A flexible, narrative-driven driving tour of Mount Rainier that guides you past waterfalls, old-growth forests, and high alpine viewpoints. Download the app, secure park entry or timed reservations, and explore at your own pace.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You pull off Highway 410, the engine idles, and old-growth firs press close to the windshield. Ahead, snowfields crown a conical volcano that has controlled this landscape for millennia. This self-guided audio drive threads 70+ miles of park road—stops at Reflection Lake, Narada and Comet Falls, Twin Firs Loop, Longmire, Paradise, Sunrise, and quiet viewpoints along the White and Nisqually rivers—delivering 85+ short stories and natural-history vignettes that play as you pass.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours (drive-only); add 1–6 hours for hikes
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required for the driving portion; short paved walks are easy—expect moderate exertion if you add falls or ridge hikes.
Wildlife
History
Park infrastructure owes much to early explorers like James Longmire and the Civilian Conservation Corps, whose trail-building and stonework shaped visitor access in the 1930s.
Conservation
Timed entries and limited parking reduce congestion and protect fragile alpine meadows; stay on trails and pack out all waste to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Ultimate Mount Rainier National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before arrival
Install the Action Tour Guide app and redeem the password while on Wi‑Fi or mobile data—once downloaded the tour works offline.
Timed-entry reservations
Reserve Paradise and Sunrise timed-entry slots on recreation.gov during high season to avoid being turned away.
Park pass and parking
Bring your park entrance pass and arrive early for popular pullouts; many lots fill by mid-morning in summer.
Stereo setup
Connect your phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth, AUX, or USB for the best audio; bring a charger or power bank.
Smartphone with Action app
Required to play the audio tour and access offline maps.
Park entrance pass / timed-entry reservation
Required for park access—timed entries may be mandatory for Paradise and Sunrise.
summer
Layered clothing and rain shell
Weather changes quickly at elevation; layers keep you comfortable during stop-and-go sightseeing.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Sturdy walking shoes
Useful for short trail detours to overlooks and waterfalls.