Mount Rainier National Park protects a 14,411-foot active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of glacial ice, surrounded by old-growth forest and wildflower meadows. It is about two hours from Seattle and no visit to Washington State should miss it.
The road to Paradise is open year-round and is the most popular destination in the park. In winter you drive through corridors of snow 12 metres high. Paradise is a popular backcountry skiing destination from November to May. In summer — the brief window from late June to September — the meadows explode with wildflowers (peak in July), and the views of the glaciated summit are extraordinary.
The park has hundreds of miles of trails, from easy nature walks to the 93-mile Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates the entire mountain. Technical climbing routes on the glaciers attract mountaineers from around the world.
When to visit: Summer is the busiest season but almost always sunny and warm. Many trails are only open from July to September. Winter is quiet and atmospheric — only the road to Paradise stays open.
Where to stay: Two lodges operate inside the park. Drive-in campgrounds fill up fast in summer — don't count on a spot at weekends. Backcountry camping permits are easier to get. With a car you can easily stay in Seattle or Tacoma and day-trip.