Mount Rainier National Park is always worth a five star review based on the awe inspiring 14410 feet volcano. However, we had to endure a 90 minute wait to enter the park as there are only 2 payment booths at the entrance although I do appreciate it was Labor Day weekend. Championed by John Muir, Mount Rainier was designated a national park in 1899 by President William McKinley as the fifth national park in the United States. Find answers to your questions on planning a visit to Mount Rainier National Park in our guide. Start here for trails, maps, and tips from park experts. 14,410 feet of adventure await at Mount Rainier including hiking, biking, camping, and more! Explore all Mt. Rainier has to offer and plan your visit today. Planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park? Learn the best areas to visit, when to go, how many days you need, and the park’s top hikes. The purpose of Mount Rainier National Park is to protect and preserve unimpaired the majestic icon of Mount Rainier, a glaciated volcano, along with its natural and cultural resources, values, and dynamic processes. Visiting Mount Rainier National Park for the first time? Plan your trip with local advice on trip length, best entrances, and which towns to stay in. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Wildlife abounds in the park’s ecosystems. A lifetime of discovery awaits. An active volcano, Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A., spawning five major rivers. Subalpine wildflower meadows ring the icy volcano while ancient forest cloaks Mount Rainier’s lower slopes. Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington and is ideal for hiking, mountain climbing and scenic drives. Most roads are open from late May to early October, which allow for both stunning views and access to a wide range of hiking trails and other sites.