Mount Rainier, the highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range, is perhaps the most spectacular site in all of Washington state. This 3-mile high beauty can be seen, on a clear day, from miles and miles away. The mountain's true beauty, however, may lie in its evergreen trees, meandering streams and thousands of wildflowers. A day trip to Mount Rainier is a great way to explore all that the mountain has to offer.
Find information on the mountain's conditions, summer or winter. Many times the upper trails and some roads are not open until July, depending on the snow. Call (360) 569-2211 for access to trail, weather and road information. In the Nisqually area, AM 1610 broadcasts this information on the radio.
Plan on visiting the mountain during the week. Weekends and holidays bring large crowds and traffic jams. A weekday will allow a quiet and serene visit where you can truly connect with nature.
Fill up the gas tank at the last station in town. There are no gas stations on the mountain. It would truly be the hike of your life to walk to the nearest town and buy gas. Likewise, there are no convenience stores, so if you are wanting to picnic or snack, you have to bring in your own food.
Respect nature when on the mountain. Stay on marked trails and do not wander into the wildflowers, tempting as it may be. Keep you picnics at the table and do not sprawl out in the middle of a meadow. Do not pick the flowers or remove anything from the park, except for garbage. Fellow hikers in this "green" state will quickly chastise anyone who veers off the path or disturbs nature in other ways.
Stop in at one of the many visitor centers, open from mid-June until the end of September. The Longmire Museum is also open during these months. Staff is on hand to help and direct you in any way they can. Check the visitor center for any special programs available during your visit.
Watch out for falling rocks, debris and avalanches when hiking. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for danger signs. Some areas may also be subject to flash flooding in summer and fall. Call (360) 569-2211 or tune to AM 1610 before hiking to hear about current conditions.
Purchase an annual pass if you plan on visiting the mountain more than once. Otherwise, a regular pass is valid for 1 week.
