Encompassing 236,381 acres in the state of Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is a natural wonderland centered around Mount Rainier itself, a massive stratovolcano standing at 14,411 feet - the highest peak in the Cascade Range. This iconic mountain is not only one of the most prominent peaks in the United States but also one of the most glaciated, featuring expansive glaciers and snowfields that feed into several rivers.

The park's diverse ecosystems range from lush old-growth forests at lower elevations to subalpine wildflower meadows and the stark, otherworldly landscapes of the mountain's upper slopes. With over 260 miles of maintained trails, visitors can explore the park's beauty through hiking, climbing, and camping amidst its breathtaking scenery. The park is a haven for wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and a diverse array of bird species, making it a critical habitat for conservation. Mount Rainier National Park's dramatic landscape, ecological diversity, and recreational opportunities make it a year-round destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Biome at Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington State, boasts a rich variety of biomes that span from lowland old-growth forests to alpine tundra, due to its dramatic elevation gain from 1,600 feet (490 meters) to over 14,000 feet (4,300 meters) above sea level. Keep on reading to learn more about the biomes at Mount Rainier National Park

Airports Near Mount Rainier National Park

This is a list of the closest airports to the park, if you plan on flying into Mount Rainier click here to read our recommendations.

Distance to Park Drive Time
Mcchord Field (Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord) Airport 81.1 miles 1 hour 8 mins Get Directions
Gray Army Air Field (Joint Base Lewis-Mcchord) Airport 85.6 miles 1 hour 11 mins Get Directions
Bowers Field 95.0 miles
Ed Carlson Memorial Field - South Lewis County Airport 97.7 miles 1 hour 10 mins Get Directions
Tacoma Narrows Airport 103.2 miles 1 hour 26 mins Get Directions
Olympia Regional Airport 104.4 miles 1 hour 28 mins Get Directions
Sanderson Field 114.2 miles
Chehalis-Centralia Airport 115.7 miles 1 hour 21 mins Get Directions
Renton Municipal Airport 119.2 miles 1 hour 40 mins Get Directions
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 123.4 miles 1 hour 39 mins Get Directions
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Cities Near Mount Rainier National Park

Here are some of the closest cities and towns near the park, take a look at our recommendations for where to stay when visiting Mount Rainier.

Distance to Park
Enumclaw 43.5 miles Get Directions
Prairie Ridge 44.0 miles Get Directions
Graham 45.3 miles Get Directions
Bonney Lake 49.2 miles Get Directions
South Hill 50.9 miles Get Directions
Elk Plain 51.6 miles Get Directions
Frederickson 53.7 miles Get Directions
Sumner 53.8 miles Get Directions
Puyallup 55.5 miles Get Directions
Spanaway 58.1 miles Get Directions

Mount Rainier National Park TimeZone

The timezone at Mount Rainier is America/Los_Angeles, the current time here is:

Sunrise and Sunset Times at Mount Rainier National Park

This table shows the sunrise and sunset times at Mount Rainier for the next 10 days, use it to plan your day around Mount Rainier stunning displays.

Date

Sunrise

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December 22, 2024 07:48 16:23
December 23, 2024 07:48 16:24
December 24, 2024 07:49 16:24
December 25, 2024 07:49 16:25
December 26, 2024 07:49 16:26
December 27, 2024 07:49 16:27
December 28, 2024 07:50 16:27
December 29, 2024 07:50 16:28
December 30, 2024 07:50 16:29
December 31, 2024 07:50 16:30

Weather at Mount Rainier National Park

This table shows weather averages around the year at Mount Rainier National Park, it provides information on average rainfall, as well as maximum and minimum temperatures. Be sure to consult it when planning your trip.

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January 1.2 °C / 8.8 °C 52.8mm Bad Weather
February 1.6 °C / 9.6 °C 108.4mm Bad Weather
April 4.3 °C / 14.6 °C 81.6mm Good Weather
May 7.9 °C / 19.1 °C 48.7mm Perfect Weather
June 10.5 °C / 22.3 °C 33.7mm Perfect Weather
July 12.4 °C / 26.3 °C 2.1mm Perfect Weather
August 12.9 °C / 26.8 °C 6.7mm Perfect Weather
September 10.4 °C / 22.5 °C 37.9mm Perfect Weather
October 6.6 °C / 17.1 °C 82.6mm Good Weather
November 3.4 °C / 11.5 °C 97.2mm Tolerable Weather
December 1.0 °C / 7.4 °C 138.1mm Bad Weather