Mt Rainier - Paradise

Mt Rainier - Paradise

At 14,410 feet, Mt Rainier is the highest peak in a spectacular series of volcanoes along the Cascades in Washington State.

Paradise is the most popular destination at Mount Rainier, located on its southern slope. Paradise is famous for its breathtaking views and sub-alpine meadows, and in summer and early fall its lower slopes are carpeted in wildflowers.

The road to Paradise is plowed most of the year, but please check road status before leaving.  Total drive time from Seattle to Paradise is 3 hours, and the awesome sight of Mount Rainier is immediately visible as you enter the Paradise parking lot.  

Things to do at Paradise

Trails lead from the parking lot, providing incredible views of the south face of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier. The views back down the trail are equally impressive, with pristine mountain streams and unusual tree islands clinging to the slopes of Mount Rainier.  There are also panoramic views of the Cascades, and on a clear day you can see Mount Adams in the distance.

After taking a hike, don't forget to stop by the new Paradise Jackson Visitor Center for the cinema, exhibits and gift shop.   There is also a restaurant and cafe at the historic Paradise Lodge.  Visitors not wishing to explore the trails can enjoy a coffee at the cafe, or admire the views from the porch at the lodge.

Driving up to Paradise, Mt Rainier

To get to Paradise, drive through the Nisqually Entrance on the southwest corner of the Mt Rainier National Park where a small fee is required. 

Shortly after the Nisqually Entrance you will pass through an enchanting old-growth forest to the township of Longmire. The historic village of Longmire at Mount Rainier was the original park headquarters, and provides some of the best examples of rustic National Park dwellings from the 20's and 30's.  The Longmire Museum is housed in one of these historic buildings and has a selection of interesting exhibits. 

Longmire is also home to the National Park Inn, and on a clear day you can catch glimpses of Mt Rainier from the porch of this historic Inn.  There are also a number of hiking trails in the Longmire Area of Mount Rainier, and you can camp at nearby Cougar Campground.

After passing through Longmire you will encounter a number of spectacular sights on the road up to Paradise; including Christine Falls, Nisqually Glacier, Viewpoint and Nerada Falls.

Lodging and Camping

The only two lodging options inside the park are the historic Paradise Inn (closed in winter), or National Park Inn at Longmire. There are also cabins and rentals at Ashford just outside the Nisqually Entrance. Camping Sites are also available throughout the park.

What are the most popular visitor destinations at Mt Rainier?

Paradise is the most popular destination at Mt Rainier, and Sunrise is the second. Sunrise only has a day lodge with a snack bar, and no overnight accommodation or restaurant, however it's also significantly less crowded than Paradise. Unlike Paradise, Sunrise is only open for a short period each year.