know Before You Go
Skyline Trail, Paradise
Hazards of the Season
A beautiful day on the mountain can turn into
dangerous whiteout conditions in a matter of minutes.
Knowing what to do and making the right decision
can be the difference between life and death.
While history shows that heavy snowpack
conditions significantly increase search and rescue
incidents, many hikers are not prepared for the
route-finding challenges encountered by early
snowpack. Snow may start covering trails as early
as October. However, keep in mind that snow is not
the only issue when it comes to safe backcountry
travel.
Route-Finding Challenges
Trails may be snow-free at lower elevations but
anticipate and prepare for snow at higher elevations.
Conditions change rapidly during the day and
footprints in the snow quickly disappear. This
has left many day hikers disoriented upon their
return trip, expecting to simply follow their own
tracks back to the snow-free trail. This results in
many lost individuals, injuries, and fatalities. When
route-finding, note important landmarks. If the trail
becomes difficult to follow, stop and find where you
are on the map before continuing.
Be Prepared
If at any point you feel uncomfortable or
unprepared, turn around. If you plan on retracing
your route back to the trailhead consider using
wands on snow-covered trails. Always carry a good
map and compass, and actively use them on snowcovered trails. Also consider supplementing your
map and compass with an external antenna GPS for
best coverage beneath a forest canopy.
Consider the steep snow slopes, melt holes,
thinning snow bridges, and other snow-season
hazards that you may encounter, and be honest with
yourself in assessing your skills and experience.
Plan Ahead
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cross Streams Safely
Many hikers underestimate the power of moving
water and some consider their former successful
stream crossings as a ticket to the other side. This
may not be true. Use these pointers in making wise
decisions when crossing streams.
• Your best option may be turning back. If
conditions do not look safe, do not try to cross.
• Early morning when river levels are generally at
their lowest is the best time to cross.
• Find an area where the river is braided into
multiple channels; look for an area with a
smooth bottom and slow-moving water below
knee height, and cross at its widest part.
• Before crossing, scout downstream for log
jams, waterfalls, and other hazards that could
Leave No Trace
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plan ahead & prepare
Travel & camp on durable
surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts*
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others
*Fires are for emergency use only;
they are not allowed in Mount
Rainier’s Wilderness
A pleasant outing can quickly transform into a
survival ordeal. Proper gear is a must. Navigation
in storms can be extremely difficult. If you’re
ascending and clouds or fog start rolling in, turn
around and head back to the trailhead. If that’s not
possible, stop, dig in, and wait for better weather.
•
•
•
Carry the 10 Essentials
and know how to use them!
1. Map and compass
2. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
3. Extra clothing (warm!) and rain gear
4. Flashlight or head lamp (extra
batteries)
5. First aid supplies
6. Waterproof matches or lighter
7. Repair kit and tools (for gear)
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Emergency shelter
You Can Help Protect Mount Rainier
Keep Wildlife Wild
Human food puts animals at risk and
some die as a result. Birds like jays or
ravens are effective nest predators––
eating the eggs or young of other birds.
By feeding birds, visitors concentrate
these nest predators near roads and
trails and inadvertently contribute to
the death of songbirds in the same
area.
Snow Avalanches
Mountain Weather Changes Rapidly
•
Classic Backcountry Practices
Protect yourself by wearing appropriate
outdoor clothing including footwear.
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Carry the ten essentials even on a short
sightseeing hike.
Always tell someone of your travel plans so
they can notify the park if you fail to return.
If visibility is poor, do not travel at all.
Plan your route ahead of time, have a backup
plan, and never travel alone.
The greatest danger is an avalanche that you trigger
by skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or climbing.
Be prepared for travel in avalanche terrain. Carry a
transceiver, probe, and shovel and know how to use
them. Determine if the location you are traveling is
avalanche prone. If in doubt, ask questions or don’t
go. Unstable snow may slide at any time . . . not just
in winter! Even small avalanches can be deadly.
•
trap you. Locate a point where you can exit
if you fall in. Swimming may not be possible
in the swift flow or if you are swept against
submerged rocks or downed trees.
Use a sturdy stick to maintain two points of
contact with the ground at all times.
Unfasten the belt of your pack so you can easily
discard it if necessary.
Staring down at moving water can make you
dizzy. Look forward as much as possible.
Straddling a foot log may be safer than walking.
Consider the consequences of a fall.
Your safety is more important than your
itinerary. Permits or reservations can be
adjusted to accommodate safe river crossings.
Before you step off the trail...
... consider this: one careless step can
result in bare ground for years, due to
the short growing season!
When exploring Mount Rainier’s fragile
meadows hike only on maintained trails
or thick patches of snow.
•
•
•
•
Please do not feed the wildlife.
Store your food in an animalproof container, or inside your car.
Do not leave food, beverages, pet
food, or toiletries unattended for
any length of time.
Clean up picnic areas after you
eat.
Please drive carefully and watch for
wildlife.
Mount Rainier National Park | Tahoma News | September 9 - December 31, 2019 | 3
Facility Hours and Information
Longmire
Longmire Museum
(360) 569-6575
Ranger programs, exhibits,
information, books
September 3–30
9:00 am–5:00 pm daily
October 1–December 31
9:00 am–4:30 pm daily
Longmire Wilderness
Information Center
(360) 569-6650
Wilderness camping & climbing
permits, general information
May 25–October 14
7:30 am–5:00 pm daily
Closed for the season starting
October 15
Henry M. Jackson Visitor
Center at Paradise
Ohanapecosh Visitor
Center
(360) 569-6571
Ranger programs, exhibits, books,
information, theater, food, gifts
September 3–22
10:00 am–7:00 pm daily
September 23–October 14
10:00 am–5:00 pm daily
October 19–December 31
Saturdays and Sundays only
Hours vary due to conditions
November 28–December 1
and December 21–January 1
10:00 am - 4:15 pm daily
(360) 569-6581
Ranger programs, exhibits,
information, books
September 4–15
9:00 am–5:00 pm daily
September 21–October 14
9:00 am–5:00 pm Saturdays–
Sundays only
Closed for the season starting
October 15
Jackson Visitor Center
Snack Bar & Gift Shop
Food, gifts, books
September 3–22
10:00 am–6:45 pm daily
September 23–October 7
10:00 am–5:15 pm daily
October 12–December 31
11:00 am–4:00 pm Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays
National Park Inn
at Longmire
Open year-round
Lodging, dining room
Front Desk: 7:00 am–10:00 pm
daily
Longmire General Store
Open year-round
Food, gifts, books, apparel
September 3–December 31
10:00 am–5:00 pm daily
Ski season, weekend &
holiday hours
8:30 am–6:00 pm weekends &
holidays
Carbon River Ranger
Station (360) 829-9639
Located on the Carbon River
Road 5.5 miles east of the
Mowich Lake (SR165) junction.
Wilderness camping &
northside climbing permits,
general information
Call for hours
Paradise Wilderness
Information Center
(360) 569-6641
Wilderness camping and
climbing permits, exhibits,
general information
September 3–15
7:00 am–4:00 pm daily
Closing for the season
starting September 16
White River Wilderness
Information Center
(360) 569-6670
Wilderness camping and
eastside climbing permits,
general information
September 3–October 14
7:30 am–5:00 pm daily
Closed for the season starting
October 15
Sunrise Visitor Center
(360) 663-2425
Exhibits, information, books
September 3–22
10:00 am–6:00 pm daily
Closed for the season starting
September 23
Sunrise Day Lodge
Snack Bar & Gift Shop
Paradise Inn
Lodging, dining, cafe, gift shop
September 3–30
Front Desk open 24 hours daily
Closed for the season after
breakfast on September 30
Food and gifts; day use only, no
overnight lodging
September 3–8
10:00 am–7:00 pm daily
September 14–22
11:00 am–5:00 pm Saturdays–
Sundays only
Closed for the season starting
September 23
Food & Lodging Inside Mount Rainier National Park
For reservations contact, Mount Rainier Guest Services at
(360) 569-2275 or mtrainierguestservices.com
Services Outside Mount Rainier National Park
Gas is not available
inside the park.
Gasoline, lodging, dining, recreation equipment rentals, and
other services are available in local communities.
Mount Rainier National Park
Superintendent
Chip Jenkins
Park Headquarters
(360) 569-2211
Lost and Found
(360) 569-6608
Keep In Touch!
MORAInfo@nps.gov
Mount Rainier National Park: www.nps.gov/mora
North Coast and Cascades Science & Learning
Network http://nwparkscience.org/
Official Park Social Media Sites
facebook.com/MountRainierNPS
instagram.com/mountrainiernps/
flickr.com/MountRainierNPS
twitter.com/MountRainierNPS
mountrainiernps.tumblr.com/
youtube.com/MountRainierNPS
Emergency: Dial 911 from any phone
located in the park
Mount Rainier: An Active Volcano
Active steam vents, periodic earth tremors, and
historic eruptions provide evidence that Mount
Rainier is sleeping, not dead. Seismic monitoring
stations around the mountain should provide
days or weeks of advance warning of impending
eruptions. Other geologic hazards, however, can
occur with little warning. These include debris
flows and rockfalls.
If you are near a river and notice a rapid rise
in water level, feel a prolonged shaking of the
ground, and/or hear a roaring sound coming from
upvalley––often described as the sound made by a
fast–moving freight train––move quickly to higher
ground––200 feet above river level should be safe.
Detailed information is available at park visitor
centers or from scientists at the U.S.G.S. Cascades
Volcano Observatory, vulcan.wr.usgs.gov.
Drive-in Campgrounds
Campground
Open Dates
Elev.
Sites
Group
Sites
Toilets
Dump
Station
Maximum
RV/Trailer Length
Cougar Rock*
May 24 - Oct. 14
3,180’
173
5
Flush
Yes
RV 35’/Trailer 27’
Ohanapecosh*
May 24 - Oct. 14
1,914’
188
2
Flush
No
RV 32’/Trailer 27’
White River
June 21 - Sept. 30
4,232’
112
0
Flush
No
RV 27’/Trailer 18’
Mowich Lake
Primitive walk-in campground, tents only. 10 sites. No fee (must self-register at campground kiosk). Vault toilets, no potable
water. No fires allowed. Elevation 4,929’; generally open July through early October, depending on road and weather conditions.
Call 360-829-9639 for information.
*Advance reservations are recommended for individual sites at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Campgrounds from June 22 through the night of
September 1. These can be made up to six months in advance. Reservations for group sites are recommended and are available throughout the season.
These can be made up to one year in advance. To make a reservation online, go to www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
4 | Mount Rainier National Park | Tahoma News | September 3 - December 31, 2019