Best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park

Best for: robust waterfalls and low-elevation hiking

Spring slowly arrives at Mount Rainier at different times each year, but you can expect snow to start melting significantly in the lower elevations between late April-May.

During this time, temperatures at the Longmire Wilderness Center average around 50°F. There are lots of great low-elevation hikes to conquer, but don't be surprised if you have to cross some snow and ice on the trails! As the snow melts high on the mountain, rivers and waterfalls will be show-stoppingly robust.

Best for: wildflower and glacier spotting

Summer is the time to visit Mount Rainier if you're looking to explore all that the park has to offer. Skies will be clear and the climate is comfortable, with daily temperatures in the low 70s°F, getting significantly cooler the higher you climb.

You'll definitely still see snow in the high-elevation areas in July, especially if you hike to Glacier Vista to see the sprawling Nisqually Glacier. The famous Mount Rainier wildflowers bloom between late July and early August and look especially colorful against a backdrop of the snowy mountain peak.

Best for: fall foliage and fewer crowds

Autumn is a great time to visit Mount Rainier National Park if you're looking to catch some colorful fall leaves. Keep in mind that on the mountain, autumn arrives early, and foliage typically peaks the first week of October. Summer crowds will have thinned, allowing for some beautifully peaceful hikes. By late October, snow has arrived in the park and services and roads start shutting down for winter.

Best for: snowy landscapes and winter sports in Paradise

Mount Rainier receives record-breaking snowfall every year. In fact, Paradise is one of the snowiest places on earth where snowfall is measured regularly, often seeing well over 60 feet per season. Most of the roads to the park will be closed off to vehicle traffic by November, cutting off access to the majority of sites, but Paradise opens every winter for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoe hikes.

Conditions are known to change frequently (a bluebird day on the slopes can quickly become a whiteout), so always check with rangers before heading out. Average temperatures at Paradise can hover in the mid-20s°F, so proper snow gear and hardy layers are a must.