Mount Rainier National Park
National park · Pierce County
Washington
Highlights
Glacier-clad volcano, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, scenic hikes
Glacier-clad volcano, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, scenic hikes
"Timed-entry reservations were required last year, but no decision has yet been made about whether timed-entry reservations will be required for the 2025 summer season according to recreation.gov." - Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny Katie Nadworny is an Istanbul-based writer who specializes in stories at the intersection of culture and politics in Turkey, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. She has lived in Turkey for nearly a decade and has traveled extensively around the region. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A park centered on a dramatic, glacier‑clad volcanic peak surrounded by wildflower-filled meadows, old-growth forests, and commanding mountain scenery." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Centered on a 14,410-foot active volcano, this park offers towering alpine scenery, ancient forests, and prolific wildflower displays in late summer. Prime wildflower viewing is found along Reflection Lakes and the Grand Park meadow in July and August; Sunrise Road leads to the highest vehicle-accessible viewpoint and the popular 5.5-mile Skyline Trail Loop provides close-up views of the mountain and Nisqually Glacier." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Over twenty named glaciers cover Mount Rainier, the highest point in Washington state at 14,411 feet above sea level and a conspicuous landmark in the western part of the state. Many routes and route variations await climbers of Mount Rainier, the majestic stratovolcano that can be seen from Seattle. It is the most glaciated mountain in the continental United States, and climbers may use these glaciers to ascend to its peak, known as Columbia Crest, on the west side of the rim of the caldera. The standard route to the top, though, is the seven-mile non-technical snow climb called Disappointment Cleaver. Climbers on this route start from the Paradise parking lot and hike to the popular Camp Muir, a shelter at just above 10,000 feet. While the shelter does hold 25 people, slots cannot be reserved here. It is first-come, first-served, and is a popular day hike destination as well as a base for climbers who wish to make the summit, for snagging a spot in the shelter means climbers will not have to use a tent. Beyond Camp Muir are the Cowlitz, Ingraham, and Emmons Glaciers and the final push toward the summit. Ropes may be in place to assist climbers on the steeper sections and wands marking the main route, which could easily be lost on the ice and snow. This route reaches the east side of the rim, so climb around the rim, where geothermal heat keeps the rock free of snow, to the highest point of Washington and the culmination of one of the toughest climbs in the United States." - ATLAS_OBSCURA
"With a splash of violet in the foreground and a snow-capped peak not far behind, Mount Rainier National Park's blooms promise to leave you awestruck. Admire these magenta, gold, and blue shades throughout the park's subalpine meadows in late July and August. Some of the best spots to enjoy the show include the photogenic Reflection Lakes trail, and the sweeping Grand Park meadow, where wildflowers stretch to nearly the base of Mount Rainier." - Travel + Leisure Editors
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