Mount Rainier Hiking: Expert Tips from a Veteran Park Ranger

Weather can change quickly in Washington State. Be sure to check weather cams before you go.

Destination Washington / Mount Rainier Hiking

Planning a Mount Rainier hiking experience as part of your larger wellness travel goals? 

Before you lace up those hiking boots, take some advice from someone who knows the mountain intimately. This interview with Terry Wildy, Chief of Education, Interpretation, and Volunteers at Mount Rainier National Park, is chock full of good information and tips. We are summarizing the interview here, and encourage you to read the full interview at the link provided. 

With over 25 years of National Park Service experience across eight different parks, Wildy has seen it all—including the common mistakes that can turn a dream hike into a nightmare.

Weather Challenges

“Some of the biggest problems for park visitors are caused by a lack of knowledge about the weather changes from the bottom of the mountain to the high alpine landscapes,” Wildy explains. While spring may be blooming in the lowlands, Paradise area remains snow-covered until late June or early July. Many visitors arrive expecting wildflower meadows only to find themselves unprepared for winter conditions.

When we lived in Washington state, we definitely learned that weather can change quickly and you can experience different weather in different parts of the west coast at the same time.In fact, packing layers every time we went on a local trip was the norm because conditions can change quickly.

Another crucial tip she offered? 

Stay on the Trails

Stay on established trails—always. “Even one step off trail can kill plants,” Wildy emphasizes. “The cumulative impact of thousands of people doing the same causes damage that can take decades to heal, if ever.”

This tip alone goes a long way to ease the negative effects of travel to popular places like Mount Rainier. While we believe that the more people travel outdoors and experience the beauty of our world, the more holistically sustainable practices will be embraced, we still must be mindful about where we step.

Wildlife Habitats

Wildlife encounters require caution too. If you’re changing an animal’s behavior in any way, you’re too close. And never feed wildlife—human food can create illness or even kill animals, while habituated animals can become aggressive.

Before heading out, Wildy recommends checking the park’s webcams and weather forecasts, carrying the 10 essentials in a comfortable pack, and hiking with a partner when possible. Cell service is nonexistent in much of the park, so download maps beforehand and always let someone know your plans.

Beware of Lahars

One final warning that might surprise you: Mount Rainier is an active volcano. While an eruption would provide warning signs, fast-moving mudslides called “lahars” can occur with virtually no notice. If you hear a roar and feel the ground shaking, move uphill away from rivers and streams immediately!

“I think the park is ridiculously beautiful, and it’s hard to take a bad picture,” Wildy concludes. “Just stay on the trails, please!”

This article summarizes an interview by Visit Tacoma Pierce County. Read the full interview and tips here.

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