Where is Mount Rainier Paradise Area, Ashford, Washington?

Written by | Updated On: December 08, 2025, 13:55 ET

Mount Rainier Paradise Area is located in Washington State, USA.It lies between the Nisqually Glacier and the surrounding mountain meadows, situated in Mount Rainier National Park in the Cascade Range, and is famous for its wildflower meadows, glacier views, and hiking trails.

Mount Rainier Paradise Area Location Map, Ashford, Washington

Top Attractions Inside Mount Rainier Paradise Area

  • Paradise Visitor Center – Informative center with exhibits, maps, and ranger programs.
  • Nisqually Vista Trail – Easy loop trail with stunning views of Mount Rainier and wildflower meadows.
  • Skyline Trail – Popular hiking trail offering panoramic vistas, waterfalls, and glacier views.
  • Paradise Meadows – Expansive alpine meadows famous for colorful wildflowers in summer.
  • Reflection Lakes – Scenic lakes reflecting Mount Rainier’s peak, ideal for photography.
  • Grove of the Patriarchs – Trail through ancient giant trees accessible from Paradise Area roads.
  • Nisqually Glacier Viewpoint – Observation point for the Nisqually Glacier and surrounding valleys.

Mount Rainier Paradise Area Facts

Official NameMount Rainier National Park – Paradise Area
LocationMount Rainier National Park, Pierce County, Washington, USA
Latitude & Longitude46.7850° N, 121.7350° W (approx. Paradise Visitor Center)
Total Area (Park)237,600 acres (≈ 962 km²) for Mount Rainier National Park
EstablishedMarch 2, 1899 (Mount Rainier National Park)
Managed ByU.S. National Park Service (NPS)
Region / LandscapeCascade Range – subalpine meadows, glaciers, waterfalls, old-growth forests, volcanic terrain
Main Features (Paradise Area)Paradise Visitor Center, Nisqually Glacier viewpoints, subalpine meadows, Skyline Trail, Myrtle Falls, wildflower fields
ElevationApprox. 5,400 ft (1,646 m) at Paradise Visitor Center
Famous TrailsSkyline Trail, Nisqually Vista Trail, Paradise Loop, Bench and Myrtle Falls Trails
WildlifeBlack bears, elk, marmots, pikas, mountain goats, birds, amphibians
Visitor ActivitiesHiking, photography, snowshoeing (winter), ranger programs, scenic viewing, wildflower walks
Access / TransportationVehicle access via Nisqually Entrance; shuttle buses seasonal; parking available at Paradise Visitor Center
Nearby TownsAshford, Washington (~6 miles), Packwood (~20 miles)
Entry / FeesVehicle Pass Required: $30 per car for 7 days (Mount Rainier National Park)
Best Time to VisitJuly–September (wildflowers, snow-free trails, clear views)
Annual VisitorsApprox. 1.5 million to Paradise Area annually (part of 1.6–1.7 million in the park)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) — UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/paradise.htm
UNESCO / National StatusNational Historic Landmark District (Mount Rainier National Park, 1997)

Distances from Mount Rainier Paradise Area to Nearby Landmarks

  • Paradise Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Myrtle Falls – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Skyline Trailhead – 1 km (0.6 mi)
  • Mount Rainier Summit – 14 km (8.5 mi)
  • Reflection Lakes – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Comet Falls – 11 km (7 mi)
  • Grove of the Patriarchs – 24 km (15 mi)
  • Nisqually Entrance – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Longmire – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Emmons Glacier – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Tahoma Glacier – 10 km (6 mi)
  • Paradise Inn – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Sunrise Visitor Center – 40 km (25 mi)
  • Crystal Mountain – 32 km (20 mi)
  • Ohanapecosh Visitor Center – 38 km (24 mi)
  • Carbon River – 35 km (22 mi)
  • White River Campground – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Mount Rainier National Park Headquarters – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Mirror Lake – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Paradise Glacier Viewpoint – 5 km (3 mi)