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During the winterthe wildflower meadows and trails of Paradise are covered in a deep blanket of snow. While a delight to explorethe snowy landscape can also hold hidden hazardslike snow-covered creeks. Learn more about winter safety tips before heading out and be prepared for quickly changing winter conditions.
Please stay on trailseven if it means crossing snow or mudto help protect the delicate subalpine wildflower meadows.
Check hours of operation below for current status as some facilities transition into summer or fall hours.
NOTE:Dogs are not allowed on trails or on snow in the park. Learn more about pets in the park.
Drones are prohibited anywhere in Mount Rainier National Park.
Sleeping in vehicles in the parking lot or any pullouts is NOT permitted. Overnight camping is only allowed in frontcountry campgrounds (summer only) or in wilderness campsites with a wilderness permit. Learn about winter camping.
Paradise provides access to a network of trails suitable for every ability. The weather can change quickly to winter conditionswith snowwindand cold temperatures. Make sure to check the trail status map below to see current snow conditions on trails. If you are not prepared to hike on snowtry a lower elevation hike at Longmire. Just because you start off on a snow-free trail at a lower elevationthat doesn't mean the entire trail will be snow-free.
Please stay on trails! It may be tempting to skirt patches of snow that are covering trails. Howeverby going off trail you are walking on and damaging the wildflowers that you may be coming to see! It is better to stay on the trail even if that means crossing snowparticularly in the high-visitation meadows around Paradise.
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Hiking on Snow Safety
Mount Rainier receives abundant snowfall and some hiking trails will remain snow-covered well into the summer. Hikers expecting dry trails may encounter challenging conditions and other hazards due to lingering patches of snow. Trails that would otherwise be considered easy may be too difficult or unsafe to navigate.
Choose to turn around instead of crossing steepsnow–covered slopes. A fall could be disastrous. Comet Falls and Pinnacle Peak trails often have hazardous slopes. Take an ice axe if you know how to use it.
Falling through thin snow bridges is a hazard anywhere streams remain snow-covered. Listen for the muffled sound of running water under the snow.
Avoid the Myrtle Falls area until snow-free. Several hazards exist at Myrtle Fall including punching through snowsnow cornicesand steepicy slopes.
Avoid stepping onto snow cornices (ledges of snow that overhang an edgeridgelineetc.) as they may collapse under your weight.
You may need reliable map and compass to traverse snow-covered trailswhich can be difficult to followparticularly in backcountry areas. Panhandle GapSpray Parkand Seattle Park are frequent problem areas.
Beware of avalanches! Unstable snow may slide at any time...not just in winter!
Falling into snow moats around trees (tree wells)and adjacent to logs and rockscan cause injury. Avoid getting too close.
Avoid stepping on wetslippery rocksespecially near rivers and waterfalls. Common hazard areas are Narada Falls and Silver Falls.
Before starting your hikestop by a Wilderness Information Center or visitor center for the latest trail conditions.
The interactive map below shows current conditions of trails in the Paradise Area and is updated weekly. Click on any section of trail in the map to see details.
For the best viewing experienceclick on the "View full screen" link in the lower left corner of the map.
The upper mountain is open for climbing and recreation. Remembertravel above high camps and/or glaciated travel requires a climbing permit. Some temporary restrictions still remain in place. Check the climbing page for details. If you are heading to Camp Muirmake sure to download the Camp Muir with Bearings Map site bulletin.
Paradise is a National Historic Landmark District. The Paradise Innbuilt in 1917is also a historic landmark. Explore historic buildings in the area by following the Paradise Historic District Walking Tour in the NPS App!
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Hours of Operation
Last Updated: March 32026
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center
OPEN January 12 - March 30
10:00 am - 3:30 pm Fri-Monclosed Tues-Thurs March 31 - April 9
10:00 am - 3:30 pm daily April 10 - May 5
10:00 am - 3:30 pm Fri-Monclosed Tues-Thurs
Paradise Camp Deli & Gift Shop
Located inside the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center on the lower level.
OPEN January 12 - March 30
10:00 am - 3:30 pm Fri-Monclosed Tues-Thurs
Food available only on Sat-Sun. March 31 - April 9
10:00 am - 3:30 pm daily April 10 - May 5
10:00 am - 3:30 pm Fri-Monclosed Tues-Thurs
Plaza (Slate) Restrooms
Located adjacent from visitor center in the upper parking lot plaza.
OPEN
24 hours daily
Paradise Inn
For additional informationvisit mtrainierguestservices.com or call 360-569-2275 or 855-755-2275.
CLOSED for the season
Paradise Wilderness Information Center
CLOSED for the season
NOTE: Climbers self-register at the old Paradise Ranger Station. Wilderness Permits are required for all overnight camping.
Paradise Picnic Area & Restrooms
CLOSED for the season
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Paradise Parking Map
NPS Graphic
Paradise Parking Map
Designated parking at Paradise includes:
Accessible Parking - Day Use & Overnight Parking*
Located along the north side of the upper lot or by the Paradise Inn.
Drop Off Zones - Passenger Drop Off only - No Parking
Located along the Paradise Plaza on the northwest side of the upper lot and in front of Paradise Inn.
Paradise Upper Parking Lot - Day Use Only - No Overnight Parking
Paradise Lower Parking Lot - Day Use & Overnight Parking*
Overflow Parking: Paradise Picnic Area - Day Use & Overnight Parking*; Paradise Valley Road - Overflow Parking or Bus/RV Parking. CLOSED during the winter.
*Note that overnight parking requires a backcountry camping permit or hotel reservation. No sleeping in vehicles overnight.
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.
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NPS Graphic
Know Before You Go
Check the weathermake a planleave your itinerary with someone at homeand pack accordingly. Don’t forget the 10 Essentials. If you do not have the right gear — don’t go.
Play It Safe
Know your limitsonly attempt activities that are within your skill leveland be prepared to turn back if necessary to reduce the risk of injury. The mountain will always be here for you to explore.
Finding Your Way
Carry and know how to use a good map and compassand actively use them. For best coverage beneath a forest canopy supplementyour map and compass with an external-antenna GPS.
Pet Pals
Your leashed pets are welcome in campgroundsparking lotsand on roads open to the public. Pets are not allowed on trails (service animals excepted).
Leave No Trace
No matter how you recreate at Mount Rainierwhether in the park’s backcountry or on a day trippack out trashdo not feed or approach wildlifeand leave natural and cultural objects where you found them.
Preserve Meadows
Meadows are delicate and see increased visitation every year. Please stay on the trail to protect these unique ecosystems.
