Campground Details - COUGAR ROCK GROUP CAMPGROUND, WA - ReserveAmerica

Overview

Cougar Rock Group Campground, on the southwest side of Mt. Rainier National Park, is conveniently located to the Paradise area. Paradise is the most popular destination in the park, with a lodge and visitor center, many miles of hiking trails and a commanding view of the mountain.

The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a glacier-clad volcano of immense proportions. At 14,411 feet, it dominates the skyline for hundreds of miles. Visitors travel through majestic old-growth forest, past tumbling waterfalls and historic buildings to reach sub-alpine meadows, where world-famous wildflower displays are seen through July and August. Popular activities in the park include sight-seeing, hiking, rock climbing and camping.

The Cougar Rock area is located at an elevation of 3,180 feet. Summers are dry and cool with daytime temperatures in the 60 to 80-degree range. Weather throughout the park can be variable, so visitors should come prepared.

Natural Features:

The campground has one lookout point from which campers can view Mt. Rainier. Although it is peaceful now, the still-active volcano last erupted in the mid 1800s. The campground is adjacent to the Nisqually River and is surrounded by thick forests. A short drive to Paradise in summer reveals fields of lush wildflowers.

Recreation:

From the facility, experienced hikers and backpackers can access the well-known, strenuous but beautiful Wonderland Trail, which encircles the park for 93 miles. For those who enjoy learning more about the park's natural and cultural history, there is an on-site amphitheater where interpretive programs are held.

Facilities:

The group campground has five campsites and is located within the general Cougar Rock Campground. Sites are relatively rustic, but have drinking water, flush toilets and picnic tables. All group campsites must be reserved. Visitors must use extra caution with food storage, as foxes and other animals have been known to frequent the campground looking for food.

Nearby Attractions:

Mount Rainier National Park is about 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Amphitheater Campfire Rings Drinking Water Dump Station Educational Programs	Flush Toilets Hiking Picnic Tables Ranger Station Vault Toilets

Know Before You Go

In 2012 expect delays on the Stevens Canyon Road due to road work. After Labor Day the Stevens Canyon Road will close to all traffic between Box Canyon and the Paradise Valley Road--there will be no through traffic east to west within the park.

No RVs allowed in the group sites. Commercial users must use group sites.
Hikers and mountain climbers should be prepared for changing weather. Bring extra clothing, rain gear and a tent for protection against storms.
The number of vehicles per site is limited to those that will fit on the parking pad. See parking pad dimensions for each site.
Motor homes over 35 feet and trailers over 27 feet are not allowed to enter the campground. Turns on loop roads are tight and vehicle damage is likely to occur.
No more than two tents are allowed in any site. The maximum number of people per site is six, unless immediate family.
No generator use is allowed in E Loop.
No firewood gathering is allowed.
Please store food properly to protect wildlife.
This area is subject to sudden and severe geological hazards such as flooding, landslides and rock fall.

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
46.76722, -121.79444
46°46'2"N, 121°47'40"W

Cougar Rock Campground is located 14 miles east of Ashford, Washington, on State Route 706/Paradise Road.