 
   
|
| Mount Rainier National Park is a place that can lighten
and brighten your spirits. It's a place to learn by taking in fascinating
information offered in many places and in all seasons. And above all
it is a place to have fun. Here is what you have to look forward to
during the spring, summer, and fall. |
Programs for Learning
Naturalists from the National Park Service offer a
variety of talks, slide shows, films, and guided nature and history
walks. At White River, Paradise, Longmire and Ohanapecosh, evening
campfire programs are held in summer. For times and topics, check
the park newspaper, Tahoma News, or bulletin boards. |
|
Fishing
If you like to fish, try your luck in the park's
many streams and rivers. Fish populations are natural (not stocked)
and therefore are not abundant. You are asked to use barbless
hooks
and artificial lures. Licenses are not required fishing in the
park, but Washington State fishing regulations apply.
|
 |
Camping
A total of 555 developed campsites in four campgrounds are offered, plus backcountry sites. Campgrounds are open from late spring through late fall and reservations may be made for the Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds by calling 877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov. Campsites have running water, flush or pit toilets, a table and fireplace. There are no showers or RV hookups at any campground. A wilderness permit is required for backcountry campsites. |
 |
Guided Bus Tours
Gray Line of Seattle offers bus tours to the park mid-spring
to mid-fall from the Sheraton Hotel in Seattle. This is a great way
to pamper yourself while learning about the park's history, wildlife,
plants, and Native American Heritage. For information and reservations,
call 800 426.7532 or 206 626.5208. |
 |
Walking and Hiking
There are 240 miles of trails allowing you
to explore practically every nook and cranny of the park. There are
self-guided nature walks from .3 to 1.5 miles round trip that let
you take in the gorgeous landscape and give you wonderful views of
Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier. For the really fit, there
are strenuous hikes from 5 to nearly 100 miles round trip. Visit the
Hiker Information Center at Longmire or the White River Entrance Station
for details, maps and trail conditions. |
 |
Horseback Riding
Exploring the backcountry on your own horse is a splendid
way to experience the park. The Laughingwater Creek trail located
in the southeast corner of the park is open to horses. All other
trails are closed to stock use. Mounts are not permitted,however, in auto campgrounds,
picnic grounds, or within 100 yards of trail shelters, backcountry
campsites, or waterways. To receive a stock-use trail map, contact
the park. |
 |
Mountain Climbing
After a half-century of trying, the first documented
ascent to the top of Mount Rainier occurred in 1870. Since then mountaineers
have been drawn here and virtually all American mountaineering expeditions
train here. Going to the top is rigorous and dangerous, however, and
proper equipment and training is required. If you plan to climb glaciers
or the mountain above
10.000, call 360.569.2211 for information. |
|
