Park Comparison
Mount Rainier vs Redwood National and State Parks
Two iconic parks, different strengths. Here's how they stack up.
Updated
The Quick Take
Mount Rainier
An active volcano cloaked in more glaciers than any Lower 48 peak, Mount Rainier spawns five major rivers from ice beginning at 14,410 feet.
Redwood National and State Parks
The world's tallest trees stand in groves you can walk through on level trails, three hours north of San Francisco with a third the crowds.
At a Glance
The Crowd Picture
Redwood National and State Parks sees less than half the visitors Mount Rainier gets, which translates to a noticeably different crowd experience on trails and at viewpoints.
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier welcomes 1.6M visitors annually across 368.3 square miles — about 4,399 visitors per square mile. Congestion is high, peaking in July.
Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks welcomes 623K visitors annually across 206.2 square miles — about 3,021 visitors per square mile. Congestion is moderate, peaking in July.
Redwood National and State Parks edges out Mount Rainier on elbow room, though both can get busy in peak season.
When to Go
Click any month to see how conditions compare side-by-side.
Trails & Activities
Mount Rainier National Park has more trail mileage for exploration.
Mount Rainier Top Activities
- photography 10/10
- hiking 9/10
- rock climbing 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- backpacking 8/10
Redwood National and State Parks Top Activities
- photography 10/10
- hiking 9/10
- scenic driving 9/10
- wildlife viewing 9/10
- bird watching 8/10
Camping
Mount Rainier National Park offers significantly more camping options.
The Bottom Line
Choose Mount Rainier if you...
- Want to experience Mount Rainier Summit
- Are looking for world-class rock climbing
- Are an adventure seeker looking for thrills
- Want more trail options (240 miles vs 125)
Choose Redwood National and State Parks if you...
- Want to experience Coast Redwoods (Tallest Trees on Earth)
- Are looking for great horseback riding
- Are traveling on a budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Mount Rainier or Redwood National and State Parks?
It depends on what you're looking for. Mount Rainier is known for Mount Rainier Summit, while Redwood National and State Parks is known for Coast Redwoods (Tallest Trees on Earth). Redwood National and State Parks is less crowded, making it the better pick if solitude matters to you.
Is Mount Rainier or Redwood National and State Parks more crowded?
Mount Rainier has a congestion index of 5.2/10 and receives 1.6M visitors per year. Redwood National and State Parks scores 3.2/10 with 623K annual visitors. Redwood National and State Parks is the quieter option.
When is the best time to visit Mount Rainier vs Redwood National and State Parks?
The best month to visit Mount Rainier is June, while Redwood National and State Parks is best visited in August. The different peak seasons mean you could visit one in spring and the other in fall.
Which has better hiking, Mount Rainier or Redwood National and State Parks?
Mount Rainier has 240 trail miles and Redwood National and State Parks has 125. Mount Rainier offers significantly more trail variety.