10/17/2026
Mount Rainier in October? 🍂 Here’s what we’d know before heading out.
Fall is a wonderful time to explore the mountain, with colorful forests, waterfalls, cooler temperatures, and the possibility of fresh snow up high.
A few tips for planning your visit:
📍 Start at the Nisqually Entrance. Near Ashford, this route takes you through Longmire and toward Paradise, weather permitting.
🥾 Take a walk at Longmire. The 0.7-mile Trail of the Shadows loop is a great place to enjoy the forest at a slower pace.
💦 Make time for the waterfalls. Christine Falls and Narada Falls are two beautiful stops along the road toward Paradise.
🏔️ Prepare for changing conditions. October can bring rain, freezing temperatures, and snow at higher elevations. Pack warm layers, waterproof shoes, and offline maps.
🚐 Plan your overnight stay. Mount Rainier’s park campgrounds have closed for the 2026 season, so arrange RV camping outside the park. Overnight sleeping in park parking lots isn’t permitted.
One more thing: Sunrise Road is closed to vehicles, and access to Paradise can change with the weather. Always check the National Park Service’s current road conditions before departing.
Thinking about a Pacific Northwest road trip? Blacksford makes it easy to start from Seattle with a fully equipped RV, airport pickup, unlimited mileage, and support along the way.
Save this guide for your next adventure, and explore our Seattle rentals at the link in bio.