Area Attractions
It's no secret that the most exciting attraction around is Mt. Rainier itself! We'll start this section with some general information about the park and then continue with attractions near the four regions listed here.Mount Rainier National Park
Mt. Rainier was designated as a national park in 1899. The park consists of 235,625 acres and 97 percent of that is designated as wilderness. In 1997 the park was designated a National Historic Landmark District as a showpiece for the "rustic" architecture of the 1920s and 30s.Mt. Rainier -- at a lofty 14,411 feet -- may appear to visitors as off-limits and only accessible to climbers but that is not the case. Mount Rainier National Park has something to offer anyone, whether a regular visitor, a seasoned mountaineer or a tourist.
Though Mt. Rainier is still an active volcano and is encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice, there are 147 miles of roads within the park and 240 miles of maintained trails ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous hikes.
There is no public transportation to Mount Rainier National Park. Private carriers that provide bus service include Gray Line Tours (800-426-7532 or 206-262-5208) with daily trips from Seattle to Paradise from early May through September 30.
On the way to the SW Nisqually entrance
A major attraction along SR 161, just north of Eatonville, is the Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, located near the intersection of SR 161/SR 7, where you will enjoy a naturalist guided tram tour through this beautiful park full of native animals.Pioneer Farm Museum and Ohop Indian Village is also located just north of Eatonville. Pioneer Farm is a "hands on" homestead built in 1887 with a multiple of activities for adults and children, including overnight programs. It is only open on weekends from mid-March through mid-June, and after Labor to the day before Thanksgiving. During summer it is open all week.
At Elbe be sure to visit the historical Elbe Church and the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad for rides on a vintage logging locomotive into the countryside near the mountain. Special events are held year round. At Elbe, SR 7 turns off toward Morton (see the SE section)and the White Pass Scenic Byway and SR 706 continues to the Nisqually entrance of Mount Rainier National Park.
Continuing on SR 706, a couple miles past Elbe you'll pass an amazing sight (on the right hand side of the road) -- metal sculptures by artist Dan Klennert that at first glance may resemble something out of a science fiction novel. The name of the park is "Ex-Nihilo," which is Latin for something created out of nothing. You'll want to pause and admire his skill and imagination!
If you go south on Hwy. 7 at the Elbe junction, you will soon come to one of the most picturesque hamlets in the entire Mt. Rainier area. Mineral Lake sits at the base of the mountain as it creates a perfect backdrop to what might be an award-winning photo. It is famous for the sizable rainbow and brown trout, a fisherman's dream come true. Pontoon boats, row boats and paddle boats are available for rent. Don't leave until you have found the smallest Post Office in the United States. It's just up the road from the 100 year old Historic Mineral Lake Lodge which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. This is arguably one of the best hide-aways near Mt. Rainier and the "Gem of the Northwest."
After checking out Mineral Lake, return to Hwy. 706, passing the Mt. Tahoma Trail System where, in most winters, snow parks and cross country skiing opportunities abound. Heavy flood damage has closed the south section leaving only the north side open for snow activities this year.
Near Ashford you'll find Rainier Mountaineering, Inc and Whittaker Mountaineering sporting equipment near basecamp. The Mount Rainier Visitor Information Center is located inside Whittaker Mountaineering. Just beyond you'll find Ashford Creek Pottery, featuring hand-thrown pottery and stained glass by local artisans, paintings by Dee Molenar, historical photographs, and other memorabilia. On the left side of the road is the Western Art Gallery, with local art and souvenirs.
Longmire/Paradise
Longmire and Paradise are accessed year-round from the Nisqually entrance of the park and in summer from the Stevens Canyon Road.Take the time to visit Longmire before you continue to Paradise -- there's plenty to see and do. The Longmire Museum is located in the Longmire Historic District, elevation 2,700 feet. The Longmire Museum is one of the oldest museums in the National Park System with several exhibits on the cultural and natural history of the park. Near the museum a Transportation Exhibit is located near the historic Longmire gas station. Also at Longmire you will find trailheads, a gift shop and food and lodging at the National Park Inn (year round).
"Trail of the Shadows" is a short nature trail that begins at Longmire. It starts across the road from the National Park Inn and is less than a mile long. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the trail. The trail explores a mineral hot springs that was discovered by James Longmire, an early settler in the region. Longmire was drawn by these soda springs and filed a mineral claim. This trail displays an early homestead cabin and a variety of plants and animals. The trail is a fascinating blend of human and natural history.
The Longmire Wilderness Information Center is located at Longmire as well. Click here for more hikes in the Nisqually Entrance area.
The road to Paradise is open year-round. You can click on the Paradise Mountain Cam for a view of Paradise and Mt. Rainier to give you a visual idea of the conditions before you set out.
The Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise is also open year around. You'll find nature displays and films, the Jackson Grill, a book store and a gift shop.
The Paradise Guide House closes for the season in late September. When it is closed, you can get permits for climbing or backcountry campsites at the Longmire Museum or self-register at Paradise.
SE White Pass Area
Morton is a small town in East Lewis County nestled between Mount Rainier National Park and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This historic city is the third largest in Lewis County. The town relied on logging, harvesting of cascara bark and mercury mining for revenue. In 1910, the Tacoma Eastern Railway brought the first train into town. This opened Morton to commerce and the rest of Lewis County. The result was a boom in logging, shingle mills and sawmills. Even today the economy still relies on logging, though logging activity has decreased.Many descendants of Morton's pioneers live in Morton and celebrate their heritage the second week in August with the "Morton Loggers' Jubilee". It's a lively affair with a parade, logging competitions and displays. Morton is undergoing a renaissance with restoration of a historic train depot and theater, an active performing arts community. The Fire Mt. Arts Council calendar lists many events and activities in this small mountain community.
The town has full commercial services and is also located near recreational activities, such as hang-gliding, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. You'll find a walk-in information booth (open in the summer) near junction of SR 7 and US 12.
Also in Morton, the Eastern Lewis County Historical Museum -- known as the "Old Settlers Museum" -- is open on weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, from 1 to 4PM. This free museum was once the home of a Swedish immigrant and includes displays of old mining and logging equipment.
Packwood is located 9 miles south of Mount Rainier National Park and 30 miles northeast of Mount St. Helens on US Hwy. 12 in the northern part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Packwood is said to be the "heart of volcano country" given its proximity to Mount St. Helens, remote location and a warm small-town ambiance. There are many outdoor activities for residents and tourists alike including hiking, hunting, fishing, birding, watching wildlife, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and camping.
Much of Lewis County is undeveloped and for that reason there are many wildlife and bird watching opportunities. Over 532 species of birds have been reported and most can be seen here, including more warblers than any other place outside of Michigan. Bald eagle, falcon and osprey make their homes here. Butterflies are attracted to the wildflowers from April through September. Elk are often seen near Packwood.
Ohanapecosh is situated in the SE corner of the park, near Packwood. Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater is the site of special programs, walks and lectures during summer. The Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is located in the SE corner of the park off Hwy. 123, at elevation 1,900 feet. It is closed in the winter.
Grove of the Patriarchs is a 1.3-mile loop near Ohanapecosh. It takes about an hour to complete the hike as it explores a large island surrounded by the Ohanapecosh River. Here visitors often speak in whispers as the grove feels like an outdoor church with towering Douglas firs and western red cedars, some over 1,000 years old. Find the trail just west of the park's SE entrance.
NE Sunrise Area
The White River Wilderness Information Center is located at the White River entrance, just west of Hwy. 410 (at 3,500 feet elevation). It is closed in the winter. The center offers general information and an accessible restroom, as well as wilderness camping permits and climbing permits for the park's north and east side climbing routes.You will want to take the road to the Sunrise area, as it is one of the most spectacular areas of the national park. The road climbs to Sunrise Ridge in a series of switchbacks. At Sunrise Point you can hike the Palisades Lakes trail. Hikers and non-hikers alike will appreciate one of the best views in the region from Sunrise Point: on a clear day you can see five of the Cascade volcanoes. Clockwise from Mt. Rainier are Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood.
Sunrise, at 6,100 feet elevation, is the highest point to which you can drive in the park and, during the winter, is not accessible to visitors due to the heavy snow that blankets the mountain. The Sunrise Visitor Center is always worth a visit with exhibits on the natural resources of the park and emphasis on the geologic story of Mt. Rainier. In the summer special programs are offered including guided walks and talks on a variety of topics. At Sunrise you will also find restrooms, grill and gift shop, and several hiking trails, many of them leading to scenic overlooks on easy paths suitable for non-hikers. Begin your adventure here for many hiking opportunities including a trip to the interesting Mt. Fremont Lookout
NW Carbon River Area
Located 3.5 East of SR 161 is "One of America's Ten Most Beautiful Gardens", the Chase Garden. You will enjoy a 4 1/2 acre garden displaying a meadow filled with drifts of rock garden plants inspired by the wildflower fields on Mt. Rainier featuring expanses of groundcovers and perennials accented with Japanese maples, rhododendrons, and conifers. Views offer an open vista into the forested foothills overlooking the Puyallup River Valley and an impressive view of Mt. Rainier.If you go into Buckley, look for the "Foothills Museum" at 130 River Avenue. It is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12 to 4PM and on Sunday from 1 to 4PM.
Here you will find a major trailhead for the Foothills Trail, a rails-to-trail conversion and a work in progress. Many sections of the trail are complete, some stretches are gravel, others are paved, and some sections between Buckley and Carbonado not yet completed. A good place to start on the trail is from Buckley either on your way to or from the Carbon River region of Mount Rainier National Park. The trailhead is at the intersection of Highways 410 and 165 and is signed. There is also a portable restroom. This stretch of the trail is paved and runs for about a mile to Ryan Road (if you turn left). If you turn right, the paved trail continues to and beyond Buckley. The paved stretch of the trail is popular for walking, jogging, skating, and bicycling. Portions of the trail that are suitable for horseback riding.
Another trailhead can be found in Wilkeson, across from the Fire Department. From the trailhead, two trails take off heading back toward Buckley. Take the upper road-trail. This leads to the Paintball Trestle at 2.5 miles. This part of the trail is unpaved and heads northwest toward Burnett, a small town situated between Wilkeson and Buckley. There is also trail access from McMillan, Cascade Crossing, Orting and South Prairie.
To date completed paved sections include 15 miles from Meeker to the Carbon River in Orting and the 1.8-mile section in Buckley.
Wilkeson
Coal ("black diamonds") was discovered in the hills and canyons of the Carbon River Valley in the 1800s. The Northern Pacific Railroad built a line to Wilkeson, a town once known as the roughest mining town west of Butte, Montana. The line extended to Carbonado and Fairfax. By the 1930s due to strikes and less demand for coal, most of the small towns in the region were nearly abandoned.After you drive through the gateway into Wilkeson, continue a short way and turn left onto Cedar Street or Railroad Avenue (they merge) to view the Wilkeson Elementary School, the coke ovens and the Wilkeson Sandstone Quarry. However, we recommend that you park near City Hall, at the red caboose, as it is easier to walk to these sites than to drive due to limited parking.
The first structure you will see is the handsome Wilkeson Elementary School (right), constructed of sandstone from the quarry. Shortly beyond the school is a school bus turnaround (right). The coke ovens are just a little past the school bus turnaround on the right hand side of the road, less than a 1/4 of a mile from the turn-off on SR 165 onto Railroad Avenue (or Cedar St.). Today you may have to look twice for the coke-ovens as many are covered with blackberry vines and vegetation. Do not remove any bricks -- that is prohibited as they are considered historical artifacts.
The quarry is located about 1/4 mile beyond the coke ovens. Though it is off-limits to visitors, you can drive or walk to the entrance and admire the slabs of sandstone lining the road. The stone was originally used for the railroad (for riprap and fill) and was widely distributed throughout the region. The school was built from this sandstone and, until the 1920s, the streets of Seattle were paved with cobblestones from the quarry.
Walk back to town and walk the side streets to a fine example of 19th century architecture -- a handsome building signed "Holy Trinity Orthodox Church," a national historic site. Incidentally, the Wilkeson Town Hall is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The bright red Northern Pacific Railway caboose is also located at town hall.
The Fairfax Bridge is 2.8 miles south of Carbonado and is also known as the James R. O'Farrell Bridge. It was built in 1921 and, when the 494-foot long bridge was constructed, it was the highest bridge in the state.
The Carbon River entrance to the park and access to Mowich Lake are in the NW corner of the park. The Carbon River Wilderness Information Center is at the Carbon River entrance of the park. There are facilities, general information and an accessible restroom. Climbing and backcountry permits are also available.