NATIONAL PARK

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier, a towering, ice-clad volcano rising 14,411 feet, is a striking Pacific Northwest landmark. The cap of glacial ice that conceals all but a few crags and ridges makes it doubly impressive. Mount Rainier belongs to the composite class of volcanoes, much like recently awakened Mount St. Helens, and quite conceivably could one day erupt in a similar manner.

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Although mere remnants of their former size, Rainier's 35 square miles of glaciers constitute the largest single-peak glacial system in the contiguous United States: 25 glaciers extend down the mountainside. Six of them—Nisqually, Ingraham, Emmons, Winthrop, Kautz and Tahoma—originate in the summit ice cap. Other glaciers are born of snows in valley heads, or cirques, between 10,000 and 12,000 feet; the most notable of these are the Cowlitz, Carbon, Russell, North and South Mowich and Puyallup glaciers.

Forests cover the mountainsides up to 5,000 feet, where subalpine meadows of wildflowers and grass contrast with masses of ice at higher elevations. The timberline is at about 6,500 feet. Deer, bears and mountain goats inhabit the forests, meadows and ridges. Park animals, regardless of size, should not be fed; all food should be kept locked up or out of the reach of wildlife.

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Flowers in the high meadows typically bloom from mid-July to mid-August. Huckleberries, vine maple and mountain ash grow throughout the park late summer through early fall; fall colors peak from late September to early October.

More than 100 miles of roads and 270 miles of trails are open to the public. Trail maps are available at all visitor centers. Permits are required for back-country camping. Road opening and closing dates vary from year to year depending on snow conditions.

Visitor Centers

Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise

Longmire Museum

Ohanapecosh Visitor Center

Sunrise Visitor Center

General Information

The park is open daily. Only the Nisqually (southwest) entrance and Nisqually-Longmire-Paradise Road are open all year, unless storms or avalanches threaten passage. All other roads are closed from late October or the first snowfall, whichever comes first, to somewhere between late April and early July, depending upon the occurrence of snowfalls. Cayuse Pass, between the park's northern boundary on SR 410 to Ohanapecosh, is usually closed from early December to early May. The road between Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass is closed from mid-November to late May.

Naturalists conduct free guided and illustrated talks from late June through Labor Day at Longmire, Paradise, Sunrise and Ohanapecosh; schedules are posted at visitor centers. Snowshoe walks are conducted at Paradise from late December to late March. Self-guiding nature trails and wayside exhibits are found throughout the park. Wilderness information centers are at Longmire and White River.

Sightseeing flights can be arranged through private operators in Seattle and Puyallup and at nearby airports. Information concerning roads, camps and programs can be obtained by contacting the Park Superintendent's office. For information about the park's inns contact Rainier Guest Services, phone (360) 569-2275 or (360) 569-2400.

Special regulations apply to climbers; details are available from the Park Superintendent. Climbing schools and seminars as well as guided climbs are conducted by Rainier Mountaineering Inc. in Ashford, phone (360) 569-2227 or (888) 892-5462; International Mountain Guides in Ashford, phone (360) 569-2609; and Alpine Ascents International in Seattle, phone (206) 378-1927.

Fishing is permitted without a license in most lakes; check at a ranger station for special regulations. Hunting is prohibited. Winter sports, a snow play area and ranger-led snowshoe walks are available at Paradise (weather permitting). Snowmobiles are permitted only on designated roads.

ADMISSION

ADMISSION to the park is by weekly pass that costs $30 per private vehicle, $25 per motorcycle or $15 per person on foot or bicycle. Annual passes, valid for 1 year, cost $55 per vehicle. Campground fees are $20 per private vehicle.

PETS

PETS are permitted only if they are on a leash or are otherwise physically restrained at all times. Pets are not permitted on the trails, in the backcountry areas or in buildings.

ADDRESS

ADDRESS general inquiries to the Longmire Museum, Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Ave. E., Ashford, WA 98304; phone (360) 569-2211, (360) 569-6575 or TTY (360) 569-2177.