Mount Rainier National Park FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Mount Rainier National Park.

When is the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park?

The best time to go to Mount Rainier National Park is between July and August when the weather is sunny, dry and pleasantly warm for hiking. Expect daytime temperatures between 15°C and 25°C depending on the elevation. Summer is also wildflower season and many visitors flock to the park during these months to see the subalpine meadows transformed with blooms.

All park trails and amenities are open between May and October with some closing between November and April because of weather conditions. As long as you check the conditions before you travel, you can have a worthwhile visit during any season.

Autumn lasts for just two months – September and October – but the temperate weather and changing foliage makes for a beautiful backdrop. Cycling conditions also improve during this time as there are usually fewer vehicles on the roads.

Winter is long and cold in Mount Rainier and lasts from November until March with temperatures hovering just above or below freezing. Fewer entrances and trails are open, but there’s still plenty do in the park, including skiing, snowboarding and ranger-led snowshoe walks.

Spring occurs between April and June, and generally thaws the freezing temperatures of winter. It’s a quieter time to visit, but as the weather can be unpredictable, it’s not the best time to visit.

What is the time difference between the UK and Mount Rainier National Park?

GMT – 8 hours

What places combine well with Mount Rainier National Park?

Mount Rainier National Park is located 2-2.5 hours away from two of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic cities: Seattle and Portland. Combine a trip to one or both of these well-known cities while also discovering one of the region’s most scenic national parks.