Mount Rainier National Park Tours & Holidays

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington, part of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The mountain itself belongs to the Cascade Mountain Range.

Mount Rainier National Park is located in the western-central portion of Washington state. If you’re travelling from other states or from overseas, you can fly into SeaTac International Airport in Seattle (SEA) or Portland International Airport in Portland (PDX). From here, you can rent a car. Driving to Mount Rainier National Park takes about 2 hours from Seattle and 2.5 hours from Portland.

To explore the park, you'll need to rely on a car since public transportation from major cities to the park is nonexistent, and the park doesn't offer a shuttle service. The closest city to Mount Rainier that is accessible via public transportation from Seattle is Enumclaw, which is about 32 km from the entrance of the park. Taxis and rideshares are available to take you into the park, but be aware that cell service can be spotty to nonexistent, so arranging travel and booking ahead of time is a must.

Summer and early fall are the best times to visit Mount Rainier National Park. July-September are the driest months, so visiting during this time means that most (if not all) park roads will be open, and hiking trails will be snow free. Summer does come with parking challenges, however, so if you plan on hiking some of the more popular trails, like Wonderland or Skyline, arriving early in the morning or visiting midweek can help you avoid parking woes. Roads in the park begin to close for the season in early fall and won't reopen until spring, cutting off access to most sights.

Read more about the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park

Intrepid trips to Mount Rainier National Park will take place during the dry season (June-September), but you should always be prepared for changing weather. Temps will be chilly in the mornings but can heat up quickly as the sun comes out. Snow will remain at 1,500-2,500 metre elevations well into July, but it is usually wet and slushy, so consider packing waterproof shoes and a few pairs of quick-drying hiking outfits.

Keep in mind that temperatures can vary based on the elevation you're exploring, with digits dropping the higher you climb.

Average temperatures in the summer at the Longmire Wilderness Center

Standing at 14,410 feet tall (4392 m), Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington and the highest volcano in the contiguous United States.

You packing list for Mount Rainier should include, at minimum, a good pair of well-fitting hiking boots, a mixture of waterproof and lightweight layers, a water bottle or bladder and a camera.

No matter what time of year you visit Mount Rainier, you will probably come across snow at the higher altitudes (even in July!), so a windproof jacket and wool socks are a must. Weather in the Pacific Northwest is known to change fast so while mornings may be cold, the afternoon sun can heat things up quickly. Consider packing some breathable t-shirts, along with a hat and sunscreen.

Before embarking on a trekking or walking tour, make sure to read the Essential Trip Information section of your itinerary for a better idea of what's provided and what you'll need to bring.

Check out our Ultimate Packing List

Although thousands summit Mount Rainier every year, Intrepid trips don't make the trip to the top. To do so, climbers must obtain a Climbing Permit in person at a ranger station at Mount Rainier National Park and have adequate training and preparation.

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about accessible travel