| Description: The enormous, active, volcanic cone of Mount Rainier (14,410 feet) is the centerpiece of this national park. Glaciers flow down the slopes of the mountain, whose annual melt feeds rivers & lakes at the bottom. The edges of the park, particularly the northern corners, contain dense, old-growth rainforest, home to such threatened species as the spotted owl. During the summer months, subalpine meadows bloom bright with fields of wildflowers.
Although nearly all the facilities in the park are accessible, the majority of the lands (216,855 acres) are designated wilderness & thus roadless, requiring you to leave your car & hike, snowshoe, ski, or climb to experience the backcountry. Backcountry camping is permitted, including camping & hiking off-trail, & camping up on the glaciers. Alpine campers are asked to be extremely cautious around the rare islands of alpine vegetation. For the less adventurous, there are several self-guided nature trails & maintained loop hikes under seven miles. Six developed campgrounds contain nearly 600 campsites, including several group areas, & tent-only campgrounds. Bikes are allowed on roads only. Fishing for brook trout, rainbow trout, & cutthroat trout is fair, although lakes are not stocked, & so populations may be sparse. Canoeing is permitted on most lakes. Three visitor centers, in historic log buildings built in the 1920`s & 1930`s, offer exhibits, interpretive programs, maps, books, permits, & any other information you may need.
Location: From Tacoma, go about 35 miles south on WA 7, then about 18 miles east on WA 706. WA 706 is open year around; other acess routes, like WA 123 are closed during winter months.
Season: year round; limited access in winter.
Fee: entrance fee + concession fees (camping). |
Mount Rainier National Park Campground Web Site
Driving Direction GPS Coordinates:
46.758400, -122.029694
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Campground: Mount Rainier National Park in Ashford Washington *