Mount Rainier National Park is a 14,410' volcano about 2 hours from Seattle. It encompasses 235,625 acres, ranging in elevation from 1,610' to 14,410' above sea level. The 'mountain' (as locals call it) is an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice, surrounded by old...

Mount Rainier National Park is a 14,410' volcano about 2 hours from Seattle. It encompasses 235,625 acres, ranging in elevation from 1,610' to 14,410' above sea level. The 'mountain' (as locals call it) is an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice, surrounded by old growth forest and stunning wildflower meadows.

The road to Paradise is open year round. In the winter (Nov - May) the drive to Paradise can be unbelievable. By late winter you'll be driving through 40' walls of snow. Paradise is a popular backcountry ski destination in the winter and flower filled paradise during the brief summer (June - Sept, flowers peak in July).

There are hundreds of miles of trails ranging from easy nature trails to 98 mile multi-day treks to technical climbing on glaciers.

No visit to Washington State should miss this unbelievable park.

Best time to visit: While crouded the brief summer is almost always sunny and warm. Many trails are only open from July to September. In the winter the park empties out and lonesome snowy routes can be found in all directions. Only the road to Paradise is open in the winter - which is a popoular backcountry skiing area.

Where to stay: There are two hotels in the park itself and a few outside of the park. Drive in camping fills up fast in the summer - don't count on finding a spot on the weekend, backcountry spots are a bit easier to find. If you have a rental car you can easily stay in Seattle though.

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