Another addition was made to the road opening list today. The road to the White River Entrance and White River Campground is scheduled to open Friday, May 22nd.
Photo of Mount Rainier from the Wonderland Trail's White River crossing adjacent to the the White River Campground on August 1st, 2024.
As the title states, I’m solo traveling to mt rainier from TX in late May/early June. I’m flying into Seattle-Tacoma airport and have booked an air bnb in Ashford. The air bnb I booked has an EV charger onsite, so I’m tempted to rent an electric vehicle like a Tesla. However, I’m very nervous about running out of battery on the mountain due to the steep inclines and lack of charging stations. Should I just rent a hybrid vehicle instead? Also, I’m going to be in Washington for three days. What itinerary should I use to get the best hike out of my three days? Like what park entrance should I use, what time should I leave Ashford, etc. any advice helps!! Thank you!!
This is from Thursday, 5/14
As is usually the case, the Stevens Canyon Road is opening in tandem with Highway 410 over Chinook Pass and Highway 123 over Cayuse Pass.
No posting yet about the White River Entrance and the road to the White River Campground, which usually opens on the same day at 410.
Photo from July 24th, 2025 from Faraway Rock. View of the Stevens Canyon Road as it weaves its way below Unicorn Peak and past Lake Louise.
I’m (F) 112 pounds and currently training with a 45 pound pack on an incline treadmill (24-degree incline), StairMaster for 1-2 hours, and shorter outdoor hikes with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain per mile. It’s been too hot lately to do longer hikes. I’m hoping I dont need to pack anything more than 45 pounds. My glutes and knees ache a bit but recover quickly. Climbing Rainier mid June.
Edit: guided climb with IMG DC route
Hi! My boyfriend and I are planning to visit Mount Rainier this weekend. We’ve heard that May may not be the ideal time to visit because of snow, but since we’re already in Seattle, we’d still love to experience the beauty of the mountains.
We’re both from Florida and aren’t looking for difficult hikes mainly easy viewpoints or short walks with beautiful scenery and mountain views.
Does anyone have recommendations for places with amazing views that don’t require strenuous hiking? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance
Hey everyone!
I'm planning a trip to Mt. Rainier/Olympic and possibly Mount Saint Helens at the end of May. I visited in August 2024 and loved it. I understand it's a totally different season to see the park in, but it's the time I have off.
I have been researching the weather/conditions at the park for that time of year. Realistically, how accessible is the portion of the park that is currently open (Slightly past Paradise)? I did a lot of hiking last time, but understand Skyline is still pretty snow-covered as of today. Are there other portions of the park that you would recommend during this time? I love Mount Rainier and am looking forward to just seeing it again.
I am trying to look at the park conditions, road closures, and webcams. It just helps to hear from someone who has visited during that time frame. Thank you!
My group is doing a climb camping Day 1 Camp Muir or Muir snowfields, Day 2 - Ingram flats, Day 3 back to Muir or Muir snowfields. I am a little confused about permits. We have a permit for Muir snowfields for Day 1, but camp muir and ingram flats looks like you cant reserve online and ranger station only. See the photo. We are coming from the east coast and want to confirm campsites before going. I can't get through to anybody at a ranger station. Looks like we can walk up to get permits, but I've heard this is competitive. Thanks!
Hey!! I am an avid hiker from atl and someone who loves seattle/ WA in general. I have been once before in November but unable to do enough due to the weather.
I am coming this weekend May 16th (for Griztronics at the gorge) but have a few days in Seattle - tacoma area that I want to use hiking/camping. realistically all I want is a hike with a view, a sunset, and a sunrise spot.
if anyone knows the current conditions, realistically what are my options? I fly in Saturday morning and plan to drive straight to the mountains.
Questions:
Is the skyline loop or parts of it doable right now?
Do you have dispersed camping spot recommendations?
current ideas for the day I fly in.
fly in head to Ranier do part of Skyline loop & myrtle falls, reflection lake possibly find a camp?
or
scratch Rainer and watch sunset at sun top look out in Enumclaw, WA
Visiting Seattle for the first time this July! We are going to leave Seattle Sunday morning and head out to Mt rainier. Hoping to get an early evening hike in Sunday and then have two full days Monday and Tuesday. Having trouble deciding where to go with limited time, and asked ChatGPT, but it’s hard to trust the suggestions and would love feedback from someone that has been. As background info I am pretty active, but live in Georgia so the hiking is very different.
ChatGPT:
My recommendation for you specifically
Best balance:
Sunday
Partial Skyline at sunset
Monday
Full Skyline/Pebble Creek
Tuesday
Fremont Lookout + Sunrise area
That gives you:
one easier acclimation/scenic day
one major mountain day
one alpine ridgeline day
minimal redundant scenery
Hello everyone! Me and my partner are going to be at the park in very early June. We're gonna drive from the Gorge amphitheatre early morning Monday, and need to head back to Seattle airport around Wednesday morning. So I expect to have about a day and a half at the park.
What generally would you recommend? We love mountains (I'd love to see a bit of elevation) and wildlife, are avid (but chill) hikers though one of us is recovering from an ankle injury.
We also were very curious about the grove of the Patriarchs - we'd really love to see some big trees - but realized that it's going to be closed. Is there something similar that we can visit?
We're really hoping to see marmot. Is it a good season for them? Where can we see them?
I am going for the first time in September. Any recommendations on how I can make the most of my time there? Thanks! 🏔️
Looking for suggestions in general for a trip that will last a day at max. We aim to reach early 7-8am and plan to leave by late afternoon/early evening, so we can get to space needle for sunset. Not planning any >1mi(1.5max) round trip hikes.
Plan is flexible if sunset there is something we would not wanna miss.
Would love information about any possible road closure, parking conditions, and limitations in general about this time of the year.
Would appreciate suggestions/information on anything I missed that you may feel might come to my use.
Before Rainier, it was called several different names by the indigenous population including Tahoma, Tacobet, Takhoma, and təqʷubəʔ
