Mount Rainier National Park

Snow blankets Mount Rainier National Park.

A waterfall tumbles down the forested slopes of Mount Rainier.

Wildflowers grow in the rocky crevices of Mount Rainier.

Mount Rainier National Park, 60 miles southeast of Tacoma, was established in 1899 as the fifth national park in the country.

Today, the park protects 378 square miles (235,625 acres) of moist rain forests, giant ancient forests, subalpine meadows, glaciers and rocky outcrops. Ninety-seven percent of the park is designated wilderness, while the other three percent is a National Historic Landmark District.

Mount Rainier has an elevation of 14,410 feet. Each year, more than 10,000 people try to climb to the summit. About half make it, the rest are hindered by bad weather, fatigue, improper preparation and other factors. Climbers must first obtain a climbing permit.

The Wonderland Trail, a 90-mile loop encircling the mountain offers outstanding hiking opportunities. There are more than 260 miles of trails and 116 miles of roads. Most are closed by snowfall during much of the year.

The Nisqually entrance on the southwest side of the park on WA 706 is open all year, while other park entrances are open seasonally, depending on snow conditions.

Contact the park for current road conditions.

Guided snowshoe walks are offered in the Paradise area during winter weekends and holidays.

In summer, guided walks and evening programs are offered throughout the park.

Bicyclists find little room to maneuver on park roads, which are relatively narrow. Bicycles are not permitted on trails. Horseback riding and animal trekking are permitted in limited areas.

There are six campgrounds, three visitor centers, two inns and a museum. The Longmire Museum, Sunshine Point campground and National Park Inn are open year-round.