The Heart of PNW Mountaineering
Visit BaseCamp
At the base of Mount Rainier, BaseCamp isn’t just a place to gear up — it’s where stories begin. Founded by the Whittaker family, BaseCamp has been home to world-class mountaineers, climbers, and adventurers for over 50 years. Today, it’s where RMI Expeditions launches summit climbs, Whittaker Mountaineering outfits thousands of climbers a year, and locals gather at the BaseCamp Bar & Grill to swap stories over burgers and beer. Whether you’re preparing for the climb of your life or just passing through Ashford, BaseCamp connects you to a legacy of mountain adventure.
Explore BaseCamp
In addition to these businesses, Rainier BaseCamp offers handicap-accessible bathrooms, a rock and ice-climbing wall, picnic areas, and several beautiful trails going up the hill behind us.
The Store
Our 3,000-square-foot shop is the real-life version of this website: every item curated, tested, and trusted. Staffed by climbers who’ve stood on Rainier’s summit hundreds of times, this is where you’ll get more than gear — you’ll get advice forged in alpine weather and crampon tracks.
RMI Expeditions
From Lou Whittaker’s pioneering climbs to today’s guide teams leading expeditions across the globe, RMI Expeditions has made its home here at BaseCamp. Every Rainier summit attempt begins and ends in this building — a place filled with history, grit, and the hum of climbers chasing big dreams.
Rainier BaseCamp Bar & Grill
Part après-climb hangout, part local watering hole, the BaseCamp Bar & Grill is where the climbing community comes together. Kick off your boots, grab a beer, and listen as guides and climbers share stories fresh from the upper mountain. You may even catch a Whittaker or two at the next table.
Whittaker's Bunkhouse
Simple, cozy, and right next door, Whittaker’s Bunkhouse offers the perfect base for exploring Rainier. From hearty breakfasts to late-night ice cream, it’s a place that feels less like a lodge and more like staying in the middle of a mountain town built by climbers, for climbers.
Mount Rainier FAQ
Got questions about visiting Mount Rainier? Our Rainier FAQ covers the essentials: entry fees, road access, tire chain requirements, cell service, parking, and more. It’s your quick reference to navigating the park without surprises.
Do I need tire chains in the park?
Mount Rainier National Park has specific requirements regarding tire chains for all vehicles during the winter season. Here’s a concise summary of these requirements:
Tire Chain Requirement:
- When: From November 1 to May 1 annually.
- Who: All vehicles entering the park, including those with four-wheel and all-wheel drive.
- Conditions: Mandatory regardless of weather conditions or vehicle type.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why Chains?: The unpredictable weather and potential for sudden storms make it essential for all vehicles to be prepared with tire chains to ensure safety and keep roads open.
- Exceptions: None. Even if the vehicle manual advises against chains, alternatives like cable chains are recommended for vehicles with limited tire clearance.
- Rental Cars: Chains are required on rental vehicles. Some stores may accept returns of unused chains.
- Four-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive: These vehicles still require chains. While these vehicles offer better traction, chains are necessary for the most extreme conditions.
- Legal Differences: Unlike general Washington State law, Mount Rainier has more stringent requirements due to its higher elevation and the nature of its roads.
- Alternatives to Chains: Cable chains and Autosocks are permitted alternatives for passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds. Autosocks are recognized when "Chains Required" signs are posted.
- Purchasing Chains: Chains can be bought or rented here at Whittaker Mountaineering.
This requirement ensures that all drivers are equipped to handle rapid changes in weather, contributing to safer travel through the park during winter months.
Is there cell phone coverage in the park?
Mount Rainier National Park visitors should be aware of the varying cell phone service availability and locations of free WiFi hotspots in the surrounding areas, along with specific details about connectivity in the Paradise area. Here’s an updated guide:
Cell Phone Coverage by Carrier:
- AT&T: Coverage available in Crystal Mountain, Eatonville, Enumclaw, Morton, Packwood, and Paradise. Limited coverage in Ashford, Greenwater, Longmire, and Sunrise.
- Sprint: Good coverage in Eatonville, Enumclaw, Morton, and Paradise. Limited elsewhere.
- T-Mobile: Consistent service in Eatonville, Enumclaw, Morton, and Paradise, including limited but dedicated service in the Paradise area of the park.
- US Cellular: Available in Eatonville, Morton, and Paradise with limited service in all other locations.
- Verizon: Broad coverage in Crystal Mountain, Eatonville, Enumclaw, Morton, Packwood, and Paradise, including specific service in Paradise at Mount Rainier.
Specific Service in Paradise:
- Location: Service is provided from equipment located in the attic of the Jackson Memorial Visitor Center.
- Features: The setup ensures that there are no cell towers or other visible equipment constructed, preserving the natural aesthetics of the park.
- Availability: Provides year-round cellular service, both voice and data, for employees and visitors within a limited range of the visitor center.
Free WiFi Hotspots:
- Ashford:Copper Creek InnRainier Basecamp
- Crystal Mountain:Crystal Mountain Day Lodge
- Enumclaw:Kelly’s MercantileRainier Bar and GrillThe MintStarbucksEnumclaw Library
- Greenwater:Wapiti Woolies
This comprehensive connectivity guide ensures that visitors can plan their communication needs effectively when visiting Mount Rainier and its surrounding areas, providing options for both cellular and WiFi connectivity.
Where can I camp in the park?
Campgrounds:
- Cougar Rock Campground:
Season: Late May - Early October.
Reservations: Via Recreation.gov.
Note: Campground reservations substitute for timed entry after 1:00 pm on the day of reservation. - White River Campground:
Season: Late June - September.
First-come, first-served.
Note: A first-come, first-served camping permit is an alternative to a timed entry reservation. - Ohanapecosh Campground:
Season: June - Early October.
Reservations: Via Recreation.gov.
Note: Located outside the timed entry corridors; reservations here do not substitute for timed entry to Paradise or Sunrise Corridors.
Camping Fees:
- Individual Site Fee: $20 at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh; no fee at Mowich Lake (13 primitive tent pads).
- Group Site Fee: $60 at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh; none at White River and Mowich Lake.
General Information:
- Fire Regulation: Only within provided grating; purchase local firewood to prevent spread of invasive species.
- Pet Policy: Must be restrained; not allowed on trails or in buildings.
- Quiet Hours: 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.; generator use restricted to specific hours.
Facilities and Services:
- Water: Available at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh; no potable water at Mowich Lake.
- Toilets: Flush toilets at Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, and White River; vault toilet at Mowich Lake.
- Sanitation: No RV hookups; RV dump station at Cougar Rock closed for the season.
Additional Notes:
- Camping Limits: 14 consecutive days allowed in any developed campground.
- Vehicle Regulations: Park within designated areas only.
- Laundry and Showers: Available in nearby towns; no facilities in the park.
Learn more here: Camping in Rainier National Park
Wilderness & Backcountry Camping in the Park
Backcountry camping at Mount Rainier National Park requires a wilderness permit for all overnight stays, available year-round. Here's a concise overview:
Permit Requirements:
- Day Hiking: No permit required.
- Overnight Camping: A wilderness permit is mandatory.
- How to Obtain: Permits can be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov or obtained in person at park Wilderness Information Centers.
- Winter Season: Permits are available through self-registration outside of Wilderness Information Centers or at the SR410 entrance arch when the road is closed. Winter camping is allowed until May 15.
Additional Permit Information:
- Climbing: A climbing permit is required for elevations above 10,000 feet or on glaciers.
- Availability: Walk-up permits are available year-round. For the peak season (June-September), advanced reservations can be made online.
- Lottery System: Details on reservations, including an early access lottery, are provided on the wilderness permit webpage.
Group Size Regulations:
- Summer:
Individual Sites: Maximum of 5 people.
Group Sites: 6 to 12 people, permitted at 25 designated camps and on snow in alpine zones. - Winter:
All areas: Up to 12 people.
Larger groups (over 12) can reserve winter camping at Paradise.
Local Resources
Beyond the trails, there’s a thriving local community ready to welcome you. Our Local Resources section highlights where to eat, gear up, and stay connected while exploring Ashford and the surrounding Rainier Gateway region. From restaurants and lodging to visitor centers and events, this is your insider’s guide to the base of the mountain.
Inside Mount Rainier National Park:
- Paradise Inn – Historic lodge in the heart of Paradise, open seasonally (mid-May through early October), with rustic charm and unbeatable access to trails.
- National Park Inn (Longmire) – Open year-round in the Longmire Historic District, with cozy rooms, a full-service dining room, and park history all around you.
Just Outside the Nisqually Entrance (Ashford):
- Whittaker’s Bunkhouse – Our own alpine-style lodge right in Ashford. From cozy private rooms to budget-friendly bunks, it’s the perfect basecamp for climbers and adventurers. You’ll also find great coffee, hearty breakfasts, and a welcoming mountain atmosphere.
- Copper Creek Inn – A classic Rainier stay with upscale woodland cabins, suites, and an on-site restaurant famous for blackberry pie.
- Mountain Meadows Inn – A peaceful B&B offering comfortable rooms and a serene setting near the entrance.
- Paradise Village Lodge & Restaurant – Ukrainian-inspired lodge and café serving hearty food alongside boutique cabin stays.
- Stormking Cabins – Romantic, hand-built log cabins with fireplaces and hot tubs, tucked into the woods for a more private retreat.
Climbing and exploring build an appetite, and Ashford has plenty of options to fuel your adventure. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal after a summit push or a quick stop on your way into the park, here are some local favorites:
- BaseCamp Bar & Grill
The heart of our campus. Burgers, pizza, beer, and plenty of climber stories on the deck. A true après-climb hangout. - Copper Creek Restaurant
A Rainier tradition since 1946, famous for blackberry pie and hearty Northwest meals. Located just 2 miles from the park entrance. - Paradise Village Restaurant
Known for wood-fired pizza and hearty Ukrainian comfort food. A great family-friendly stop right on the highway in Ashford. - Wildberry Restaurant
Cozy spot serving Himalayan specialties alongside American classics, run by a Sherpa family with ties to Everest climbs. - Whittaker’s Bunkhouse Café
Fresh espresso, breakfast sandwiches, and trail snacks to start your day right. The go-to coffee stop for guides and climbers heading to Rainier.
For those looking to camp near Mount Rainier National Park, there are several options both for paid and dispersed camping.
Paid Camping
- Wilderness Path Campground: Located in Ashford, WA, this campground offers five sites suitable for RVs and tents. It features a historical railroad theme with various amenities such as toilets and campfires. Rates start at $42/night.
- Rainier Hideaway: Also in Ashford, this site is a mile from the park entrance and has seven sites for RVs and tents. It's close to restaurants and a grocery store, with amenities like potable water and campfires. Rates start at $45/night.
- Rainier's Roadside RV: This campground offers two RV sites in Ashford, very close to the Nisqually entrance of the park. It includes a pavilion and central fire pit area. Rates start at $35/night.
- The Village at Rainier: Provides a glamping experience in Ashford with private cabins and RV pads that include utilities like water and electric. Amenities also include showers. Rates start at $99/night.
- The Hideout: Features three sites for lodging and RVs in Ashford, offering basic amenities and a communal fire pit area. Rates start at $45/night.
See more info on TheDyrt.com
Dispersed Camping
- Mt Rainier National Forest Road: This free campsite is available in Ashford, Washington, and is suitable for RV parking and tent camping. It includes pet-friendly areas and activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. Note that it is closed during winter.
- Sahara Creek Horse Camp: Located on 262nd Avenue East in Ashford, this camp requires a pass or permit. It offers restrooms and horse trails, catering specifically to equestrian campers.
For more free or dispersed camping, check out FreeCamping.net
These options provide a range of amenities and experiences for campers visiting the Mount Rainier area, whether you prefer a structured campground with full services or a more rustic, dispersed camping experience.
In the Ashford and Packwood areas near Mount Rainier National Park, finding trails where dogs are allowed can be a bit challenging, as Mount Rainier National Park itself does not permit dogs on most trails due to the protection of wildlife and the park's ecosystem. However, there are several trails in the surrounding national forests where dogs are allowed. Here’s a list of dog-friendly trails in those areas:
- Packwood Lake Trail - Located near Packwood, this trail is popular for both hiking and horseback riding. It offers beautiful views of Packwood Lake and is a relatively easy hike, making it great for dogs. Learn More.
- Goat Rocks Wilderness Trails - Just outside Packwood, the Goat Rocks Wilderness has several trails that are dog-friendly. This area provides stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and vibrant wildflower displays in the summer. Learn More.
- High Rock Lookout Trail - Near Ashford, this trail leads to a fire lookout with panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding area. The trail is steep but offers a rewarding viewpoint, accessible to dogs on a leash. Learn More.
- Osborne Mountain Trail - Located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this 10.7 mile hike has an elevation gain of 3,474 feet. Dogs are allowed on leash. It's a good idea to check specific trail regulations as they can vary. Learn More.
- Silver Creek Trail - Located near Ashford, this trail runs along Silver Creek and is known for its easy terrain and scenic forest views, making it perfect for a relaxed hike with a dog. Learn More.
Before heading out on any trail, it's always a good idea to check the current trail conditions and any specific regulations related to dogs, such as leash requirements. Additionally, always ensure you bring enough water for both you and your dog and pack out all waste to keep the trails clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Planning a trip to the Paradise side of Mount Rainier means dealing with changing weather, road access, and a lot of options for where to go. Here are some trusted resources to make your prep easier:
- NPS Paradise Conditions Report – Official daily updates on road openings, snow conditions, avalanche danger, and facility hours direct from the National Park Service.
- Visit Rainier – The go-to visitor guide for the region, with suggested itineraries, lodging options, and trip planning advice.
- Mount Rainier Business Association – A local resource hub with weather updates, driving tips, and regional services for visitors.
- Washington Trails Association (WTA) – Current trail reports written by other hikers, covering everything from Paradise meadows to lesser-known local hikes.
- National Weather Service – Paradise Forecast – Zone-specific weather outlooks that are far more accurate than generic apps for this high-altitude area.
- Travel Tacoma – Mt. Rainier Tourism Alliance – Regional information on attractions, events, and dining that can complement your time at Rainier.
Need Some Inspiration?
Things to Do in Ashford
