Ricksecker Point
Iconic viewpoint in Mount Rainier National Park offering breathtaking, panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountains.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Ricksecker Point
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic viewpoint in Mount Rainier National Park offering breathtaking, panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountains.
"Amazing views...you can pull over and stop and just enjoy the scenery and take pictures."
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads can close due to rockfalls. Always verify conditions online before your visit.
🎟️ Book Timed Entry
Peak season requires permits for Paradise. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Rainier Views
Ricksecker Point
Capture breathtaking, sweeping vistas of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Mountains. A must-see for photographers and nature lovers.
Scenic Drive Stop
Along the road to Paradise
An easily accessible viewpoint perfect for a quick stop to soak in the grandeur of the mountain. Great for a first glimpse.
Photography Hotspot
Ricksecker Point
Ideal for capturing iconic shots of Mount Rainier, especially during sunrise or sunset. Plenty of parking available.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Road Status Before You Go
Timed Entry May Be Required
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads can close due to rockfalls. Always verify conditions online before your visit.
🎟️ Book Timed Entry
Peak season requires permits for Paradise. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
This spot offers stunning, wide-angle views of Mt. Rainier. Perfect for photos!
🅿️ Ample Parking
Plenty of space available, making it easy to pull over and enjoy the scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Check Road Status First
Roads can close due to rockfalls. Always verify conditions online before your visit.
🎟️ Book Timed Entry
Peak season requires permits for Paradise. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
📸 Capture the Grandeur
This spot offers stunning, wide-angle views of Mt. Rainier. Perfect for photos!
🅿️ Ample Parking
Plenty of space available, making it easy to pull over and enjoy the scenery.
📍 Great First Stop
An ideal initial viewpoint when entering the Paradise area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Ricksecker Point for its stunning, panoramic views of Mount Rainier and its convenient location as a scenic overlook. It's a popular spot for photography and a great first glimpse of the mountain. However, some visitors have been disappointed by unexpected closures due to rockfalls, highlighting the importance of checking road conditions beforehand.
"This is closed - nothing on the website said it was closed. Disappointed because it was the place I drove up here to see. Good thing this Mt has more to offer & went to Christine falls! I really wish the website was up to date."
Kim Henry
"Great overlook and scenic viewpoint on the way to Paradise. We stopped by and took a lot of pictures."
Ajimon Thomas
"We didn’t reached the view point due to rock fall about 100 feet from it, the cracking noise is scary"
Jess Li
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ricksecker Point is located in Mount Rainier National Park, along the scenic road leading to the Paradise area. From the Nisqually Entrance, follow the main park road towards Paradise. The viewpoint will be clearly marked. Be aware that access can be affected by road closures due to rockfalls or seasonal conditions.
Ricksecker Point is typically accessible during the summer and fall months when the roads to Paradise are open. Winter closures are common due to snow. Always check the official Mount Rainier National Park website for current road status before planning your visit.
From Seattle, drive south on I-5 and then take WA-7 South towards Mount Rainier National Park. Enter through the Nisqually Entrance and follow the main park road towards Paradise. Ricksecker Point is a popular stop along this route. The drive from Seattle typically takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and park entry times.
While there isn't a dedicated shuttle specifically for Ricksecker Point, Mount Rainier National Park does offer shuttle services within certain areas, particularly around Paradise during peak season. It's best to check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information on shuttle routes and schedules.
Public transportation options directly to Ricksecker Point are very limited. The most practical way to visit is by private vehicle. Consider organized tours from Seattle or nearby towns if you don't have your own transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ricksecker Point is located within Mount Rainier National Park, so you will need to pay the park entrance fee or have a valid park pass. Additionally, during peak season, a timed entry permit may be required for the Paradise corridor, which includes Ricksecker Point.
As of recent information, the entrance fee for Mount Rainier National Park is typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Annual passes like the America the Beautiful Pass are also accepted. Check the official NPS website for the most current pricing.
Timed entry permits are usually required for the Paradise corridor (which includes Ricksecker Point) during peak visitor season, typically from late May through early September. The system aims to manage congestion. You can book these permits online in advance.
Timed entry permits for Mount Rainier National Park are typically available through Recreation.gov. It's recommended to book these as soon as they become available, as they can sell out quickly, especially for popular entry windows.
If Ricksecker Point is closed due to rockfall or other issues, you may be disappointed, but the park offers many other stunning viewpoints. Consider visiting nearby Christine Falls or Narada Falls as alternatives. Always check the park's road status page before your trip.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography at Ricksecker Point are during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The soft, warm light beautifully illuminates Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. Midday can be harsh, but still offers impressive views.
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the expansive views of Mount Rainier and the valley. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details on the mountain. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or sharper shots.
The main viewpoint offers a fantastic panoramic vista. You can also find slightly different angles by walking a short distance along the paved path. The pull-off areas along the road also provide unique perspectives.
Drone usage is restricted in Mount Rainier National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the park's official regulations regarding drone operation before flying.
Summer and fall offer the most reliable access and often the clearest views. Fall brings beautiful autumn colors to the landscape. Spring can be stunning with wildflowers, but road access might be limited.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 15 to 30 minutes at Ricksecker Point to take in the views and snap photos. If you're a keen photographer or want to relax and enjoy the scenery, you might stay longer.
Restroom facilities are generally available in the nearby Paradise area, which is a short drive from Ricksecker Point. It's advisable to use facilities before heading to the viewpoint or plan to use those at Paradise.
Ricksecker Point has a paved overlook area that is generally accessible. However, the terrain around the parking lot and any short paths might have slight inclines. It's considered relatively accessible for most visitors.
Ricksecker Point is conveniently located near other popular Mount Rainier attractions, including Christine Falls, Narada Falls, Reflection Lake, and the Paradise Visitor Center. Many visitors combine these stops into a single itinerary.
While there are no designated picnic tables directly at Ricksecker Point, you can enjoy a snack or a packed lunch in your vehicle or at designated picnic areas within Mount Rainier National Park, such as those found in the Paradise area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with other short, family-friendly stops like Christine Falls or Narada Falls, which are also easily accessible from the road. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited directly at the viewpoint. Ensure children are supervised, especially near the overlook edges.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Plan your visit for the golden hours to capture the best light. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to fit the entire scene and a telephoto lens to zoom in on details of the mountain. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as clouds can add dramatic elements to your shots.
🚗 Road Trippers
There's plenty of parking, making it easy to pull over and enjoy the scenery. It's an ideal spot to break up your drive, take photos, and appreciate the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Combine it with other roadside attractions like waterfalls for a well-rounded scenic drive.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Mount Rainier
From Ricksecker Point, you get a fantastic, unobstructed view of Rainier's southern and western flanks. The viewpoint offers a sense of scale, allowing you to appreciate the sheer size of the volcano and its impact on the surrounding terrain. On clear days, the snow-capped peak is a breathtaking sight, often framed by evergreen forests.
Understanding the geological history of Mount Rainier adds another layer to the experience. It's an active volcano, though its eruptions are infrequent. The park itself is a testament to its power, with diverse ecosystems ranging from old-growth forests to alpine meadows, all shaped by volcanic activity and glaciation over millennia.
Navigating Mount Rainier National Park
Access to the park can be managed through a timed entry permit system during peak season (typically late May to early September). This system helps to alleviate congestion, especially in popular areas like Paradise. Visitors are advised to book these permits well in advance via Recreation.gov.
Beyond Ricksecker Point, the park offers numerous other attractions. Consider visiting Christine Falls for a different perspective on waterfalls, or Reflection Lake for iconic mirror images of Mount Rainier. For those seeking more active pursuits, numerous hiking trails cater to all levels, from short, paved walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Photography Tips for Ricksecker Point
Timing is crucial for the best light. The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide soft, warm illumination that enhances the textures and colors of the mountain and its surroundings. Midday sun can be harsh, creating strong contrasts, but it still offers a clear view of the peak. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images, especially in lower light conditions or if you plan to experiment with long exposures.
Beyond the main viewpoint, explore the surrounding pull-offs for unique compositions. Look for foreground elements like trees or rocks to add depth to your shots. Remember to check the weather forecast, as clouds can add dramatic flair to the mountain scenery, or obscure the view entirely.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit