5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall

By Samantha Panzera | January 27, 2020 |

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Are you one of the many people who have only visited Mt. Rainier National park during the summer months? Then you have been missing out! Mt. Rainier in the fall is absolutely stunning. The mountain is lit with fiery fall colors. Blazing golds, deep reds, vibrant yellows all painting the hills and valleys before this sleeping giant. If you have yet to experience this intense dramatic fall landscape we have put together 5 Reasons You Should Visit Mt. Rainier in the Fall.

Amazing Fall Colors

The best time to catch Mt. Rainier in her full fall color glory is between Mid-October and November. Most of the vivid colors blanketing the paradise area are from Vine Maple, high elevation Huckleberry bushes. and Larches. During the golden hour before sunset, the mountain is cast in spectacular fiery gold, red, and orange hues that look like something out of a painting instead of real life.

Did you Know Mt. Ranier has a Fall Color Hotline?

For Fall Color Information In Gifford Pinchot National Forest Call: 1-(800) 354-4595

Amazing Fall Colors The best time to catch Mt. Rainier in her full fall color glory is between Mid-October and November. Most of the vivid colors blanketing the paradise area are from Vine Maple, high elevation Huckleberry bushes. and Larches. During the golden hour before sunset, the mountain is cast in spectacular fiery gold, red, and orange hues that look like something out of a painting instead of real life.

Less People

Lose the crowds! The fact is there are less people visiting Mt. Rainier National Park in the fall. It's a much more relaxing experience without all the tour buses and crowds of people. You can get your photo taken in front of stunning waterfalls without having to wait in line or deal with having other tourists in your picture. Yes, the visitor centers with their amazing gift shops will be closed but you will get to enjoy the peaceful splendor of the mountain without feeling like you are in a crowded theme park.

Parking

At the Mt. Rainier entrance you can drive right into the park without sitting in traffic for over an hour which equals less time waiting and more time enjoying the beauty of Mt. Rainier. It's much easier to make frequent stops at viewpoints and see waterfalls you might have missed during the crowded summer months due to limited parking. You can easily find a spot right in the Paradise parking lot without needing to hike in from over a mile away. In fact, you will have your choice of spots.

More Wildlife

Without the crowds of people, you are much more likely to encounter wildlife. In the fall many people get the chance to see bear, mountain goats, and elk. When visiting the park in the fall I have been privy to seeing lots of deer, elk, foxes, pika, marmots, chipmunks, and mountain goats on the Sunrise side before they closed the road for winter.

Better Hiking Conditions

When hiking in the fall, there generally is cooler temperatures that lead to a more comfortable hiking experience. Despite the fact that there is snow on the ground from the glaciers during the summer months, the temperature can get extremely hot. I have always found that hiking in crisp cool weather is more energizing and makes for a much more enjoyable hiking experience.

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