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Mount Rainier National Park

Washington · Established March 2, 1899

An ice-clad volcano that makes its own weather above old-growth forest

Area: 236,382 acres
Established: March 2, 1899
Recreation visits: 1,635,342 / yr
State: Washington
Highest point: Columbia Crest, 14,410 ft (4,392 m) by the long-cited survey; a 2024–25 survey placed the summit on the Southwest Rim at 14,406 ft (4,391 m)
Lowest area: Carbon River valley, near 1,900 ft (580 m)

Mount Rainier Weather Forecast

Loading the National Weather Service forecast for Mount Rainier…

Seven-day outlook at the park's reference point (46.861, -121.704). Elevation changes everything in the mountains — expect colder, windier and wetter conditions on high ground.

Map of Mount Rainier National Park

The Park

On a clear day Mount Rainier seems to float above the Puget Sound country, a white dome so large it bends the clouds around it. The mountain is an active stratovolcano wrapped in more glacial ice than any other peak in the contiguous United States, and the national park that surrounds it, established on March 2, 1899, was only the fifth in the nation.

Within a single day's drive a visitor can pass from dim, moss-hung forests of Douglas-fir and western redcedar, through subalpine meadows that erupt with lupine and paintbrush in late summer, to the edge of crevassed ice. The same Pacific storms that feed those glaciers bury Paradise under hundreds of inches of snow each winter, making this one of the snowiest places where people measure snow at all.

Geography

Mount Rainier rises from the crest of Washington's Cascade Range roughly 60 miles southeast of Seattle. The park forms a rough square of 236,382 acres centered on the summit, and nearly every drop of water within it runs off the mountain in a radiating pattern of rivers: the Carbon and White to the north, the Nisqually to the southwest, the Cowlitz tributaries to the southeast, and the Puyallup and Mowich to the west.

Relief is the defining fact of the place. The summit stands more than 12,000 feet above the lowest river valleys inside the boundary, and the mountain's prominence of about 13,210 feet is among the greatest in North America. Four developed areas give access to its flanks: Longmire and Paradise on the south side, Sunrise on the northeast, Ohanapecosh in the southeast forest, and the Carbon River and Mowich Lake corner in the northwest.

Landmarks

Mount Rainier summit (Columbia Crest)Volcano · 14,410 ftThe ice-capped summit crater rim, highest point in Washington and in the Cascade Range.
Little Tahoma PeakPeak · 11,138 ftAn eroded remnant of Rainier's older east flank, standing alone between the Emmons and Ingraham glaciers.
Emmons GlacierGlacierSpreading down the northeast face, it has the largest surface area of any glacier in the contiguous United States.
Carbon GlacierGlacierA thick tongue of ice whose snout, near 3,500 ft, reaches lower than any other glacier in the lower 48 states.
ParadiseArea · 5,400 ftFamous subalpine meadows and one of the snowiest measured places on Earth, averaging roughly 640 inches of snow a year.
SunriseArea · 6,400 ftThe highest point in the park reachable by car, looking straight across at the Emmons Glacier.
LongmireAreaThe park's historic headquarters district, set in old-growth forest beside the Nisqually River.
Tatoosh RangePeakA jagged line of granodiorite peaks just south of Paradise, carved from a magma body far older than Rainier itself.
Christine FallsWaterfallVan Trump Creek drops through a stone-arched roadside gorge on the way to Paradise.
Comet FallsWaterfallOne of the tallest waterfalls in the park, plunging in a thin white ribbon from a hanging valley.
Narada FallsWaterfallThe Paradise River fans across a dark andesite ledge just below the Paradise road.
Mowich LakeLakeA glacial lake at the end of a gravel road on the park's northwest side, gateway to the flower fields of Spray Park.
Tipsoo LakeLakeA small subalpine tarn beside Chinook Pass that mirrors the mountain amid early-summer wildflowers.
Chinook PassAreaThe park's eastern gateway on the Cascade crest, closed each winter by deep snow.

Geology

Mount Rainier is a young mountain built on a very old foundation. Long before any volcano stood here, the region was a lowland of swamps and river deltas whose sands and plant debris hardened into the Puget Group, and later a chain of volcanoes buried the landscape under the lavas, mudflows, and ash of the Ohanapecosh and Stevens Ridge formations. Between about 18 and 14 million years ago a large body of magma crept upward and cooled slowly underground into the speckled granodiorite now exposed in the Tatoosh Range.

The modern cone began to grow roughly half a million years ago, as lava flows poured from a vent above these older rocks. Some of the oldest flows survive on Burroughs Mountain, and others banked against glacial ice to form ridges such as Rampart Ridge. Over time eruptions stacked andesite lava and rubble into a peak that may once have stood higher than it does today.

Ice and water have been reshaping Rainier as fast as fire built it. Hydrothermal fluids have weakened parts of the edifice into clay, and when those rotten flanks fail they generate lahars, dense slurries of rock and water that travel far down the valleys. The Osceola Mudflow, more than 5,000 years ago, removed the old summit and spread across hundreds of square miles of the Puget lowland, while the Electron Mudflow about five centuries ago buried forest near present-day Orting. The youngest lava in the park, near the Emmons Glacier, is only about 2,200 years old, and the mountain is still regarded as one of the most hazardous volcanoes in the country.

Deep time

More than 40 million years agoCoastal swamps and deltas lay down the sandstone, shale, and coal of the Puget Group.
36 to 28 million years agoSubmarine and near-shore eruptions build the thick, later-folded volcanic layers of the Ohanapecosh Formation.
About 26 million years agoExplosive eruptions spread the pumice and welded tuff of the Stevens Ridge Formation.
18 to 14 million years agoThe Tatoosh pluton rises and cools slowly into granodiorite beneath the surface.
About 500,000 years agoLava flows begin building the modern Mount Rainier cone.
More than 5,000 years agoThe Osceola Mudflow collapses the summit and sweeps into the Puget lowland.
About 2,200 years agoLava flows near the Emmons Glacier create the youngest rock surfaces in the park.
About 500 years agoThe Electron Mudflow rushes down the Puyallup River valley.

The rocks

Puget GroupEocene, more than 40 million years
Sandstone, shale, and coal from ancient swamps, the oldest rocks in the park area.
Ohanapecosh Formation36 to 28 million years
Tilted and folded volcanic sediments and lavas well exposed along the Ohanapecosh River.
Stevens Ridge FormationAbout 26 million years
Pale ash-flow tuffs and pumice deposits from violent early Cascade eruptions.
Fifes Peak FormationAbout 25 to 22 million years
Basaltic to andesitic lava flows from volcanoes that predated Rainier.
Tatoosh granodiorite18 to 14 million years
Coarse-grained intrusive rock forming the sawtooth Tatoosh Range south of Paradise.
Mount Rainier andesiteLast 500,000 years
The layered lava flows and breccias that make up the volcano itself, from Burroughs Mountain to Gibraltar Rock.
Osceola Mudflow depositHolocene, more than 5,000 years
A clay-rich lahar deposit left when the altered summit collapsed.

Trees, Plants & Ecosystems

911vascular plant species recorded

Lowland old-growth forestAbout 1,900–3,000 ft
Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western redcedar grow to great size, with sword fern and moss carpeting the floor; the Carbon River valley supports rare inland rainforest.
Montane forestAbout 3,000–5,000 ft
Pacific silver fir and noble fir join the hemlocks, and snow lingers late into spring.
Subalpine parkland and meadowsAbout 5,000–7,000 ft
Clumps of subalpine fir, mountain hemlock, and Alaska yellow-cedar alternate with meadows that bloom in a short, spectacular burst in July and August.
Alpine rock and iceAbove about 7,000 ft
Glaciers, snowfields, and wind-scoured pumice where only cushion plants, pikas, and hardy insects persist.

Trees

Douglas-firPseudotsuga menziesiiThe dominant giant of the lowland forest, with thick furrowed bark that lets old trees survive fire.
Western hemlockTsuga heterophyllaA shade-tolerant tree with a drooping leader that eventually takes over the understory of old forests.
Western redcedarThuja plicataButtressed, fluted trunks near Ohanapecosh and Longmire include some of the oldest trees in the park.
Pacific silver firAbies amabilisThe characteristic tree of the snowy middle-elevation forest.
Noble firAbies proceraA tall, straight fir of the montane zone whose upright cones sit atop the crown.
Mountain hemlockTsuga mertensianaBent and layered by heavy snowpack, it defines the tree clumps of the subalpine parkland.
Subalpine firAbies lasiocarpaA narrow spire-shaped fir that marks the upper edge of forest.
Alaska yellow-cedarChamaecyparis nootkatensisA slow-growing, drooping cedar of snowy subalpine slopes.
Whitebark pinePinus albicaulisFound on dry, exposed ridges on the east side, its seeds feed Clark's nutcrackers.
Sitka sprucePicea sitchensisNear its inland limit in the moist Carbon River valley.
Pacific yewTaxus brevifoliaA small, slow understory conifer with reddish, peeling bark.
Bigleaf mapleAcer macrophyllumA broadleaf tree of the low valleys whose limbs carry heavy gardens of moss and licorice fern.

Wildflowers, shrubs & other plants

Avalanche lilyErythronium montanumWhite nodding lilies that push up through melting snowbanks at Paradise.
Subalpine lupineLupinus arcticusIts blue spikes paint whole hillsides in the height of the meadow bloom.
Magenta paintbrushCastilleja parvifloraA vivid meadow wildflower that partly parasitizes the roots of neighboring plants.
Western pasqueflowerAnemone occidentalisCreamy early flowers that turn into shaggy seedheads nicknamed mouse-on-a-stick.
Pink mountain heatherPhyllodoce empetriformisA low evergreen shrub carpeting subalpine slopes with rosy bells.
White mountain heatherCassiope mertensianaTiny white bell flowers on scale-leaved stems near timberline.
BeargrassXerophyllum tenaxTall plumes of creamy flowers that bloom in irregular mass years.
Sitka valerianValeriana sitchensisClusters of small white flowers whose scent fills late-summer meadows.
Lewis's monkeyflowerMimulus lewisiiRose-pink flowers crowding the banks of subalpine streams.
Western sword fernPolystichum munitumThe signature fern of the lowland forest floor.
Devil's clubOplopanax horridusHuge maple-like leaves and fiercely spined stems in wet forest seeps.
Thinleaf huckleberryVaccinium membranaceumIts berries ripen in late summer and draw black bears to open slopes.
American skunk cabbageLysichiton americanusBright yellow hoods in forest swamps early in spring.
Elegant Jacob's-ladderPolemonium elegansA small blue alpine flower tucked into high rock crevices.

Wildlife

57mammals
147birds
5reptiles
14amphibians
15fish

Mammals

Hoary marmotMarmota caligataLarge silver-gray rodents that whistle alarms from meadows at Paradise and Sunrise.
American pikaOchotona princepsBusy talus dwellers that gather hay piles of plants for winter.
Mountain goatOreamnos americanusSeen as white dots on cliffs and ridges high above the trails.
ElkCervus elaphusHerds summer in the high meadows, and bulls bugle in autumn.
Mule deer (black-tailed deer)Odocoileus hemionusCommon along forest edges and in subalpine meadows.
American black bearUrsus americanusOften spotted in late summer feeding on huckleberries.
CougarPuma concolorAn elusive predator of deer and elk that is rarely seen.
BobcatLynx rufusA secretive small cat of forests and brushy clearings.
Douglas squirrelTamiasciurus douglasiiA noisy conifer squirrel that scolds hikers and caches cones.
Mountain beaverAplodontia rufaA primitive burrowing rodent of moist thickets, not a true beaver.
FisherPekania pennantiA forest weasel that has been restored to the southern Washington Cascades after disappearing from the state.
American martenMartes americanaA tree-climbing hunter of the snowy mid-elevation forests.

Birds

White-tailed ptarmiganLagopus leucuraAn alpine grouse that turns white in winter; the park has its own subspecies.
Clark's nutcrackerNucifraga columbianaA gray-and-black corvid that buries thousands of whitebark pine seeds.
Canada jayPerisoreus canadensisA bold, soft-plumaged jay of subalpine picnic areas.
Steller's jayCyanocitta stelleriA crested deep-blue jay of the conifer forest.
Gray-crowned rosy-finchLeucosticte tephrocotisForages on snowfields and glacier margins for wind-blown insects.
American dipperCinclus mexicanusA slate-gray songbird that walks underwater in rushing glacial streams.
Northern spotted owlStrix occidentalisA threatened owl dependent on old-growth forest.
Marbled murreletBrachyramphus marmoratusA seabird that nests on mossy branches of old trees far inland.
Sooty grouseDendragapus fuliginosusMales give deep hooting calls from conifers in spring.
Varied thrushIxoreus naeviusIts eerie single-note whistle is the sound of the damp forest.
Rufous hummingbirdSelasphorus rufusA tiny migrant that follows the wildflower bloom upslope.
Harlequin duckHistrionicus histrionicusBreeds along fast, clear mountain rivers.
American pipitAnthus rubescensA ground-nesting songbird of alpine tundra.
Pileated woodpeckerDryocopus pileatusA crow-sized woodpecker that chisels rectangular holes in old snags.

Reptiles & amphibians

Coastal tailed frogAscaphus trueiA primitive frog adapted to cold, fast mountain streams.
Cascades frogRana cascadaeA frog of subalpine ponds and wet meadows found only in the Cascade and Olympic regions and northern California.
Rough-skinned newtTaricha granulosaAn orange-bellied newt with potent skin toxins, common in ponds and lakes.
Coastal giant salamanderDicamptodon tenebrosusOne of the largest terrestrial salamanders in North America.
Van Dyke's salamanderPlethodon vandykeiA lungless salamander of wet talus and stream splash zones.
Western toadAnaxyrus boreasBreeds in shallow ponds and wanders widely through meadows.
Common garter snakeThamnophis sirtalisThe most frequently seen reptile in the park.
Northern alligator lizardElgaria coeruleaA cold-tolerant lizard that bears live young.

Fish

Bull troutSalvelinus confluentusA threatened char that needs very cold, clean water.
Coho salmonOncorhynchus kisutchReturns to lower-elevation streams in the park's river systems.
Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytschaThe largest Pacific salmon, present in the lower reaches of park rivers.
Cutthroat troutOncorhynchus clarkiiA native trout of streams and lakes.
Torrent sculpinCottus rhotheusA bottom-dwelling fish of swift, rocky riffles.

Insects & other invertebrates

Ice crawlersGrylloblattaWingless insects that live at the edge of snow and ice and die if held in a warm hand.
Clodius parnassianParnassius clodiusA translucent-winged butterfly of subalpine meadows.
Sitka bumble beeBombus sitkensisOne of several bumble bees that pollinate the high meadow flowers.
Hydaspe fritillarySpeyeria hydaspeAn orange, silver-spotted butterfly nectaring in forest openings.

Species totals are the park's certified NPSpecies checklist (occurrence: present).

Climate & When to Visit

Mount Rainier stands directly in the path of storms off the North Pacific, and the mountain wrings enormous amounts of moisture from them. Winters are long, cloudy, and wet, with rain in the lowland forests and deep snow above about 3,000 feet. Paradise averages roughly 640 inches of snowfall a year and recorded 1,122 inches in the winter of 1971 to 1972, a world record at the time.

Summer brings a dramatic change. By July a ridge of high pressure usually settles offshore, and July and August are the sunniest, driest months, with afternoon highs in the 60s and 70s F at the visitor centers. Elevation governs everything: snow may linger in the Paradise meadows into July, and the summit can see blizzard conditions on any day of the year. The mountain also generates its own weather, and a lenticular cloud cap forming over the summit is a classic sign of strong winds aloft and approaching moisture.

Spring
Still winter at higher elevations, with deep snow at Paradise and frequent rain below; lowland forests and waterfalls come alive as snowmelt begins.
Summer
July and August are the sunniest months; the subalpine wildflower bloom peaks from mid-July into August, though mountain storms can still arrive quickly.
Autumn
Clear, crisp days alternate with the return of Pacific rain by October; huckleberry leaves turn crimson and elk bugle in the meadows.
Winter
Snow can last from November to May at Paradise, many roads close, and the park becomes a place for snowshoeing and backcountry skiing.

Weather hazards

Lahars: If you are in a river valley and hear a roar like a freight train or notice rapidly rising water, climb to high ground immediately.
Whiteouts on snowfields: Clouds can erase all visual reference on the Muir Snowfield in minutes, so carry navigation tools and turn back early.
Avalanches: Winter and spring travelers above the forest should check avalanche conditions and avoid steep slopes after heavy snow.
Hypothermia: Cold rain and wind are common even in summer, so pack waterproof layers on every hike.
Glacial stream crossings: Meltwater rivers rise through warm afternoons and can sweep hikers off log crossings.
Winter road conditions: Tire chains may be required on the road to Paradise, and other park roads close seasonally.

Mount Rainier Questions

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

Mid-July through August offers the most reliable sunshine, snow-free trails, and peak wildflowers at Paradise and Sunrise. September is quieter and often still pleasant before autumn rains return in October.

What is the weather like at Paradise?

Paradise sits at about 5,400 feet and is cool even in summer, with highs typically in the 60s F. It is one of the snowiest measured places on Earth, averaging about 640 inches of snow per year, and snow can cover the meadows into July.

Is Mount Rainier an active volcano?

Yes. Its last eruptions occurred within the past several centuries, steam vents still warm the summit craters, and its glacier-covered slopes can generate lahars that travel far into populated valleys. Scientists monitor it closely.

Where can I see wildlife in the park?

Hoary marmots and pikas are easy to find in the meadows and rock fields at Paradise and Sunrise. Mountain goats appear on distant ridges, black bears forage in huckleberry patches in late summer, and elk gather in the high meadows in autumn.

How many glaciers are on Mount Rainier?

The mountain carries 26 named major glaciers, more ice than any other peak in the contiguous United States. The Emmons Glacier has the largest area, and the Carbon Glacier reaches the lowest elevation of any glacier in the lower 48.

What is the tallest peak in the park?

Columbia Crest on Mount Rainier's summit rim is the highest point, long listed at 14,410 feet. A 2024–25 survey found the summit is now a rocky point on the Southwest Rim, at about 14,406 feet, as ice on Columbia Crest has thinned.

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Sources: www.nps.gov · home.nps.gov · www.usgs.gov · en.wikipedia.org · en.wikipedia.org · irmaservices.nps.gov · Official NPS site