Standing 14,410 toes in top, Mount Rainier is likely one of the most iconic and imposing websites in your entire Pacific Northwest. The mountain’s snowcapped peak looms massive on the horizon, even 70 miles away within the metropolis of Seattle.
The breathtakingly lovely mountain sits on the heart of an enormous wilderness expanse that’s Mount Rainer National Park, a spot the place guests can discover glacier-fed waterfalls and lakes, miles of Douglas fir forests, and vibrant flowering meadows.
This wild and untamed place is an enormous, spectacular playground for out of doors fanatics and nature lovers alike. Adventurous vacationers will discover the nationwide park holds an simple attract that’s arduous to disregard. The mountain is asking, and you should go.
Why Visit Mount Rainier National Park in Your RV?
Despite its distant and wild nature, Mount Rainier National Park is definitely very accessible by RV. Located simply an hour outdoors Seattle, this wilderness setting is ideal for day journeys or prolonged tenting excursions.
Inside the park, guests will discover infinite alternatives for journey, together with the possibility to discover lush rainforests, hike via alpine meadows, and camp within the shadow of the titular mountain—which occurs to be an lively volcano.
The park has one thing to supply anybody who enjoys the outside and exquisite area. With greater than 150 trails to wander and 147 miles of highway to drive, there are a lot of methods to absorb this pristine wilderness.
RVers will even discover three improbable campgrounds contained in the park boundaries, every with websites for motorhomes and journey trailers. All of this makes it an ideal vacation spot for tenting, exploring, and stress-free.
At the center of all of it is the mountain itself. Those with the time and inclination could make the arduous trek to Rainier’s iconic summit. But be warned, that is no straightforward endeavor, requiring stamina, willpower, and a real spirit of journey.
When to Visit Mount Rainier National Park
The park is open year-round and gives wildly totally different experiences relying on once you go. Here’s what it’s worthwhile to know:
Mount Rainier National Park within the Spring
Early spring might be chilly and moist, however because the season continues, the park warms up properly. Average excessive temperatures vary from the low 40s in March to the higher 50s in May. Overnight lows vary from the mid-20s to mid-40s throughout that very same time interval.
Snow storms can nonetheless be fairly widespread at altitude, resulting in highway closures at instances. Be certain to test on-line or at a ranger station for the present situations. Crowds are typically low throughout this time of 12 months however develop in numbers nearer to the beginning of summer time.
Mount Rainier National Park within the Summer
Summer is a well-liked time to go to the park, which is busiest from mid-July via mid-August. That’s when Rainier’s well-known wildflowers bloom, bringing a dizzying array of colours with them. The climate is normally improbable, with dry situations and heat—however hardly ever sizzling—temperatures. Expect daytime highs within the low 70s and in a single day lows within the 50s, with cooler situations at larger altitudes.
Mount Rainier National Park within the Fall
Autumn is an incredible time to go to Mountain Rainier National Park, which is awash within the season’s colours beginning in late September. Autumn does convey cooler temperatures—count on low 50s throughout the day and higher 30s at night time—and October might be wet. During peak leaf season, the park’s trails and roads might be fairly busy however taper off as fall wanes.
Mount Rainier National Park within the Winter
The nationwide park will get loads of snow throughout the winter, with some areas receiving a number of hundred inches of accumulation. As a end result, most of the roads and trails are closed for the season. But the park remains to be very a lot open, and there’s lots to do, supplied you costume for the climate and don’t thoughts the challenges that winter brings. Average daytime temperatures are inclined to hover round 35ºF, whereas in a single day lows drop into the low 20s.
Where to Stay
There are 4 campgrounds in Mount Rainier, three of which may accommodate RVs. None of the websites have hookups of any variety, so dry tenting is the one choice. The campgrounds do have water and flush bathrooms however take note they’re solely open for a restricted time every year, normally operating from late May via late September. The park expenses a web site charge of $20 at every location.
The park’s campgrounds embrace the next:
- Cougar Rock: Located within the southwest area of the park, this campground sits at an elevation of three,180 toes and options 179 particular person campsites. This campground can accommodate motorhomes 35 toes in size and trailers as much as 27 toes. Sites can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation, though superior reservations can be found at recreation.gov.
- Ohanapecosh: Head to the southeast nook of the park to search out this campground, which additionally has 179 designated campsites. Ohanahpecosh can accommodate motorhomes as much as 32 toes in size and trailers so long as 27 toes. Sites can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation, though superior reservations can be found at recreation.gov.
- White River: The White River Campground is the smallest and most distant within the park, providing 88 particular person websites at an altitude of 4,400 toes. RVs are restricted to not more than 27 toes in size for motorhomes and 18 toes for trailers. There aren’t any superior reservations accessible for this location, which operates on a first-come, first-served foundation.
Staying Outside the Park
If the campgrounds contained in the park are full otherwise you desire a campground with full hookups, there are some wonderful choices close by. Here are a couple of solutions for locations to park your rig:
- Maple Grove Resort and Golf Course: Maple Grove is likely one of the finest RV resorts within the area, with lots to supply guests. The campground is positioned in Everett, WA, and is lower than an hour from Mount Rainier National Park.
- Rainier Wings/Packwood RV Park: Located in Packwood, WA, this campground is a bit more than an hour away from the nationwide park.
- Mounthaven Resort: This charming RV resort is present in Ashford, WA, which is discovered simply outdoors the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park.
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Tips for Your RV Camping Stay
- If you propose on visiting Mount Rainer throughout the busy summer time season, guide your campsites early. The park can get very busy in July, August, and early September, making it difficult to search out an open web site.
- Reservations for the Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds might be made on recreation.gov, however White River is all the time first-come, first-served solely.
- Camping or in a single day parking is prohibited in all places aside from designated campgrounds.
- All automobiles should be parked throughout the designated campsite parking space, not past the limitations or on vegetation.
- Camping is restricted to 14 consecutive days in any developed campground throughout the park and not more than 28 days complete in any designated campground throughout the calendar 12 months.
- Keep campfires small always, and don’t go away them unattended.
- Buy firewood domestically to stop bringing invasive species into the park.
- Dogs, cats, and different pets should be caged, on a leash (now not than 6 toes), or in any other case underneath bodily restraint always.
How to Get Around
Because it’s positioned in west-central Washington state, entry to Mountain Rainier National Park is excellent. The park sits a comparatively quick distance from a number of main metropolitan areas, together with Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima, and Portland.
Visitors to Mount Rainier will discover 5 entrances to the park. The southwest entrance is open year-round and might be accessed by way of SR 706. The northwest entrance at Carbon River by way of SR 165 is simply open to vehicles as much as the doorway level.
From that time on, solely pedestrians and bicycles are allowed. Three entrances on the east are open seasonally from about May to September by way of SR 123. Once within the park, automobiles can journey SR 706 year-round from the southwest entrance to Longmire Visitor Center, the place the highway is closed from late September till spring.
However, in the summertime season, SR 706 continues via the southern part of the park, turning into Stevens Canyon Road. Once reaching the southwest entrance, automobiles can journey your entire japanese area on SR 123 and SR 410.
All roads are a bit slim and winding however supply awe-inspiring views and pull-offs to benefit from the surroundings or take a break. Traffic jams are potential throughout the busiest instances of the 12 months, particularly on the weekends, so be ready to be affected person. The slim roads will also be difficult for bigger motorhomes and journey trailers, so permit loads of time to your drive. With almost 150 miles of highway to wander, there’s lots to see.
When visiting the park within the winter, all the time test the present highway situations and closures. Heavy snow closes most of the roads for a number of months, and others might be shut down based mostly on present situations.
Places to Go
Mount Rainier National Park has 5 distinct areas, every with their very own character and particular sights. Here are a number of solutions of locations to go to inside these districts:
Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise
Located within the Paradise area, that is the principle customer heart for the park. It is a superb cease for guests to choose up details about the area, be a part of ranger-led excursions, take a look at some displays, and watch a movie about Mount Rainier. You’ll additionally discover a bookstore and a cafeteria right here.
Paradise Inn
This historic resort has lodging, a eating room, a café, and a present store. Built in 1917, the inn has been designated as a “Great Lodge of the West.” It is open seasonally.
Longmire Museum
Once the unique park headquarters, the Longmire Museum holds park displays, data, and a guide retailer. It is positioned within the Longmire National Historic District, which showcases a number of buildings constructed within the “National Park Service Rustic” type.
National Park Inn
Located within the Longmire historic park district, this 1911 log constructing has 25 rooms with informal eating and a present store. It is open year-round.
Sunrise Visitor Center and Day Lodge
This customer heart and its accompanying day lodge are open from early July to early September. They present data, a bookstore, a cafeteria, and a present store.
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
Located within the southeast nook of the park, this heart has data, displays of the world, guided interpretive packages, and a guide retailer. It is open from late May to early October.
Reflection Lakes
Located three miles east of Paradise, these lakes are the proper place to seize pictures of Mount Rainier mirrored on the water. Best of all, as a result of the lakes are discovered only a few steps from the highway, they’re simply accessed by most guests.
Paradise
The aptly-named Paradise area is discovered on the southern flanks of Mountain Rainier. As probably the most well-known places in your entire park, it might get ceaselessly crowded, nevertheless it gives a number of the finest views too. There are a number of trailheads within the space, making it an ideal place to go for a hike, with crowds scaling down the additional you wander.
Myrtle Falls
The quick one-mile roundtrip hike to Myrtle Falls takes guests to an idyllic setting that not solely consists of the namesake waterfall however beautiful views of Mount Rainier within the distance.
Things to Do
With almost 370 sq. miles to discover, out of doors fanatics and nature lovers will discover quite a few actions to maintain them busy. Here are a couple of that it’s best to do whilst you’re visiting the park.
Day Hiking
The hottest exercise within the park is climbing its many trails. It is an effective way to benefit from the meadows filled with wildflowers, alpine landscapes, and the quiet solitude of the backcountry.
Trails are organized by area and issue:
- Longmire Region – This space is thought for its historic district and scenic waterfalls.
- Paradise Region – This breathtakingly lovely area is thought for its wildflower meadows and fascinating landscapes.
- Ohanapecosh Region – This space is thought for its towering old-growth forests and its proximity to the wild Ohanapecosh River.
- Sunrise Region – At 6,400 toes in altitude, this area is the best level within the park that may be reached by car It gives beautiful views of the mountain and loads of spectacular trails to wander.
- Carbon River & Mowich Region – This space is thought for its lush rainforests and glacial basin.
Backpacking
As talked about, there are 4 official campgrounds throughout the park boundaries, though solely three of them can accommodate RVs. The fourth, Mowich Lake Campground, is a hike-in, hike-out location above 4,929 toes. Backpackers will discover 13 tent pads there, which can be found on a first-come, first-served foundation. Fires are prohibited, and the location is simply open from early July via early October.
Backcountry tenting is allowed within the park’s expansive backcountry. Permits might be obtained at a customer heart or ranger station. Those permits are in excessive demand, and park officers counsel reserving a allow forward of your go to.
Bicycling
Cyclists are welcome to bike the roads inside Mount Rainier National Park, however they can’t experience on trails. Existing roads are slim and winding with out paved shoulders, so experience fastidiously. September and October are normally the very best instances to experience, as automobile visitors within the park decreases, however the climate stays heat, and the autumn colours are spectacular.
Mountaineering
Mount Rainier is likely one of the premiere climbing locations on this planet, drawing hundreds of alpinists yearly. It is a difficult ascent with over 9,000 toes of vertical achieve to succeed in the summit at 14,410 toes.
While not for the faint of coronary heart, the climb is accessible for guests who’re in good bodily situation and have expertise in mountaineering. Permits are required for such an endeavor, which usually takes two to 3 days to finish.
Climbing Mount Rainier just isn’t for the inexperienced or unprepared. Anyone wishing to summit the height ought to achieve this with an expert information, lots of which might be employed within the space. For extra data, take a look at the National Park Service tips on the park’s web site.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a well-liked solution to discover the park throughout the winter months. Guests to Mount Rainier are welcome to hike on any path with no need a information. Just costume appropriately for the climate situations and keep protected in your adventures.
Additionally, ranger-guided snowshoe excursions are supplied from December via March on weekends and holidays. Participants are led via park areas to see how crops and animals adapt to winter situations. The excursions are first-come, first-serve,d with a restrict of 25 company per tour. Visitors to Mount Rainier are additionally welcome to snowshoe on trails with out a information.
Skiing and Snowboarding
While there aren’t any designated ski hills or resorts contained in the park, skilled skiers and snowboarders can hit the slopes within the backcountry. Mount Rainier gives epic and wild terrain that’s finest explored by skilled winter athletes.
To defend the indigenous flora, the National Park Service requires a minimum of 5 toes of snow protection. To discover the places the place backcountry snowboarding and snowboarding are allowed, test in on the Jackson Visitor Center.
Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling is one other common solution to expertise Mount Rainier National Park within the winter. In the southwest area of the park, guests can experience the size of Westside Road to Round move, a distance of 6.5 miles.
Snowmobiles are additionally permitted on the highway loops close to Cougar Rock Campground and Highway 410 to the White River Campground. For extra data on snowmobiling within the park and to get maps for the White River, Carbon River, and Mowich Lake areas, go to the US Forest Service District Office in Enumclaw.
What to Bring and How to Prepare
Mount Rainier National Park isn’t removed from a number of main metropolitan areas however is a wild and distant place. Here are a couple of further ideas that can assist you get pleasure from your time there:
- Be certain to cease in one of many customer facilities to search out out which roads are open and the way busy the park is, and study extra in regards to the place. This is very necessary from late fall into early spring when highway closures are widespread.
- If you wish to climb the mountain, contact a neighborhood information service to make sure you are protected and well-prepared for such an endeavor. Some of the highest guiding firms embrace RMI Expeditions, Alpine Ascents, and International Mountain Guides.
- Cellphone service is obtainable in some sections of the park however very restricted in others. Be ready to be out of contact with the surface world throughout parts of your journey. Consider including a cell booster to your RV if obligatory, or alternatively, use two-way radios to speak together with your celebration.
- There are two eating places, two snack parks, a restaurant, and a basic retailer positioned within the park. Those places are good for grabbing lunch or selecting up drinks and snacks for the highway. You’ll additionally discover loads of choices within the neighboring communities when coming and going.
- Bring further layers, even in the summertime. The climate might be considerably unpredictable generally, and it’s all the time good to have a fleece pullover or a rain jacket at your disposal simply in case the situations change.
- Mount Rainier National Park has a big and numerous wildlife inhabitants, a few of which might be harmful to guests. Be certain to take care of a protected distance from black bears and mountain lions always. Do not knowingly method these animals; in the event you come throughout one unexpectedly, slowly however swiftly again away.
- Winter is an incredible time to go to the nationwide park, however it may be unforgiving for the unprepared. Bring loads of heat garments, boots, and different gear to maintain you protected within the Mount Rainier wilderness. Also, let others know the place you’re going and once you count on to be again.
Brief History of Mount Rainier National Park
While there’s proof that nomadic tribes moved via the Mount Rainier area way back to 8000 BC, there have been no everlasting settlements within the space till the 1800s. Instead, these historic vacationers got here to the world to hunt, fish, and discover with out establishing villages. Archaeologists have discovered loads of artifacts left behind by these hunters, together with a shelter used on a seasonal foundation round 1000 BC.
In 1854, the Nisqually, Puyallup, Muckleshoot, Yakama, and Taidnapam peoples entered into treaties with the US authorities that allowed them to settle within the shadow of the mountain. Those 5 Native American tribes already lived within the space however nonetheless hadn’t established everlasting settlements. They would stay on these lands for a number of many years that adopted.
In 1893, the federal authorities created the Pacific Forest Reserve to guard the lands on and across the volcanic mountain. Just six years later, President William McKinley would signal a invoice that formally created Mount Rainier National Park. The aim was to protect the land for generations to come back and defend the height from urbanization. This was executed as a lot for the pure marvel of the place but in addition to maintain communities nicely away from a possible volcanic eruption.
Today, Mount Rainier National Park sees greater than 1.5 million guests yearly. Roughly 10,000 of these guests come to climb to the summit of the tallest peak within the Cascade Range.
Plan your subsequent journey to the nationwide parks in an RV. Rent an RV, trade-in your RV, or purchase an RV and begin exploring.
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