Mount Rainier National Park will not implement a timed entry reservation for any portion of the park in 2026 (News Release, 2/25/26). The park will use parking management strategies to maximize available capacity and remains committed to ensuring visitor access while protecting park resources and maintaining safe, enjoyable experiences. Mount Rainier National Park is a source of inspiration, providing boundless opportunities for exploration, solitude, and contemplation. It encompasses 236,381 acres, ranging in elevation from 1,610' to 14,410' above sea level. The mountain is an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice, surrounded by old growth forest and stunning wildflower meadows. Over 97% of the park. The historic Administrative Building, part of the National Historic Landmark District at Longmire. NPS Photo Winter Recreation Ever wonder how Mount Rainier's plants and animals spend the challenging winter months and cope with heavy snows and chilling winds? How do they survive the long winter to reproduce, gather food and store energy in the mountain's short snow-free season? Learn about. Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. 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. News Release Date: April 9, 2025 ASHFORD, Wash. – Park rangers at Mount Rainier National Park are encouraging visitors to review current weather forecasts and guidance for having a safe and enjoyable visit to the park. Longer days and rising temperatures can be misleading when planning a trip to higher elevations. The park's popular Paradise area, for example, sits at an elevation of 5,400. Plan Your Visit Five scenes of Mount Rainier National Park (left to right): temperate rain forest, historic building, old growth forest, subalpine meadow, and the mountain at sunrise. NPS Photos Frequently Asked Questions Visitors to Mount Rainier are generally curious about: the park, the mountain itself, activities at the park, and plants and animals. Below are answers to some of the questions that visitors to Mount Rainier most frequently ask. A large map of Mount Rainier National Park with tables listing locations of backcountry camps and wilderness camping zones. The map has a topographic background overlaid with lines marking the borders of each wilderness zone. Shaded areas border each road and trail indicating areas closed to camping. Backcountry camps are marked by red triangles. Alpine camps by blue triangles. Is the mountain out? What's the weather like in the park? Are the parking lots at Paradise and Sunrise full? Check out Mount Rainier's live webcams to find out: Longmire Area Longmire Paradise Area Mountain East West Visitor Center Tatoosh Air Quality Sunrise Area Sunrise Mountain Sunrise East For snow depth at Paradise and other current conditions, check the weather page. National Park Inn at Longmire, the only lodging in the park open year-round. NPS Photo National Park Inn Located in the Longmire Historic District at an elevation of 2,700 feet, the National Park Inn is open year round. The Inn has 25 guest rooms, a full service dining room, and a general store. Reserve a room online at Rainier Guest Services or call 360-569-2275 for more information.