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National park · Ashford, Washington State
Paradise (Mount Rainier)
Meadow area on the south flank of Mount Rainier, around 1,650 meters, with the park visitor center, trails through flowers in summer and glacier views. It is one of the snowiest places in the world in winter.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Paradise (Mount Rainier)
Paradise is the most visited area of Mount Rainier National Park, on the volcano’s south side, at about 1,650 meters elevation. The name dates to 1885, when Virinda Longmire, seeing the meadows covered in flowers, compared the place to paradise. Mount Rainier, at 4,392 meters, is the highest peak in Washington State and has more glaciers than any other mountain in the contiguous United States.
The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center has exhibits on the volcano’s geology, wildlife, and climbing history. Trails to the meadows start there. The Skyline Trail makes a loop of roughly 9 km up to the Panorama Point overlook, facing the Nisqually Glacier. Shorter trails, like Myrtle Falls, are suitable if you have little time.
In summer, generally July through August, the meadows fill with wildflowers such as lupine, paintbrush and lilies. In winter, Paradise receives heavy snowfall: in the winter of 1971–72, 28.5 meters fell, a world record at the time. The road from the Nisqually entrance is one of the few in the park that may be open year-round, depending on conditions.
On the way to Paradise are Narada Falls, a short walk from the road, and viewpoints over the Nisqually River valley.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the visitor center and a short trail; a full day for the Skyline Trail.
Best time
Mid-July through August, when the meadows usually bloom and snow is off the trails. Mornings have fewer cars in the parking lot. November through April brings snow, with guided snowshoe walks, and the road may require tire chains.
How to get there
From Ashford, take Highway 706 to the Nisqually entrance and then about 30 km inside the park, passing Longmire: roughly an hour by car. From Seattle it’s about two and a half hours. The park charges per vehicle; check the park’s website.
Tip
Stay on marked trails: the meadows are fragile and can take years to recover from trampling. Mountain weather changes quickly; bring warm layers and a rain/snow shell even in summer.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Paradise (Mount Rainier)
When do the flowers bloom in Paradise, Mount Rainier?
Generally mid-July through August, after the snow melts from the meadows. Timing changes depending on winter snowfall.
Does the road to Paradise open in winter?
Yes, depending on conditions, from the Nisqually entrance, with tire chains required on tires. The road can close on heavy-snow days; check before you go.
Which trail to hike in Paradise?
The Skyline Trail, a roughly 9 km loop that climbs to Panorama Point, facing the Nisqually Glacier.