A Brief, Handy Guide to Mount Rainier National Park

If you live in Washington and are planning your next weekend getaway, there are several excellent destinations that you can choose from. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, however, Mount Rainier National Park is a great option. Perhaps the most beautiful spot in the state, Mount Rainier National Park offers a lot to see and do. Here is some more information about this National Park, such as available accommodation and the different activities that you can opt for, which might persuade you to visit it on your next weekend off!

Start at a Visitor’s Center

When you first arrive at Mount Rainier National Park, you should hit one of the visitor centers in order to gain some basic information about the park. Two of the visitor’s centers, the Longmire Museum and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, are open throughout the year, whereas the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and the Sunrise Visitor Center are open only during the summer.

You will need to pay a fee to enter the park. By paying $15, you can bring your vehicle into the park for seven days. If you are entering the park on a bike, motorcycle, or foot, the cost is only $5. Camping facilities are available at Mount Rainier National Park at a cost ranging between $12 and $15, depending on the time of year and the camping spot you have chosen.

Lodging and Meals

If you’re planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park for more than a day, you’ll need to find a place to sleep, as well as spots where you can grab a meal. Fortunately, there are great restaurants and lodging on offer in and around the park.

There are two inns located inside the Mount Rainier National Park. of which the National Park Inn is the most popular. This inn is open year-round and features amenities such as a general store and dining room. You could also book a room at the Paradise Inn, which is open from May to October. If you’re interested in camping at the park, there are four different campgrounds to your disposal: Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, White River, and Mowich Lake.

What to Do in the Park

The best reason to visit Mount Rainier National Park is that you’ll have access to a wide range of exciting activities. For example, the park features a variety of hiking trails that you’ll love if you’ve been wanting to stretch your limbs in nature. If you’re interested in hiking the popular Wonderland Trail, you’ll need to obtain a wilderness permit beforehand.

Mount Rainier National Park also offers several challenging climbing spots, as well as wildflower viewing for those looking for a more relaxing outing. You could also participate in one of the fun and informative ranger-led programs, which are typically offered during the late summer months.

Keep the information in this guide in mind and you should be able to plan a memorable visit to Mount Rainier National Park.

Photo by Sachin | Licensed by CC BY 2.0

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