Bicycling at Mount Rainier National Park

Carbon River Trail is a former road closed to vehicles but open for bicycling.

NPS/L. Coldiron Photo

At Mount Rainier, bicycling is both challenging and scenic. Bicycles are allowed on park roads but they are not permitted on any hiking trails and the park does not have any designated bike trails. Be aware that the park may temporarily close any road to bicycle use. Signs will mark closed roads and bicyclists can check current road status when planning a trip. Availability of bicycling equipment in or near the park is very limited and bicyclists should be prepared to make repairs on their own. Most of the park does NOT have cell coverage. For your safety, wear a helmet.

Park roads are steep, narrow, winding and have unpaved shoulders. There are several significant elevation gains and losses. Bicyclists are advised to maintain safe speeds on downhill sections. While in the park, bicyclists are required to ride single file. Bicyclists may ride two abreast only on Westside Road and Carbon River Trail (former road), where vehicles are not allowed. However, please be aware of hikers also using those routes and yield to hikers.

Please review additional bicycling safety guidelines and regulations for Mount Rainier National Park.

Riding the Roads

Nisqually Entrance - Paradise
From the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park, it is 19 miles one-way with an elevation gain of 3,400 feet to Paradise. Note that this road can have heavy summer traffic, including RVs. Bicyclists must ride single file.

NE Entrance - Sunrise
From the northeast park boundary on SR410, it is 20 miles with an elevation gain of 3,650 feet to Sunrise. Note that this road can have heavy summer traffic, including RVs. Bicyclists must ride single file.

Carbon River Trail (former road)** 
The Carbon River Trail, in the northwest corner of the park, is approximately five miles long with an elevation gain of approximately 860 feet. Ride through a temperate rain forest alongside the Carbon River to Ipsut Creek Campground. The former road is not paved, but is mostly gravel with some rougher patches where the road has been washed out by the river. Due to the damaging November 2006 flood, bicyclists share the route with hikers, but the road is closed to motor vehicle traffic. The road is subject to flooding so it could close at any time. Check current road conditions when planning your trip. **Only E-bikes possessing a motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p) on which the motor only assists with pedal propulsion are permitted.

Mowich Lake Road
The Mowich Lake Road is also in the northwest corner of the park at the end of Highway 165. Starting from the Paul Peak trailhead near the park border, this five-mile dirt road leads to a beautiful subalpine lake with an elevation gain of approximately 1,400 feet. Please note that this dirt road often has rough conditions with large potholes and is popular with 4-wheel drive vehicles.

Westside Road**
The Westside Road is one mile from the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park. The first three miles of the road are open to motor vehicles as well as bicycles. There is a small parking area at Dry Creek at the end of this three-mile section and many mountain bikers choose to leave their cars at this point. From Dry Creek, the road climbs to Round Pass, descends into the South Puyallup River Valley, then climbs to Klapatche Point, where the road terminates. From Dry Creek to Klapatche Pass, the road is 9.25 miles long with an elevation change of approximately 2,100 feet. Please note that due to danger from rock fall, vehicles must park south of the barricade at Dry Creek. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the hazard zone. **Only E-bikes possessing a motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p) on which the motor only assists with pedal propulsion are permitted.

Details

Duration

4-8 Hours

Bicycling most roads can take several hours or the majority of the day depending on route. 

Activity

Biking

Age(s)

Suitable for all ages.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are allowed on roads open for vehicles, but are not allowed on Westside Road or Carbon River Trail. 

Activity Fee

Yes

Park entrance fee required. 

Location

Park-wide Roads

Reservations

No

Season

Summer

Many park roads close for the winter. Closed roads may be open to non-motorized vehicles like bicycles. Always check signs on closed road gates before proceeding.

During snow plowing operations or when otherwise posted, park roads are closed to all use, including hiking, skiing, snowmobiles, and bicycling.

Time of Day

Day

Use caution bicycling at dawn or dusk when visibility is limited. Use lights and reflectors in low-light conditions, especially when riding through the forests at lower elevations. Use a white light or reflector that is visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front. Use a red light or reflector that is visible from at least 200 feet to the rear. In addition to low light conditions, bicyclists will frequently be riding in mixed sun and shade. Using lights and reflectors in these conditions will help bicyclists be more visible.

Accessibility Information

Most park roads are paved, but are narrow, steep, and winding with no shoulders. Many of the roads have significant elevation gains. Westside Road, Carbon River Trail (former road), and Mowich Lake Road are gravel, sometimes broken by rockier sections with washouts or large potholes.