During Covid, all our travel plans had been canceled, and we were so desperate to get out of the house to somewhere we felt safe. Kas has always wanted to go camping, and I was not all that interested. Desperate times call for desperate measures. Kas and I went on our first trial camping trip (without Lo) with borrowed gear from our friends. We really loved it! I am not sure whether it was that we were finally out of our house OR that it was a new experience that made it so incredible, probably both! Soon after, we bought our own camping gear and went on our first family camping trip to Mount Rainier National Park. 

The majestic Mount Rainier is spectacular to see up close! Mount Rainier National Park is located in the western-central part of Washington State. Its close proximity to Seattle makes it a perfect destination for a day trip or even a weekend get-away.

Some facts about Mount Rainier:

• 🌋 It is an active volcano, although the last eruption was in 1894.
• 🗻It’s the highest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States.
• 🗻On clear days, Mount Rainier can be seen as far away as 300 miles away — Corvallis, Oregon, and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada 🇨🇦.

Best Time To Visit Mount Rainier National Park

Most roads are open from late May to early October. However, the best time to visit Mount Rainer is in the late summer months, when skies are likely to be clear and views are breathtaking. We went the last weekend in August and we were quite fortunate to have clear blue skies because the next day rained and visibility was very poor. During the day the temperatures were comfortable but it was a little chilly at night. Although roads are open during late spring, note that snow can linger on the roads and trails until June or even July. Below is a slideshow of average temperatures, rainfall, and snowfall for Paradise (courtesy of Google).

Paradise At Olympic National Park

Paradise is truly a paradise located 19 miles (30 km) east of the Nisqually Entrance and is the most visited destination in the Mount Rainier National Park. It is famous for its breathtaking views and beautiful wildflower meadows. Spending a day here will for sure brighten your mood. Paradise has a network of connecting trails weaving through rich beautiful meadows. Trails are mostly paved and accessible to all ages and abilities, although some trails may be steep and strenuous. Check out the National Park Service Paradise Area Trails Info and Map.

It can be near impossible to find parking at Paradise and at the trailheads between Longmire and Paradise during sunny summer weekends. Parking is not permitted along the road edges, so plan to arrive early or visit during weekdays.

Where to Stay Around Paradise

Accommodations near Paradise – you can stay at National Park Inn or Paradise Inn if you prefer a comfortable bed and hot running water. Here are some campgrounds near Paradise: 

• Cougar Rock Campground – 9 miles to Paradise ~18minutes.
• Ohanapecosh Campground – 23 miles to Paradise ~ 45minutes.

National Park Fees

• Single Vehicle Fee – $30 per entry up to 7 days (Annual Pass – $55 unlimited entry to pass owner and passengers).
• Campground Fees – $20 nightly.
• Free Days*** –
  • April 16th – First Day of National Park Week.
  • August 4th – Anniversary of Great American Outdoors Act.
  • September 24th – National Public Lands Day.
  • ***there are other free days outside of the recommended time of year to visit that I did not include here.

Check out Best of Olympic National Park for a perfect year-round National Park.