When does Mount Rainier, Paradise peak?

In a typical year, color peaks around September 15–October 5. The weather model's elevation extrapolation isn't reliable on this terrain, so this is a climatological window (source: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm) rather than a season-specific forecast.

How do I get to Mount Rainier, Paradise?

The closest city is Seattle, about 63 mi away. It's part of Washington's fall lineup.

Mount Rainier, Paradise

National park · Washington

Paradise at 5,400 feet doesn't do tree color. It does tundra: huckleberry and mountain-ash meadows turn scarlet against Rainier's glaciers from mid-September to early October, some of the earliest fall color in the Lower 48.

Best for: early-season alpine color

Don’t miss

Skyline Trail meadows
Reflection Lakes

Typical year

Peak: September 15–October 5

Climatological window from published records — the weather model’s elevation extrapolation isn’t reliable on this terrain, so this is the long-run normal rather than a season-specific forecast.

Source: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

Mount Rainier, Paradise on the map

More things to do in Washington

Washington Park Arboretum

Arboretum

Peak October 13 2026 forecast

The 230-acre arboretum on Lake Washington runs vivid from mid-October into November, with Japanese maples along Azalea Way, the Pacific Connections gardens, and canoe-level color from the Foster Island waterside trail.

Don’t miss: Azalea Way · Japanese Garden maples · Foster Island trail

Kubota Garden

Garden

Peak October 10 2026 forecast

Fujitaro Kubota's 20-acre Japanese garden in Rainier Beach layers maples over ponds, bridges, and stonework. It's Seattle's most concentrated fall-color spot, usually peaking late October into mid-November, free, and quieter than it deserves.

Don’t miss: Heart Bridge · Mountainside maples

Green Lake Park

City park

Peak October 13 2026 forecast

The city's favorite 2.8-mile loop rings Green Lake with sweetgums, maples, and cottonwoods that color through late October. It's an easy golden-hour walk, with the water doubling every tree on a still evening.

Don’t miss: The 2.8-mile loop

Franklin Falls

Trail

Typically October 1–October 20

An easy two-mile round trip off Snoqualmie Pass through old-growth hemlock and cedar to a 70-foot waterfall, with vine maple burning red and gold through the understory in early-to-mid October.

Don’t miss: Vine maple understory · The falls amphitheater

See all things to do in Washington →

Plan from a city

Seattle · 63 mi · day trip

Frequently asked

When does Mount Rainier, Paradise peak?: In a typical year, color peaks around September 15–October 5. The weather model's elevation extrapolation isn't reliable on this terrain, so this is a climatological window (source: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm) rather than a season-specific forecast.
What is Mount Rainier, Paradise best for?: Early-season alpine color.
How do I get to Mount Rainier, Paradise?: The closest city is Seattle, about 63 mi away. It's part of Washington's fall lineup.

See it on the map

Own or manage Mount Rainier, Paradise? Update your listing or get in touch.