Directions

Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington state. Several major cities in Washingtonincluding SeattleTacomaand Yakimaas well as PortlandOregonare within 200 miles of the park.

Always check the road status page before planning a trip to the park. Unexpected road closures may occur at any time due to the dynamic nature of Mount Rainier. Also check Alerts to get the most up-to-date notices of road status and gate closures.

Avoid Summer Congestion

On busy summer weekends expect long waits at entrances and full parking lots. Plan ahead and follow these tips to avoid summer traffic.

Traffic & Travel Tips

Park roads are winding with narrow shoulders and the maximum speed limit is 35 mph in most areas. Allow plenty of travel time during your visit.

Traveling in Summer

On a sunny summer weekendit can be difficult or impossible to find parking at ParadiseSunriseGrove of the Patriarchsand at the trailheads between Longmire and Paradise. To help avoid this congestionit is recommended to visit these areas on weekdaysarrive early in the dayand carpool to the park if possible. Parking is not permitted along the road edges.

Traveling in Winter

Many of the park roads close in winter. The road to Paradise closes nightly during winter monthsand road conditions are often snowy and icy. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains. Learn more about Winter Travelincluding information on gate closuresand Tire Chain Frequently-Asked-Questions

Directions to the Park

How Far Is It?

One way driving times and distances to areas within the park. Many roads close for the winter; always check road status. View and download park maps.
Please note that park construction may affect driving times.

Southwest Entrance - By Car

Year-round access to the park is via SR 706 to the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park. The road from the entrance to Longmire remains open throughout winter except during extreme weather. The road from Longmire to Paradise closes nightly from November 1 through winter. It reopens the following morning dependent upon snow removal and current conditions. Even though roads will be opensome facilities may not be available.

A note on using GPS: Many visitors now use GPS (Global Positioning System) units to help them navigate while driving. Howeverthe street address for Mount Rainier National Park (55210 238th Avenue East) leads to the Mount Rainier headquarters in AshfordWashingtonNOT to the Nisqually entrance of the park. To reach the Nisqually entrance using GPS use the address 39000 State Route 706 EAshfordWA 98304. This will take you on SR 706 east past the park headquarters to the Nisqually Entrance. It is recommended that visitors refer to road maps in addition to using GPS units when driving to the park.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Electric vehicle charging stations are available at Longmire year-round and at Paradise during the summer seasonoperated by Rainier Guest Services (RGS) (check RGS website for current operating status). If you are interested in using themvisit the corresponding lodging operation (National Park Inn for Longmire and Paradise Inn for Paradise) to get their access code. Pricing will be based upon the amount of time requested and acceptance rate of energy (Tier 12or 3) requested.

Directions to the Southwest Entrance of the park (NisquallyLongmire and Paradise) from SeattleTacomaYakimaor Portland:

• From Seattle
  South on I-5 to SR 512 (exit 127). East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance.
• From Tacoma
  East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance.
• From Yakima
  In Summer: West on US 12 to SR 123. North on SR 123 to the Stevens Canyon Entrance. Follow Stevens Canyon Road west to Paradise and Longmire. NOTE: Tunnel height limit 12' 6".
  In Winter: West on US 12 to SR 7 in Morton. North on SR 7 to Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance and Longmire/Paradise.
• From Portland
  North on I-5 to Hwy 12 (exit 68). East on Hwy 12 to SR 7 in Morton. North on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 to the Nisqually Entrance.

Northwest Entrance - By Car

Carbon River and Mowich Lake in the northwest are not accessible via SR165 due to the closure of the Fairfax Bridge. The bridge is closed to pedestriansbicyclesand vehicles and there is no alternate route. WSDOT News Release4/22/25.

East Entrances - By Car

Southeast - Spring through fall road closures depend on snowfall and its removal from the roadways. Ohanapecosh on SR 123 is generally open via Hwy 12 from Yakima or Packwood from late May to early November. Access to other areas of the park from Ohanapecosh may be closed during the early and later seasons so please check the road status while making your plans.

Northeast - SunriseWhite River and southbound SR 123 are accessed via SR 410 from Enumclaw. The road to Sunrise is usually open by July 1st through early Septemberas is the visitor center and other facilities. The road to Sunrise closes at the junction with White River Campground every night beginning in late September. It reopens each morning as conditions permit. The entire road from the junction with SR 410 to Sunrise and White River is closed for winter in mid-October or earlier with the first heavy snowfall.

East/Chinook Pass - In the summertravelers coming from east of the Cascades can enter the park using Chinook Pass (SR 410) and Cayuse Pass (SRs 123 & 410) or via I-90 and US 12. In winterhoweverSR 123 and SR 410 are closed. For winter access to the east side of the parkvisitors must use I-90 and US 12.

Directions to the East Side of the park (OhanapecoshSunrise and White River) from SeattleTacomaYakimaor Portland:

• From Seattle
  To White River/Sunrise/Ohanapecosh: South on I-5 to I-405 (exit 154a). East on I-405 to SR 167. South on SR 167 to SR 410. East on SR 410 to the White River Entrance. Continue south on SR 410 to SR 123 past Stevens Canyon Road. Follow signs to Ohanapecosh. This route is open summer only. NOTE: SR 123 tunnel height limit 13' 1".
• From Tacoma
  To White River/Sunrise: East on SR 512 to SR 167. North on SR 167 to SR 410. East on SR 410 to the White River Entrance and Sunrise.
  To Ohanapecosh: South on I-5 to Hwy12 (exit 68). East on Hwy 12 through MortonRandleand Packwood to SR 123 north. Follow SR 123 north into Mount Rainier National Park and the Ohanapecosh area. NOTE: SR 123 tunnel height limit 13' 1".
• From Yakima
  To White River/Sunrise: West on Hwy 12 to SR 410. West on SR 410 over Chinook and Cayuse Passes to the White River Entrance.
  To Ohanapecosh: West on US 12 to SR 123. Turn right on SR 123 and travel north into Mount Rainier National Park. Follow the signs to Ohanapecosh.
• From Portland
  To White River/Sunrise: North on I-5 to SR 512 east to SR 167 (exit 135) in Tacoma. Travel east on SR 167 to SR 410. Travel east on SR 410 to Mount Rainier National Park and White River/Sunrise area.
  To Ohanapecosh: North on I-5 to US 12 (exit 68). East on US 12 to SR 123. North on SR 123 to Mount Rainier National Park and the Ohanapecosh area.

By Plane

Three airportsserved by major airlines are located near Mount Rainier:

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located in SeattleWashington. The one-way distance from the Seattle to the town of Ashfordlocated just outside the Nisqually entrance in the southwest corner of the parkis 85 miles.

Portland International Airport is located in PortlandOregon. The one-way distance from the Portland to town of Ashfordlocated just outside the Nisqually entrance in the southwest corner of the parkis 131 miles.

Yakima Air Terminal is located in YakimaWashington. The one-way distance from the Yakima to town of Ashfordlocated just outside the Nisqually entrance in the southwest corner of the parkis 134 miles.