Explore All Mt. Rainier Has to Offer! Activities & Attractions Need some ideas to get started? Whether it’s your first visit to Mount Rainier or your 50th our itineraries can help you plan your best trip ever. Every season is rainier season No trip to Washington state is complete without a Mount Rainier experience. Stroll through a temperate inland rainforest this spring. Hike with the wildflowers and gaze upon powerful waterfalls this summer. Marvel at the fall colors each autumn. Discover epic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing each winter. And fall in love with the world-class vistas that re-define spectacular year-round. Lodging Near Mt. Rainier Stay in Ashford, Eatonville, Elbe, and Mineral for convenient access to Mount Rainier National Park’s Nisqually Entrance, offering proximity to Longmire, Paradise, waterfalls, and Reflection Lakes. Opt for Packwood to be near the Stevens Canyon Entrance and White Pass Resort, and choose Enumclaw, Crystal Mountain, and Greenwater for easy entry to the White River Entrance, granting access to Sunrise, Crystal Mountain, and Tipsoo Lake. Hiking to Louise Lake at Mount Rainier Visit Rainier Blog When late summer and early fall crowds head to Paradise, Louise Lake offers a less traveled alternative. Tucked into the southeastern... Bear Safety Recommendations Visit Rainier Blog Bear Safety: Give Bears Their Space Seeing a bear in the wild can be a memorable part of visiting the Mount Rainier region. You might... Stay up to date Subscribe to our newsletter The Visit Rainier newsletter delivers monthly updates featuring seasonal highlights, travel advice, exclusive deals, upcoming events, and more. Upcoming Events sat 26 sep All Day Free Entrance Day at Washington State Parks Free Entrance Day at Washington State Parks Thursday January 1, 2026 Kick off the new year with free entrance to Washington State Parks and Free Entrance Day at Washington State Parks Thursday January 1, 2026 Kick off the new year with free entrance to Washington State Parks and explore two scenic parks located in Mount Rainier gateway communities. On this designated free entrance day, visitors can enjoy full access to participating state parks without a Discover Pass. The 2026 Discover Pass free days are: Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day Jan. 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day March 9 — Billy Frank Jr.’s Birthday March 19 — State Parks’ Birthday April 22 — Earth Day June 6 — Free Fishing Weekend June 7 — Free Fishing Weekend June 19 — Juneteenth Aug. 9 — Smokey Bear’s Birthday Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day Oct. 10 — World Mental Health Day Nov. 11 — Veteran’s Day Explore Local State Parks Near Mount Rainier Nisqually State Park Located just outside Eatonville, Nisqually State Park offers wide open spaces, river access, and peaceful forested trails. The park is well suited for winter walks, birdwatching, and quiet reflection along the Nisqually River. This easy access and gentle terrain make it a great option for a relaxed start to the year. Federation Forest State Park Set along the White River near Greenwater, Federation Forest State Park features towering evergreens, moss covered trails, and river views that feel especially tranquil in winter. Short interpretive trails and picnic areas make this park ideal for stretching your legs, enjoying fresh air, and soaking in the forest atmosphere. A Perfect Winter Reset Free entrance day offers a simple way to reconnect with nature after the busy holiday season. Whether the goal is a short walk, a peaceful picnic, or a moment of quiet in the forest, these nearby state parks provide accessible outdoor experiences without the pressure of long drives or crowds. Make It a Gateway Getaway Pair a park visit with time in nearby gateway communities. Eatonville and Greenwater both offer convenient access to dining, scenic drives, and more. For those looking to slow down even more, extending the visit with an overnight stay nearby allows time to explore the area at an unhurried pace. Calendar GoogleCal sat 26 sep 11:00 AM 5:00 PM BBQ, Brews & Brats Annual BBQ, Brews & Brats in Enumclaw A weekend of barbecue, live music, craft beverages, and lawn mower racing at A weekend of barbecue, live music, craft beverages, and lawn mower racing at the Enumclaw Expo Center Bring your appetite and settle in for one of Enumclaw’s favorite fall traditions. The Annual BBQ, Brews & Brats brings together competitive barbecue, Pacific Northwest brewers, live music, family activities, and a new crowd favorite: lawn mower drag racing . Held at the Enumclaw Expo Center, this two-day event is a chance to taste award-winning barbecue, listen to live music, explore local vendors, and enjoy a relaxed weekend with views of Mount Peak in the distance. Whether you come for the food, the competition, or the one-of-a-kind entertainment, BBQ, Brews & Brats is the kind of event that makes an overnight stay in Enumclaw worthwhile. What to expect at BBQ, Brews & Brats The weekend starts the moment you arrive. Follow the smell of slow-smoked barbecue, hear live music from the stage, and watch pit masters compete for top honors in a judged barbecue competition. Throughout the event, guests can sample barbecue, enjoy craft beverages, cheer on lawn mower racers, browse vendor booths, and spend time with friends and family in a casual outdoor setting. Highlights include: Competitive barbecue featuring award-winning pit masters BBQ tastings and craft beer tasting tokens available for purchase onsite Craft beer, cider, and beverages from Pacific Northwest producers Live music throughout the weekend Lawn mower drag races with men’s, women’s, and youth divisions Family-friendly activities and kids zones Local vendors and shopping Views of Mount Peak A new twist: Lawn mower drag racing New this year, BBQ, Brews & Brats is adding lawn mower drag racing to the lineup. Watch racers take modified lawn mowers down the track in a fast-paced, family-friendly competition. Races include divisions for men, women, and youth, making this a fun addition for spectators of all ages. Whether you’ve seen lawn mower racing before or this is your first time, it’s sure to be one of the weekend’s most talked-about events. Why make it an overnight getaway? BBQ, Brews & Brats is better when you don’t have to rush. Stay nearby, enjoy the full event experience, and take time to explore Enumclaw beyond the Expo Center. Grab breakfast downtown, browse local shops, visit nearby attractions, or enjoy the scenery around the foothills of Mount Rainier. Lodging options include cozy cabins, vacation rentals, inns, and hotels within an easy drive of the event. Plan your weekend in Enumclaw Located at the gateway to Mount Rainier, Enumclaw makes it easy to turn an event weekend into a getaway. Spend the day enjoying barbecue and live music, then stay awhile and discover what makes this historic town worth exploring. Event details, ticket pricing, and entertainment schedules will be updated as information is finalized. Start planning your BBQ, Brews & Brats weekend now and make room for great food, live music, and a little lawn mower racing. Enumclaw Expo Center 45224 284th Ave SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022 Enumclaw Expo Center Calendar GoogleCal sat 26 sep 6:00 PM 8:30 PM Cider Train at Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Cider Train at Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Climb aboard a historic steam train for a summer evening ride through the foothills near Mount Rainier. Along the route, Cider Train at Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Climb aboard a historic steam train for a summer evening ride through the foothills near Mount Rainier. Along the route, enjoy forest scenery, river views, and moments of railroad history. At the same time, guests sample local Washington ciders from 3 cideries. Overall, this is a relaxed, adults only experience designed for an easy night out. • Route: Elbe to Mineral, Washington • Departure: 6:00 PM • Return: 8:30 PM • Ages: 21 and over Scheduled dates • May 9 • June 6 • August 29 • September 26 What this experience feels like First, expect a social and unhurried evening. You will ride in comfortable enclosed coaches with open seating. At the same time, guests are welcome to move freely throughout the train. For fresh mountain air, step into the open air car. Meanwhile, the concession car offers additional refreshments. As a result, the ride feels flexible and easygoing from start to finish. Cider tasting and the Mineral stop Your ticket includes cider tastings from 3 Washington cideries. In addition, the train stops in Mineral during the journey. During this stop, guests spend time at the railroad museum’s outdoor event space. Here, you can enjoy light bites and live music. Because of this, the experience feels more like an evening gathering than a simple train ride. What to expect on board

• Open seating in enclosed coaches • Ability to move between cars during the ride • Open air car for views and fresh air • Concession car with additional refreshments • Onboard restrooms Views along the way Throughout the journey, the train travels through classic foothills scenery. From time to time, you will catch glimpses of the surrounding landscape near Mount Rainier. Because of this setting, the Cider Tasting Train works well for visitors who want a Mount Rainier area experience. However, it does not require a full day commitment in the national park. Plan your night To start smoothly, arrive early for parking and check in. This allows plenty of time for boarding before the 6:00 PM departure. If you are visiting from out of town, consider staying overnight nearby. That way, the evening feels like a short getaway rather than a rushed outing. Reserve your Cider Tasting Train tickets and select your date. The train departs at 6:00 PM and returns at 8:30 PM. Staying overnight For a more comfortable visit, plan an overnight stay nearby. As a result, you can enjoy the evening fully and take your time the next day. Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad 54124 Mountain Hwy E, Elbe, WA 253-900-7245 info@mtrainierrailroad.com Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Calendar GoogleCal Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad fri 09 oct All Day sun 11 Gifford Pinchot Fungi Fest Gifford Pinchot Fungi Fest Friday October 9 through Sunday October 11, 2026 Gifford Pinchot Fungi Fest invites curious minds, outdoor enthusiasts, and mushroom lovers Gifford Pinchot Fungi Fest Friday October 9 through Sunday October 11, 2026 Gifford Pinchot Fungi Fest invites curious minds, outdoor enthusiasts, and mushroom lovers to gather for a fall weekend devoted to fungi, foraging, and forest culture. Hosted by Pinchot Partners, this immersive event celebrates mushrooms through art, education, food, and community, all set within the rich ecosystems of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Throughout the weekend, participants can explore the fascinating role fungi play in forest health while learning from knowledgeable presenters and artists. Whether attending for hands on foraging experiences, creative expression, or shared meals inspired by the season, the festival offers a welcoming space to connect with nature and with others who share an interest in the forest. Across three days, the festival blends learning and celebration. Educational sessions dive into mycology and ecology, while art focused programming highlights mushrooms as creative inspiration. Meanwhile, foraging experiences encourage deeper awareness of the landscape and its seasonal rhythms. Together, these elements create a thoughtful and engaging weekend rooted in curiosity and discovery. All proceeds from the event support Pinchot Partners and ongoing stewardship of the surrounding forestlands, making participation part of a larger effort to care for this special place. Make It a Fall Getaway Because events and activities unfold across the weekend, staying nearby makes the experience far more enjoyable. Packwood offers a range of cabins, lodges, and vacation rentals that provide a comfortable home base between sessions. In addition, fall in the Packwood area brings crisp air, colorful forests, and quiet evenings that pair naturally with a festival centered on the outdoors. Booking accommodations in advance helps turn Fungi Fest into a relaxed and immersive escape rather than a rushed visit. Event Gifford Pinchot Fungi Fest Event Gifford Pinchot Fungi Fest Dates October 9 through October 11, 2026 Dates October 9 through October 11, 2026 Hosted by Pinchot Partners Hosted by Pinchot Partners Additional details, schedules, and updates will be shared closer to the event date. Calendar GoogleCal sat 10 oct 10:00 AM 3:00 PM The Hungry Housewives 12th Annual Craft & Vendor Show The Hungry Housewives 12th Annual Craft & Vendor Show October 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Glacier Middle School, Buckley Get a head start on holiday shopping October 10, 2026 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Glacier Middle School, Buckley Get a head start on holiday shopping at The Hungry Housewives’ 12th Annual Craft & Vendor Show. Shop more than 145 booths featuring crafters, artists, authors, foodies and vendors. This year includes bigger booths, additional outdoor vendors and a bonus space to explore. Discover unique finds, try something new and support local businesses. Bring your friends and make a day of it in downtown Buckley. Admission is free. The first 40 shoppers over age 18 will receive a goodie bag, while supplies last. Kids can enjoy the activity wing while you shop. Don’t forget to stop by the photo wall and capture your visit. Make a Weekend of It Turn your shopping trip into a fall getaway. Explore downtown Buckley, enjoy a local meal and discover more of the Rainier Region. Stay overnight and make the most of your visit. Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026 Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Location: Glacier Middle School, downtown Buckley Admission: Free Parking: Carpooling is encouraged Check out places to stay as you plan your visit. Glacier Middle School Calendar GoogleCal sat 10 oct 3:00 PM 9:00 PM Witches Night Out A spirited fall night of costumes, shopping, and prizes in downtown Enumclaw Witches Night Out 2026 A Costumed Night on the Town in Enumclaw Saturday, October 10, 2026 Witches Night Out 2026 A Costumed Night on the Town in Enumclaw Saturday, October 10, 2026 Pull out your pointiest hat and your most creative costume. Witches Night Out returns to historic downtown Enumclaw for an evening of shopping, food and drink specials, prize drawings, and costume contests. Ticket holders enjoy exclusive access to participating businesses as the night unfolds stop by stop across downtown. This is a lively, walkable crawl designed for friends who want to dress up, explore local shops, and make a full night of it. Many attendees choose to stay overnight and enjoy Enumclaw at a slower pace the next morning. What Your Ticket Includes Ticket holders receive access to a coordinated downtown crawl featuring • Shopping, food, and drink specials at participating businesses • Scheduled prize drawings throughout the evening • Costume contests at the final stop • Event wristband, crawl schedule, map, and specials list at check in Prizes and contests are available only to guests wearing an official event wristband and who are present during drawings. Costume Contests Costume contests take place at the final stop around 9:00 PM. Award categories include • Best Costume • Best Hat • Best Broom or Staff You must be present and wearing your event wristband to participate. Event Schedule and Check In Check in and will call: 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM First prize drawing: 5:45 PM Check in is required for all attendees. Everyone in your party must be present to sign the event waiver. Please bring a photo ID for the person who purchased the tickets. This helps staff locate will call orders quickly in a busy check in environment. Tickets and Purchasing Details Tickets are available only through the official event website nwmagicalevents.com Important ticket notes • Tickets are non-refundable • Ticket prices increase as the event date approaches • Online ticket sales close at 6:00 PM on Friday before the event • Day of event tickets may be available at check in from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM for a higher price When purchasing tickets online, choose porch pickup to avoid shipping costs. Your name will automatically be added to the will call list. Community Giving Food donations for the local food bank will be collected at check in. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation to support the community. Make It a Weekend Enumclaw offers cozy inns, vacation rentals, and easy access to fall scenery in the Mount Rainier region. Staying overnight lets you enjoy the event without rushing and gives you time to explore local shops, cafés, and scenic drives the next day. Browse nearby lodging and plan a relaxed autumn getaway around Witches Night Out. 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