Paradise at Mount Rainier

Paradise is famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. When James Longmire's daughter-in-law, Martha, first saw this site, she exclaimed, "Oh, what a paradise!" The park's main visitor center, the new Paradise Jackson Visitor Center, is located in the upper parking area. Paradise is also the prime winter-use area in the park, receiving on average 641 inches (53.4 feet/16.3 meters) of snow a year. Winter activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and tubing. The road between Longmire and Paradise is plowed throughout the winter.  Alta Vista hiking trail via the Alta Vista and Skyline Trails is 1.75 miles round-trip. 600' elevation gain. Average hiking time: 1 ¼ hours. Begin at the trailhead located at the entrance to the lower parking lot, or at the trailhead on the north side of the upper parking lot, next to the visitor center. Paradise is located 19 miles (30 km) east of the Nisqually Entrance and 12 miles (19 km) east of Longmire. The new Paradise Jackson Visitor Center offers general information, exhibits, the new park film, guided ranger programs, book/gift store and cafeteria. This visitor center is usually open daily from May to early October. From mid-October through April, it is usually open only on weekends and holidays.The historic Paradise Inn, a concessioner-operated hotel, offers lodging, a dining room and a gift shop. The Paradise Inn is usually open from mid-May to early-October and is closed in the winter. The Guide House houses the Paradise Climbing Information Center, where visitors can obtain climbing permits and hiking and backcountry camping information. The historic Paradise Ranger Station, is also located at Paradise. Information services formerly available at the Paradise Ranger Station are now available at the Guide House. If you plan to visit Paradise, remember that Paradise is located at an elevation of 5,400 feet and trails have at least some steeper sections. Please stay on the trails; the meadows are very fragile and heavily visited. Paradise Meadows Trails Take any of these trails for excellent views of Mount Rainier, subalpine meadows, and wildlife: Nisqually Vista Trail- Views of the Nisqually Glacier. Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls - Wheelchair accessible with assistance. Deadhorse Creek Trail & Morraine Trail- Glacier views. Alta Vista Trail- Wildflower viewing.