Mount Rainier has one of the state’s most scenic sledding areas & it opens soon

Mount Rainier is undeniably Washington’s most iconic natural landmark and a year round outdoor lovers play ground. While spring and summer might be prime time for hiking, fall and winter are all about snow play. Of course, that includes sledding – a classic pastime at the mountain.

So where do you go? The Mount Rainier snowplay area is located north of the upper parking lot at Paradise.

Currently the snowily is closed, however, historically it opens in late December when weather conditions permit and usually closes late March, depending on seasonal conditions.

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This Washington Park has 697 acres of forest with groomed snowshoe & snow mobile trails

It is important to note that Paradise is the only place in the park that allows sledding. When it comes to what to ride on you’ll have to use “soft” gear like flexible sleds, inner tubes, and saucers. No hard toboggans or runner sleds are allowed.

If you need to rent a sled, it can be done outside the park at Whittaker’s Mountaineering in Ashford. Otherwise, plastic sleds are for sale at the Longmire General Store and at the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.

If you have questions about sledding, the park asks that you call the Mount Rainier National Park general information line at (360) 569-6575 or use the email form to submit a question to the park.

Paradise Snowplay Area

Where: Mount Rainier National Park
Hours: Opening late December (weather permitting)