Olympic National Park vs Mount Rainier National Park
Washington's two flagship parks showcase different aspects of Pacific Northwest wilderness. Olympic offers incredible diversity from rainforest to coast, while Mount Rainier focuses on a single spectacular volcanic peak with world-famous wildflower meadows.
Washington
1938
922,649 acres
3.3 million
$30/vehicle
0 - 7,980 ft
Moderate to High
Washington
1899
236,381 acres
2.3 million
$30/vehicle
1,700 - 14,411 ft
High (Paradise area)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Olympic National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Best Time to Visit | July-September, Winter for rainforest | July-September for wildflowers, Winter for snowshoeing |
| Top Highlights | Hoh Rain Forest, Hurricane Ridge, Ruby Beach | Paradise wildflower meadows, Sunrise area, Mount Rainier summit |
| Main Activities | Hiking, Tide pooling, Rainforest walks | Hiking, Mountaineering, Wildflower viewing |
| Crowd Level | Moderate to High | High (Paradise area) |
| Entry Fee | $30/vehicle | $30/vehicle |
| Nearest Airport | Seattle (SEA) - 80 miles | Seattle (SEA) - 65 miles |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- + Three ecosystems (coast, rainforest, alpine)
- + Wild Pacific beaches
- + Less crowded than Rainier
- + Sol Duc Hot Springs
Cons
- - Very spread out
- - Lots of driving required
- - Rainy much of year
- - No road across middle
Pros
- + Iconic volcanic peak
- + Best wildflower meadows in US
- + Excellent day hikes
- + Year-round access
Cons
- - Weather unpredictable
- - Paradise very crowded
- - Mountain often clouded
- - Climbing requires experience
Best For
Olympic National Park is Best For:
Mount Rainier National Park is Best For:
Olympic wins for diversity and unique experiences like temperate rainforests. Mount Rainier wins for focused mountain majesty and the best subalpine wildflower displays in America.
Choose Olympic National Park if...
Choose Olympic if you want to experience multiple ecosystems in one park, walk through temperate rainforest, or explore wild Pacific beaches.
Choose Mount Rainier National Park if...
Choose Mount Rainier if you want to experience an iconic volcanic peak, see legendary wildflower meadows (July-August), or are interested in mountaineering.
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