“The mountain is out.”
That’s how locals put it when Mount Rainier finally reveals herself—towering, snowcapped, and impossible to ignore. But this park is more than just a dramatic skyline. It’s waterfalls pouring from glaciers. It’s old-growth forests whispering stories of survival. Its hot springs, volcanic secrets, and human grit are layered into the very soil.
This self-guided audio tour of Mount Rainier National Park lets you explore at your own pace, from river valleys to panoramic lookouts– each stop steeped in history, legend, and jaw-dropping views.
Along the way, you’ll experience:
Comet Falls, a 301-foot cascade tumbling through a fir-lined gorge
Ricksecker Point, with postcard-worthy views (and a presidential cameo!)
Narada Falls, whose mist feeds the mossy wonderland below
Reflection Lake, the mountain’s mirror and a picture-perfect stop
Sunrise Point, the highest drivable point in the park—with views worth every winding turn
You’ll walk alongside stories of the Nisqually and Puyallup tribes, whose resilience still echoes through these peaks. Meet climbers, soldiers, and visionaries—from the first woman to summit the mountain to John Muir, who championed its protection. You’ll also discover how glaciers and volcanoes worked together over millions of years to create this alpine masterpiece.
Before you lace up your boots:
Mount Rainier is a wild, unpredictable, and vibrant place full of life. Take your time. Breathe in the high-altitude air. And if the clouds part, look up. The mountain just might be watching you back.
Download the Mt. Rainer Trip Planner for more details on how to reach the park, must-see stops, best places to stay, when to visit, activities to do, packing tips, and more!
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Know Before You Go
NOTE: Learn more about the admission fees, road conditions, and other pertinent information.
Mount Rainier National Park have now closed for winter due to adverse weather conditions and typical seasonal closures. The affected areas include:
- Paradise Picnic Area
- Paradise Valley Road
- Stevens Canyon Road
- White River Campground & White River Road
- Sunrise Road
- State Routes 410/Chinook Pass, between Crystal Mountain Blvd. and Morse Creek
- SR 123/Cayuse Pass
Nearby Tours
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Driving
8-10 Hours
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Driving
5-6 Hours
100+ Stories
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Driving
2-3 Hours
30+ Stories
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Walking
1-2 Hours
20+ Stories
1 Mile
Mount Rainier Map
Starting Point
You can begin the tour at any one of the suggested starting locations provided below.
Nisqually Entrance, Ashford, WA 98304
You can begin the tour at Nisqually Entrance on Highway 706, Ashford, WA 98304
Silver Creek Visitor Information Center, 69211 WA-410, Enumclaw, WA 98022
Begin from Silver Creek Visitor Information Center, Washington 410.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
The total distance covered by the tour varies depending on the route chosen, but it generally spans approximately 236 miles.
The park is typically accessible year-round, but road conditions can vary with the seasons, so it’s important to check for any closures or restrictions before your visit.
Winter driving in the park is difficult due to snow and ice. Before leaving, visitors should bring snow chains or winter tires and check for road closures and weather updates.
The best time to drive the tour is typically during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the weather is milder, and most roads are open.
On this self-guided driving tour, discover Comet Falls, the serene Nisqually River, and Mt. Rainier National Park’s rich history.
The tour can begin from either the Nisqually entrance or the Silver Creek Visitor Center.
You may encounter blacktail deer and bears while driving through the park.
Narada Falls is a 168-foot waterfall with a unique name, and its history is quite intriguing.
Explore 200+ Tours
Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.
GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.
Tour anytime: Your tour is available for unlimited use, anytime and any day.Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.
Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.
Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
Stories, stops, and directions:Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.
Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.
Admission:Entry tickets and reservations are not included.
Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.
Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours.
