Parks Manager

Getting to Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park sits in WA, United States, with Crocker the nearest town of any size — about 22.7 mi (36.6 km) out, or roughly 51 min of driving.

Towns to base yourself in

Towns nearest Mount Rainier National Park
TownDistanceEstimated drive
Crocker22.7 mi (36.6 km)51 min
Eatonville24 mi (38.6 km)53 min
Buckley25 mi (40.3 km)55 min
Prairie Heights26.3 mi (42.3 km)57 min
Enumclaw26.8 mi (43.1 km)58 min
Prairie Ridge27 mi (43.5 km)59 min
Orting27.1 mi (43.5 km)59 min
Graham28.8 mi (46.4 km)1 hr 2 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?

Crocker, about 22.7 mi (36.6 km) away — roughly 51 min of driving.

Where should I stay when visiting Mount Rainier National Park?

The practical bases are Crocker, Eatonville, and Buckley — all within a reasonable drive of the park.