Sleep at the foot of the Lower 48’s most heavily glaciated peak.
You’ll know Mount Rainier National Park when you see it—the hulking volcano rises more than 14,000 feet above sea level, dominating the western Washington horizon for miles around. Glaciers cascade down the slopes, meeting deep green forests. The best part? This Northwest’s crown jewel sits just 65 miles from Seattle, making its summit the goal of many mountaineers and its location perfect for an easy weekend trip. Here you’ll find 473 camping sites scattered across three of the four quadrants of the park, including Cougar Rock in the southwest, Ohanapecosh in the southeast, and White River, in the northeast. In addition, 13 tent sites sit at the walk-in Mowich Lake campground to the northwest. Beyond that, numerous backcountry sites are scattered on and around the mountain.
Mount Rainier National Park is open year-round, though heavy winter snow typically closes all but the Nisqually Entrance. At this time, roads at higher elevations may be closed or require snow chains or winter tires to access. July and August are busy times, when popular parking lots and entrances come with long waits. Aim for a mid-week visit, or go during the late spring or early fall to beat the crowds.