Getting to Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park sits in WA, United States, with Morton the nearest town of any size — about 31.6 mi (50.9 km) out, or roughly 1 hr 6 min of driving.
Mount Rainier National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
Drive times from Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park sits close enough to Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Gulf Islands National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Olympic National Park | 112 mi (180 km) | 3 hr 6 min |
| North Cascades National Park | 131 mi (211 km) | 3 hr 33 min |
| Gulf Islands National Park | 159 mi (256 km) | 4 hr 13 min |
Long trails through this park
Pacific Crest Trail crosses Mount Rainier National Park. The published corridor is CA–WA.
- Pacific Crest Trail — official trail site.
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Morton | 31.6 mi (50.9 km) | 1 hr 6 min |
| Auburn | 38.5 mi (62 km) | 1 hr 18 min |
| Federal Way | 41.7 mi (67.1 km) | 1 hr 24 min |
| Tacoma | 42.6 mi (68.5 km) | 1 hr 25 min |
| Kent | 42.9 mi (69.1 km) | 1 hr 26 min |
| Cle Elum | 45.4 mi (73.1 km) | 1 hr 30 min |
| Lacey | 51.7 mi (83.3 km) | 1 hr 41 min |
| Tumwater | 55.3 mi (89 km) | 1 hr 46 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Mount Rainier National Park?
Morton, about 31.6 mi (50.9 km) away — roughly 1 hr 6 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Mount Rainier National Park?
The practical bases are Morton, Auburn, and Federal Way — all within a reasonable drive of the park.