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Seattle, Washington / Parks and outdoors

Mount Rainier National Park — Paradise

A breathtaking high-altitude destination in Mount Rainier National Park, famous for its subalpine wildflower meadows, historic lodging, and stunning views of the active volcano.

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Mount Rainier National Park — Paradise
Samuel Kerr, CC BY-SA 3.0

What is Mount Rainier National Park — Paradise known for?

Paradise is famous for its glorious views, wildflower meadows, and subalpine meadows. It also serves as the park's primary winter-use area, receiving an average of 640 inches of snow annually.

What are the hours for the visitor center?

The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is usually open daily from May to early October. From mid-October through April, it is typically open only on weekends and holidays.

Is there lodging available at Paradise?

Yes, the historic Paradise Inn is a concessioner-operated hotel that offers lodging, a dining room, and a gift shop. It is usually open from mid-May to early October and closed during the winter.

What activities can I do there in the winter?

Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Additionally, climbers can self-register at the Paradise Ranger Station during the winter.

Where can I get climbing permits or hiking information?

The Paradise Wilderness Information Center, located in the Guide House across from the Paradise Inn, provides climbing permits and hiking/backcountry camping information during the summer season.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Paradise is a premier destination on the south side of Mount Rainier National Park, renowned for its glorious views and expansive subalpine wildflower meadows. The area is centered around an active volcano that is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous USA and the source of five major rivers. Visitors can explore the upper parking area, where the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center serves as the park's main visitor center, offering exhibits, a park film, guided ranger programs, and a cafeteria. For those seeking historic charm, the Paradise Inn is a concessioner-operated hotel that provides lodging, a dining room, and a gift shop. This historic landmark is typically open from mid-May to early October and remains closed during the winter months. Across from the inn, the Guide House hosts the Paradise Wilderness Information Center, where hikers and climbers can obtain permits and backcountry camping information during the summer season. As the primary winter-use area of the park, Paradise receives an average of 640 inches of snow annually. This heavy snowfall transforms the landscape into a playground for winter sports, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. In winter, climbers can self-register at the historic Paradise Ranger Station, which is located next to the upper parking lot.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between May and early October for daily operations of the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center.
  • If visiting in winter, bring gear for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or sledding to enjoy the landscape.
  • Plan to visit the Paradise Inn dining room or gift shop if arriving between mid-May and early October.
  • Check for climbing permits at the Paradise Wilderness Information Center in the Guide House during summer.

Nearby context

Located 19 miles east of the Nisqually Entrance and 12 miles east of Longmire, Paradise is a high-altitude hub within the south side of Mount Rainier National Park in west-central Washington state.

Sources

Evidence and links