A Day In Longmire
Plan a day in Longmire, whether you are looking for mountain views, historic architecture, or hiking trails for all abilities.
2-8 Hours Year-round Fee applies
National Park · WA
Things to do in Mount Rainier
The National Park Service lists 46 things to do at Mount Rainier National Park. 14 have no extra fee, 44 need no reservation, and 10 allow pets. Each listing links to the full NPS page. Data is from the NPS snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
Updated · NPS Data API
A Day In Paradise
The Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park has it all—history, hiking, wildflowers, and wildlife viewing opportunities, and more! Use this guide to help you decide what to do on your day in Paradise.
2-8 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies
A Day In Sunrise
If you are looking for great views of Mount Rainier, stunning wildflower meadows, interesting history, or a chance to see wildlife, look no further than Sunrise!
2-8 Hours Summer Fee applies
A Half-Day in Paradise
With just 4 hours, visitors can enjoy glacier views, blooming wildflowers, and rich cultural history at the most popular subalpine meadow in the park!
2-4 Hours Summer Fee applies
Beginner's Guide to Snowshoeing
Mount Rainier National Park is a great place for beginner and experienced snowshoers to explore the winter landscape.
1-6 Hours Winter, Spring Fee applies
Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park
Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park is both scenic and challenging. Bicycles are allowed on park roads but they are not permitted on any hiking trails.
4-8 Hours Summer Fee applies
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Camping at Mount Rainier
Enjoy an extended, relaxing visit to Mount Rainier in one of the park's campgrounds.
Spring, Summer, Fall Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed
Car or Front Country Camping
Climbing Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, offers an exciting challenge to the mountaineer. Climbers must be in excellent physical condition and well prepared. Learn more about the requirements for climbing Mount Rainier.
3-4 Days Spring, Summer Fee applies
Mountain Climbing
Cloudy Day Activities at Mount Rainier
Everyone loves beautiful days when Mount Rainier is visible and the skies are blue! However, sometimes the weather does not cooperate. There is still so much to appreciate on days when the clouds roll in.
1-8 Hours Year-round Fee applies
Complete a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger Booklet
Complete a Junior Ranger booklet and collect a Mount Rainier Junior Ranger badge. Learn more about the plants and animals of the park and how Mount Rainier was formed.
30-60 Minutes Year-round Fee applies
Day Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park
Looking for easy and enjoyable trails that the whole family can experience together? Consider the following trails in the Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River/Mowich areas of Mount Rainier National Park.
2-8 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies
Discover Wildflowers
Mount Rainier is famous for its wildflowers, but blooming season is short and varies with elevation. Discover the best times to visit to view wildflowers.
Summer Fee applies
Enjoy a Winter Wonderland at Paradise
Winter brings into focus a frosty view of the mountain. An abundance of snow creates a winter recreation paradise, but also brings the challenges of icy, snowy roads. The road to Paradise is plowed, when possible, to allow access.
2-6 Hours Winter Fee applies Pets allowed
Explore Longmire in Winter
Make a day of it by visiting in Longmire in winter. Hike or snowshoe through the forest with views of Mount Rainier and bubbling mineral springs. Explore the Longmire Historic District and warm up with a hot meal in the National Park Inn.
2-4 Hours Winter Fee applies Pets allowed
Explore Tipsoo Lake
Interested in exploring Tipsoo Lake but don't know what to do? This list should help you find the right activity.
0-4 Hours Summer
Explore Waterfalls from Longmire to Paradise
This tour is a great opportunity to see four of Mount Rainier's stunning waterfalls between Longmire and Paradise without taking on any long or strenuous trails.
2-4 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies
Family-Friendly Paradise Activities
Whether you’re pushing a stroller or traveling with grandparents, Paradise offers activities the whole family can enjoy together.
2-6 Hours Summer, Fall Fee applies
Fishing at Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is not known for fishing, but many lakes were historically stocked with non-native fish. Anglers can play an important role in protecting native fish populations by following fishing regulations and reducing numbers of non-native fish.
Summer, Fall Fee applies
Freshwater Fishing
Full Moon Hikes at Mount Rainier
Trail options and safety tips when hiking under a full moon at Longmire, Paradise, and Box Canyon at Mount Rainier National Park.
30-180 Minutes Year-round Fee applies
Hike and Bike Westside Road in Mount Rainier
Hike or bike Westside Road through a dynamic landscape that is evidence of outburst floods that closed this portion of road to public vehicle traffic. Hike the trails that lead off this road lead to meadows, views of glaciers, and historic patrol cabins.
Summer, Fall Fee applies
Hike Emmons Moraine Trail
Enjoy a short hike from the White River Campground through the forest to a view of the Emmons Glacier and a beautiful turquoise lake colored by glacial silt.
1-2 Hours Summer, Fall
Hike Nisqually Vista Trail
The easy Nisqually Vista trail offers stunning year-round views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and the Tatoosh mountain range as well as seasonal delights, such as summer wildflowers and fall foliage.
45-60 Minutes Year-round
Hike Rampart Ridge
This loop trail explores the forest around Longmire, with glimpses of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Valley.
2-3 Hours Year-round
Hike to Bench and Snow Lakes
Enjoy a short hike to picturesque Bench and Snow Lakes with views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range.
2 Hours Summer, Fall
Hike to Burroughs Mountain
Hike the Burroughs Mountain Trail for outstanding mountain views and to visit the most accessible tundra in the Cascade Range.
3-6 Hours Summer
Hike to Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout
Hike to the historic Gobblers Knob Fire Lookout perched on a rocky outcrop above Lake George.
6-7 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike to Shriner Peak Fire Lookout
Embark on a strenuous hike up to a historic fire lookout with adjacent backcountry camping sites and enjoy views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valley.
5-6 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike to Silver Falls
Enjoy a moderate, family-friendly loop hike through the forest to a beautiful waterfall along the Ohanapecosh River.
2 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall
Hike to Spray Falls
Enjoy a short hike from Mowich Lake to a large cascading waterfall fed by a glacier.
2-3 Hours Summer
Kid-Friendly Hikes at Mount Rainier
Looking for kid friendly hikes to do while visiting Mount Rainier? This list should help you find the right hike for your group depending on where you are in the park.
20-90 Minutes Summer Fee applies
Longmire Historic District Walking Tour
At Mount Rainier, designers selected massive logs and glacial boulders as the building materials best suited for integrating new structures with their natural settings.
60 Minutes Year-round Fee applies Pets allowed
Mount Rainier: Off the Beaten Path
Mount Rainier National Park is substantial in size, but congestion still occurs during peak season and during times of nice weather. Escaping the crowds completely can be a challenge, but there are ways to still plan a rewarding visit.
4-8 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies
Northeast Area: Remote Winter Recreation
Enjoy winter camping, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling in this less-visited area in the northeast of the park.
Winter Fee applies
Ohanapecosh Area Activities
Enjoy all that the Ohanapecosh area has to offer with these four activities.
2-8 Hours Summer, Fall Fee applies
Paddle Sports at Mowich Lake
Paddle sports offer a unique opportunity to get out on the water and experience wilderness lakes that are scattered across Mount Rainier National Park. Mowich Lake is the largest lake in the park and is one of the easiest to access, though still challenging.
2-8 Hours Summer, Fall Fee applies
Photograph Wildflowers in the Subalpine Meadows
Photographers of all skill levels can enjoy photographing the Mount Rainier wildflowers. Follow these simple tips and tricks to optimize your photoshoot in the park.
15 Minutes Summer Fee applies
Road Trip Around the Mountain
Even if you never step foot outside your vehicle, a drive through Mount Rainier National Park can be a rewarding experience.
4-8 Hours Summer, Fall Fee applies Pets allowed
Spring Recreation
Spring comes slowly to the mountain. While wildflowers bloom along city streets, the snow at Paradise may be higher than your head! Planning your spring trip to the mountain in advance is key to a safe and enjoyable visit.
Spring
Star Gazing at Sunrise
Come explore the parks after dark! Star gazing is a great way to end a long day of hiking and exploring the park. The Sunrise area is a perfect spot for star gazing.
30-120 Minutes Summer Fee applies Pets allowed
Stargazing in Paradise & Stevens Canyon
Learn how to safely star gaze in the Paradise and Stevens Canyon Road areas of Mount Rainier National Park.
1-6 Hours Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies Pets allowed
The Cougar Rock Campground Experience
If you are wondering exactly what you could do at Cougar Rock Campground aside from sleep, then we've got you covered. Here are some activities that you can do while staying at Cougar Rock Campground.
1-14 Days Summer Reservation required Fee applies Pets allowed
Car or Front Country Camping
Tree Scavenger Hunt in the Ohanapecosh Campground
Go on an adventure and try to identify the three most commonly abundant trees that surround the entire Ohanapecosh area.
30-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall Fee applies Pets allowed
Try en plein air painting at Mount Rainier National Park
With just a little planning you can create art anywhere. Take time to really experience your favorite viewpoint by painting a picture in the park.
Visit the 10th Mountain Division Memorial
Take a short walk up the Skyline Trail to visit the 10th Mountain Division Memorial which honors the U.S. Army Troops who trained at Paradise during World War II.
30-60 Minutes Spring, Summer, Fall
Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire
Visit the Valor Memorial at Longmire to honor the Mount Rainier National Park Rangers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
5-10 Minutes Year-round Pets allowed
Wilderness Camping at Mount Rainier National Park
With 97% of the park designated wilderness, backpacking and wilderness camping is one of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park.
2-14 Days Year-round Fee applies
Before you go
Check current alerts and closures, entrance fees and operating hours for Mount Rainier. Programs and tours can change with the season or be cancelled on short notice — confirm on the NPS page before you plan around one.
Things to do at nearby parks
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Sources
- National Park Service Data API — things to do, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026. Descriptions are short excerpts; photos are NPS photos shown from nps.gov with their credit.
- Mount Rainier National Park — things to do on nps.gov