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Mount Rainier National ParkRanger raising the flag at the historic Longmire Administration Building.
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Mount Rainier National Park
Operating Hours & Seasons

Mount Rainier National Park is open all year. Visitation is at its peak in July and August, when the sun warms the earth enticing mountain meadows to blossom. Parking is limited in many areas of the park especially on busy summer weekends and holidays.  If you are planning a summer trip to Mount Rainier, consider visiting mid-week, which is generally less crowded.

In spring, with ephemeral waterfalls and autumn, with brilliant colors reaching deep into the valleys, visitors can enjoy a more leisurely vacation in the park. During these seasons, weather may determine the availability of facilities in certain areas of the park. Before making any plans check the current status of roads, campgrounds, trails and activities.

Vehicle access to Mount Rainier in the winter is only available from the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park on the way to Paradise.  The Carbon River Entrance is open but the road within the park boundary is limited to foot and bicycle traffic.




Visitor Centers     Road Status
Wilderness & Climbing Information Centers               
Dining and Lodging in the Park     Campgrounds and Picnic Areas

 

VISITOR CENTER

DATES and HOURS OF OPERATION
Call the park at 1-360-569-2211 to confirm road and facility status or check the website for current information.

Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise (360)569-6036

September 1 - September 28
10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily
Closes on September 29 

The new visitor center at Paradise
Now open 10:00 am - 6 pm
Mission '66-era JVC now closed

October 13 - December 31 (Closed Tues, November 11)
10 am - 5 pm
Sat, Sun, Holidays  

Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
(360)569-6046
Generally open late May through early October

September 1 - October 13
9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily

Closed for the season starting Oct 14

Sunrise Visitor Center
(360)663-2425
Generally open July through early September

September 1 - September 7
10:00 am - 5:00 pm Daily

Closed for the season starting September 8

Longmire Museum
(360)569-2211 ext. 3314

9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily


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WILDERNESS & CLIMBING INFORMATION CENTERS

DATES and HOURS OF OPERATION

Longmire Wilderness Information Center
(360) 569-HIKE

September 1 - October 13
7:30 am - 5:00 pm daily


Closed for the season starting October 13

 

White River Wilderness Information Center
(360)569-2211 x6030

September 1 - October 12
7:30 am - 4:30 pm daily

Closed for the season starting October 13

 

Carbon River Ranger Station
(360) 829-9639

Call for hours

 

Climbing Information at
the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center

September 1 - September 27
6:00 am - noon Saturday

Self registration is available

 

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CAMPGROUND

DATES and HOURS OF OPERATIONS

Cougar Rock

Last night to camp is October 13, 2008

Closed for the season
at noon on October 14.

Ohanapecosh

Last night to camp is October 13, 2008

Closed for the season
at noon on October 14

White River

Last night to camp is
September 28, 2008

Closed for the season
at noon on September 29

Ipsut Creek

Road to campground is closed to vehicles due to the November 2006 flood. The campground which is 5 miles from the entrance is OPEN to walk-in or bike-in use only. A wilderness camping permit is required for overnight stay. No pets or fires allowed. No potable water.

 

Sunshine Point

CLOSED. This campground was washed away during the November 2006 flood.

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PICNIC AREAS

CURRENT STATUS

Cougar Rock

Open

 

Paradise

Open

Box Canyon

Open until Stevens Canyon Road closes which is usually with the first heavy snowfall or November 1

Ohanapecosh Campground
(in Loop A)

Open closes on October 13 at noon along with the campground

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ACCOMODATIONS
And FOOD

CURRENT STATUS

Paradise Inn
Lodging, dining, post office, & gifts.
Generally open: May through September

Open through October 5

Front desk open 24 hours

Closed for the season starting October 6

 

National Park Inn
Reservations:
(360)569-2275
Lodging, dining, post office, groceries & gifts.
Generally open: all year

Open Year Round

Hotel Front Desk
7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily

 

Sunrise Day Lodge - no overnight facilities
Food & gifts.
Generally open: early July through late September

September 1 - September 7
10 am - 6 pm, daily

Closed for the season starting September 8

 

Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise – Snack Bar/Grill and Gift Shop

September 1 - September 28
10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily
Closes on September 29 

The new visitor center at Paradise
Opens October 10 - 12
10:00 am - 6 pm

October 13 - December 31
11 am – 4:45 pm
Sat, Sun, Holidays

 

More information on dining in the park
More information on lodging in the park
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human-food-habituated red fox  

Did You Know?
Feeding wildlife invites aggressive animal behavior, road accidents, and harm to people. Feeding birds artificially concentrates nest predators, harming young songbirds. Feeding animals in the park is prohibited, and is liable to a $100 fine.

Last Updated: October 09, 2008 at 17:21 EST