Mt. Rainier National Park Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Mt. Rainier National Park. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Mt. Rainier National Park Highlights Tour

• Seattle's Original Guided Harbor Cruise

• Mt. Rainier Day Tour From Seattle

• Best of Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour

• Mt Rainier National Park Small Group Day Tour From Seattle 2CanGo

Currently, entrance passes to Mount Rainier National Park cost US$15 for individuals entering on foot or by bicycle. Visitors on motorcycles pay US$25, and those in private vehicles pay US$30 (the fee covers all passengers). Annual park entrance passes cost US$55, but are only available to US citizens and residents. Park entry is also included in the America the Beautiful Pass.

Yes, Mt. Rainier National Park is worth visiting. One of the country's oldest national parks, it encompasses lush meadows, thick forests, a wealth of wildlife and—of course—Mt. Rainier at its heart. The highest peak in Washington State and in the wider Cascades range, and ringed by glaciers, Mt. Rainier is a composite volcano that dominates the horizon for miles around. Guided day trips from Seattle let you get up close and personal.

Per one customer who booked the Mt. Rainier National Park Highlights Tour, "My experience was amazing from beginning to end. Lucas, our tour guide, was outstanding—knowledgeable, engaging, and deeply passionate about the region. He made the day both educational and thoroughly enjoyable. His personal stories added a meaningful touch and kept the entire group engaged throughout the tour. As a first-time visitor to Seattle, I had no idea how breathtaking the area truly is."

Mt. Rainier National Park is big, but you can see a few highlights—such as Paradise visitor center and nearby hiking trails—on a day trip from Seattle. With more time, you can explore areas like Sunrise, Longmire, Carbon River and Mowich Lake, and Ohanapecosh, which offer varied scenery and views.

Wildflowers brighten Mt. Rainier meadows starting in late July for a natural display that generally lasts through early August. It’s a gorgeous time to visit: Highlights of Mt. Rainier wildflower season include avalanche lilies, paintbrush, cinquefoil, and lupine. You can see flowers throughout the national park—try Paradise and Sunrise areas.

Yes, if you’re hiking into remote areas of Mt. Rainier National Park, it can be smart to carry bear spray—if you know how to use it. Most hikers, however, don’t carry bear spray. Staying safe starts with taking measures to avoid bears in the first place: Keep your distance and secure food.

Yes, there are cougars in Mt. Rainier National Park—they’re also known as mountain lions. Attacks on humans are rare, but there are important steps to stay safe if you see a cougar. Pick up small children, and back away slowly; don’t run or turn your back on the animal.

Come for the towering, snowcapped volcano, stay for pristine waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and hiking trails. There’s a lot to see at Mt. Rainier National Park for visitors of all abilities, whether you’re walking the 5.5-mile (8.9-kilometer) Skyline Trail or taking in big views from the Sunrise visitors center.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting Mt. Rainier National Park. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Seattle:

• Space Needle

• Pioneer Square

• Pike Place Market 

• Kerry Park (Franklin Place)

• Seattle Waterfront

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Seattle.