Mount Rainierfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Mount Rainier National Park.
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 86% chanceTuesday, Tuesday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 2:26 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Mount Rainier National Park
First frost usually arrives this week
Oct 3Average first fall frost
May 22Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Longmire Rainier Nps station (4.4 mi away, 2,755 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Mount Rainier National Park through the year
- WildflowersJul–Aug
- Busiest monthsJul–Aug
- Tire chains requiredNov–May
Best spots around Mount Rainier National Park
- ParadiseHuckleberry turns brilliant red; Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, 1 mile
- Naches Peak Loop3.4 miles off SR 410, with bright autumn color
- Tipsoo LakeEasy walk around a subalpine lake
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Discover Mount Rainier's wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Mount Rainier hours (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Mount Rainier road status (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Mount Rainier plants (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Paradise (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Sunrise and White River (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Mount Rainier wildflower status (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Mount Rainier FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Mount Rainier National Park in 2026?
The National Park Service says subalpine meadows start turning red, orange and yellow in September: Sep 1–30. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Mount Rainier National Park right now?
There's no official report yet this season.
How do I avoid the entrance lines?
Enter before 10 a.m. or after 2:30 p.m., the Park Service suggests.Source: National Park Service, Mount Rainier hours ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I drive up to Sunrise this fall?
Not as of September 18, 2026: the Sunrise road is closed to vehicles because of the Grand Park 2 and Wonderland Complex fires, until further notice (open to walkers and cyclists only). SR 410 over Chinook Pass, the road to Naches Peak Loop and Tipsoo Lake, is open.Source: National Park Service, Mount Rainier road status ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Mount Rainier National Park?
Paradise: huckleberry turns brilliant red; Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, 1 mile; Naches Peak Loop: 3.4 miles off SR 410, with bright autumn color; Tipsoo Lake: easy walk around a subalpine lake.
What is Mount Rainier National Park like through the year?
Wildflowers (Jul–Aug), Busiest months (Jul–Aug) and Tire chains required (Nov–May).