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. For thousands of years, the area surrounding Mount Rainier has been inhabited by several Indigenous peoples, who traditionally hunted and gathered animals and plants in Mount Rainier's forests and high elevation meadows.

Understanding the Context

Planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park? Learn the best areas to visit, when to go, how many days you need, and the park’s top hikes. Plan your winter getaway to the Mount Rainier Region. Find winter activities, scenic drives, cozy cabins, and holiday events.

Key Insights

A snowcapped backdrop to Seattle and Puget Sound, Mount Rainier is a slumbering giant that last erupted in the 1890s. Mount Rainier National Park, one of the world’s oldest parks, is a... Mount Rainier, highest mountain (14,410 feet [4,392 meters]) in the state of Washington, U.S., and in the Cascade Range. It lies about 40 miles (64 km) southeast of the city of Tacoma, within Mount Rainier National Park. An active volcano, it last erupted about 150 years ago.

Final Thoughts

Looking to make the most of your day trip to Rainier National Park? Mount Rainier’s 14,411-foot peak presence seems to watch over everything in Washington state with its shadow. When I first visited during my van life days, I had big plans to hike the summit, a bucket list goal that turned out to be way more intense and technical than I’d imagined. So, while that dream’s still on hold ... These are the 20 best Mount Rainier National Park hikes including epic overlooks, stunning wildflowers, beautiful scenery, wildlife, and more.