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Visit Mount Rainier National Park

By , About.com Guide

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Park Overview

Downtown Tacoma Skyline with Mount Rainier

Downtown Tacoma Skyline with Mount Rainier

USGS
On clear days, Mount Rainier dominates the Seattle-Tacoma skyline, towering over the metropolis in breathtaking beauty. "The Mountain", as it's known by natives, draws your eyes like a magnet. It also draws over two million visitors each year. Mount Rainier and the surrounding foothills were designated as a national park in 1899.

The roads and highways surrounding Mount Rainier National Park do not combine to form a single loop. Therefore, visitors must choose from one of four different park entrances. Each entrance leads to a different series of unique activities and mountain views. Most enter from the Nisqually entrance at the southwest corner of the park. The other gateways include Ohanapecosh in the southeast corner, White River at the northeast, and Carbon River in the northwest.

Park Transportation and Tours
The following companies provide transportation and/or tours to Mount Rainier National Park.

  • Gray Line of Seattle (800-426-7505)

Other Things to Know

  • Parks entrance fees are required.
  • Campsite reservations for the Cougar Rock Campground or the Ohanapecosh Campground can be made through Recreation.gov web site.
  • Pets in the park are discouraged, and are allowed in very few areas.
  • Wheelchair-accessible lodging, camping, trails, and visitor centers are available.
  • Bicycles are not permitted on any trails in the park.
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