Bicycling

Bikes are allowed on park roads in Mt. Rainier National Park, but they are not permitted on hiking trails, and the park does not have any designated bike trails.

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Bicycling Details

Bikes are allowed on park roads within Mt. Rainier National Park, but they are not permitted on hiking trails, and the park does not have any designated bike trails. The best months for cyclists to visit are September and early October, when the weather is still nice and there are fewer cars on the roads. Keep in mind, however, that many facilities are closed or offer reduced service after Labor Day, and cyclists should check [here](http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/road-status.htm) for current road status before planning a trip. Most park roads are steep, narrow and winding, with significant elevation gains and losses. It's 19 miles one-way to Paradise from the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park, for example, with a 3,400 foot gain in elevation. From the northeast park boundary on Route 410, it's 20 miles to Sunrise with an elevation gain of 3,650 feet. One popular bike route, the Carbon River Road, is in the northwest corner of the park. It's approximately five miles long and winds through a rainforest alongside the Carbon River to Ipsut Creek Campground. The road is mostly gravel, and is open only to pedestrians and cyclists. The Mowich Lake Road is also in the northwest corner of the park at the end of Route 165. This 5-mile dirt road, popular with 4WD vehicles, leads to a subalpine lake and often has rough conditions with large potholes. Just beyond the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest corner of the park is the Westside Road. The first three miles are open to motor vehicles as well as bicycles; there's a small parking area here where many mountain bikers leave their cars. Beyond the first three miles, it's a challenging 9-1/4 mile stretch to Klapatche Point. Mountain bikers can also explore the road behind the volunteer campground in Longmire, which connects with Forest Service Road 52 (also called Skate Creek or Kernahan Road). Serious cyclists may want to check out [RAMROD](http://www.redmondcyclingclub.org/) (Ride Around Mount Rainier in One Day), which takes place each July. The Redmond Cycling Club sponsors the event, in which 750 cyclists traverse a 154-mile course with 10,000 feet of total elevation gain.

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