Designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1997 as a showcase for the "NPS Rustic" style architecture of the 1920s and 1930s.

Whether hiking on its flanks, climbing its summit, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on its slopes, camping along its glacier-fed rivers, photographing wildflower displays in subalpine meadows, or just admiring the view, nearly two million people come to enjoy the grandeur and beauty of Mount Rainier each year.

Mount Rainier National Park is open all year, but access is limited in winter.

Facilities at Longmire are open daily year-round. Facilities at Paradise and Ohanapecosh are open daily from late-May to mid-October. Facilities at Sunrise are open July to early-October.

In winter, access is by the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park only. The Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise is open weekends and holidays in winter.

Most visitors come on sunny summer weekends and holidays. Try to schedule your visit mid-week in summer, if possible, since parking is limited in many areas of the park.

Mount Rainier National Park offers excellent opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and mountain climbing. Most roads are open from late May to early October--all provide stunning views and access to a variety of hiking trails and other sites.

While many visitors attempt to "see the park in day," you may wish to concentrate on one or two areas of the park and explore them in detail. Keep in mind that parking is limited on sunny summer weekends and holidays.

Possibilities: Explore the Longmire Historic District in the SW corner of the park. On the road from Longmire and Paradise, see Christine Falls or Narada Falls. At Paradise, see the Jackson Visitor Center, the Historic Paradise Inn, or hike a trail through the world-famous subalpine meadows. Between Paradise and Ohanapecosh, see Reflection Lakes, Box Canyon, or the Grove of the Patriarchs. Explore old growth forest at Ohanpecosh. Between Ohanapecosh and White River, consider a short sidetrip east to Tipsoo Lake. Sunrise is a popular destination from July to October. It provides outstanding views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers, and trails through subalpine meadows. In the NE corner of the park, see the Carbon River rainforest and/or Mowich Lake (note: road to Mowich Lake is unpaved and does not open until early July).