Plan Your Trip: Overview
A visit to the Mt. Rainier region begins with understanding its spectacular geography. The Northwest #1 natural icon, the mountain rises majestically more than a mile and a half above the surrounding mountains. It can approached through four distinct corridors: the NW Carbon River Area, the NE Sunrise Area, the SW Paradise Area, and the SE White Pass Area.

Each region is home to authentic communities, a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park and a travel route offering unique vacation experiences. The four also connect to form a memorable scenic loop around the entire Mt. Rainier region -- a perfect multi-day sightseeing option. With so much to see and do both in and outside of the national park, consider making time to explore each corridor.

Your trip to Mt. Rainier is only a short drive from the metropolitan regions of Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Portland and eastern Washington's Yakima Valley. Sea-Tac International and Portland International airports are less than two hours away.

SW Paradise Area -»
Travel the famed 'Road to Paradise.' Browse art studios and galleries. Explore ski and snowshoe trails in Ashford. Ride a steam train in Elbe. Watch climbers prepare to ascend Rainier at Paradise. Seek out the family snow-play area near the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. Hideaway, learn, hike and snowshoe at Longmire. Paradise is accessible year round.
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SE White Pass Area -»
Delight in hot springs. Be awed by waterfalls and old-growth forests. Get out the fly rod or fishing tackle. Hit the slopes and Nordic trails at White Pass. Spend the night in Morton or Packwood. Glimpse pristine waters and forests along Skate Creek Road before the season's first snowfall. Explore this shortcut to the National Park from June through October.
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Sunrise - Lake Tipsoo
NE Sunrise Area -»
Enjoy world-class skiing at Crystal Mountain. Snowshoe. Cross country ski. Try mountain biking and horseback riding. Discover spectacular Rainier vistas found only at Sunrise and Chinook Pass. Just a short drive from Enumclaw, explore the small community of Greenwater. Stop by the Silver Creek Guard Station for directions and local insights during the summer.
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NW Carbon River Area -»
Experience antique shops and historic museums, explore a rain forest, see Mt. Rainier's longest glacier and drive the beautiful Carbon River Road to Mt. Rainier. This area is also known as the Mowich Lake area. Remnants from the mining era can be witnessed in small communities of Carbonado and Wilkeson. Winter access is limited.
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