Scenic Drive to "The Mountain"
Summer Activities at Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park
Jun 12, 2008
Travel to Mount Rainier, towering high above Washington at 14,411 feet. The peak is visible from most points in Southwestern and Central Washington. The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is summer to early autumn, when the roads are open. Locals refer to Mount Rainier as "The Mountain".
Take a scenic drive through Mount Rainier National Park on Route 706, which twists and turns through the park. The national park encompassing 235,625 acres in the Cascade Mountains. The Nisqually Entrance is located on the west side, closest to I-5. The first stop is Longmire, where visitors delight in the Longmire Historic District and Museum. There visitors learn about Native American history, logging history, early settlers and more.
The next stop along the route, is the Trail of the Shadows, a .75 mile trail through towering Douglas fir and red cedars. Walking along at an elevation of 2,700 feet, visitors enjoy the sites, like the mineral hot springs. Just outside of Longmire is Cougar Rock Campground.
Next along Route 706 is Narada Falls and Paradise. At Narada Falls, the Paradise River falls 168 feet, producing mist and spray. The Paradise area is named for the mountain views, wildflowers and the sense of this place being paradise. Visitors staying overnight can stay at the historic Paradise Inn, or visit the Jackson Visitor Center.
Following the route, visitors travel through the Box Canyon, a deep gorge cut by the Cowlitz River. From the Box Canyon Bridge, the river flows 180 feet below! Next, hikers enjoy the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail, walking through ancient forests of western hemlock, red cedar and Douglas fir.
Perhaps the most beautiful place at the park, with awesome views of Mount Rainier, the Emmons Glacier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Baker and Mt. Hood, is Sunrise. Here, visitors enjoy the highest point accessible by car. During the summer, from late July until early August, visitors appreciate the beautiful wildflowers in full bloom. Wildflowers such as beargrass, pacific lupine, columbine, Jacob’s ladder, avalance lily and hundreds more bloom at Mount Rainier National Park.
Activities at Mount Rainier National Park
During the summer, visitors enjoy warm weather and extended daylights. Park visitors find a variety of activities to choose from:
- Camping - Several campgrounds are located within the park boundaries.
- Hiking Trails – Popular hikes include the Reflection Lakes trail, Nisqually Vista Trail or the hike to Paradise Glacier.
- Horseback Riding – Several outfitters in the area offer horse rentals for all levels of riders, and guided tours. There are several horse-friendly campgrounds, horse trails and horse camps.
- Fishing – With 9 rivers and 10 lakes located within and around the park, fishing opportunities are ample. Fishers catch trout, kokanee, largemouth bass and many more varieties.
- Mountaineering - Mt. Rainier is one of the most accessible places to climb in North America, offering climbers a challenge.
- Mountain biking - Various trails cross the park, providing ample opportunities for exciting bike trips.
Junior Ranger Program
Children from age 6 – 11 can partake in the Junior Ranger Program offered at Mount Rainier National Park, and other National Parks across the United States. This free program runs from July 1st through September 1st at Mount Rainier. Junior Rangers learn about park ecology, view wildlife and enjoy other educational opportunities. Children and their parents can find the Junior Ranger Program at Cougar Rock Campground Amphitheater, Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, White River Campground at Sunrise, or the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.
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