Field guide
A Mount Rainier hike and trail running guide
Plan your Mount Rainier hike or run with this practical guide. Find official trail information, park rules, access updates, and what to know before you go.
Mount Rainier National Park contains over 260 miles of maintained trails for hiking and running. The network of paths offers a range of options for visitors.
This guide provides information based on official park sources. It covers trail details, access conditions, and rules for day use on the trails.
Official facts at a glance
- Park description
- National Park with over 260 miles of maintained trails
- Mailing Address
- 55210 238th Avenue East Ashford, WA 98304
- Trail of the Shadows length
- 0.7 mi/1.1 km loop trail
- Nisqually Vista Trail suitability
- Suitable for families with strollers
- Wilderness permit requirement
- Required for all overnight camping
- Overflow parking
- Not permitted
- Dog rules on park trails
- NOT permitted on any park trails
- Dog rules on Pacific Crest Trail
- Permitted on a leash no longer than 6 feet
- Bicycle rules on park trails
- NOT permitted on any park trails
- Day hiker party size limit
- No more than 12 people per group
- Stay on trails rule in meadows
- Required by law in Paradise, Sunrise, and Tipsoo Lake meadows
- Wildlife feeding rule
- Do not feed wildlife
- Check trail conditions
- Always check current conditions with a ranger before heading out on a hike.
- Carbon River & Mowich Lake Area access
- NO public access from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles and there is no alternate route.
Sources: Day Hiking at Mount Rainier (nps.gov), Trails of Mount Rainier (nps.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Trail information
One short route is the Trail of the Shadows, a 0.7 mile or 1.1 kilometer loop. For those looking for a very smooth surface, the Nisqually Vista Trail is suitable for strollers.
Bicycles are not permitted on any park trails. This means runners and hikers do not need to share the path with cyclists.
Rules for using the trails
Dogs are not allowed on any park trails. An exception is the Pacific Crest Trail, where dogs are permitted on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Day hiking groups are limited to 12 people. In certain meadows, such as those at Sunrise and Tipsoo Lake, it is required by law to stay on the trails. Feeding wildlife is not permitted anywhere in the park.
Park access and permits
There is no public access to the Carbon River and Mowich Lake area from SR 165. The connecting bridge is closed to all traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles, and there is no alternate route.
Visitors should plan their arrival carefully, as overflow parking is not permitted. For any overnight camping in the backcountry, a wilderness permit is required.
Before you go
- Always check current trail conditions with a ranger before your hike.
- Confirm your route does not depend on access from SR 165 to the Carbon River and Mowich Lake area.
- Leave pets at home, as dogs are not permitted on park trails.
- Ensure your day hiking group has no more than 12 people.
- Plan your parking and arrival time, because overflow parking is not allowed.
Nearby options: running and active spots in Seattle. All cities: City running and hiking guides.