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Ricksecker Point Road
Ricksecker Point Road in Mount Rainier National Park
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Ricksecker Point in Mount Rainier National Park.
Ricksecker Point Road
Ricksecker Point Road is one of those wonderful short side trips in Mount Rainier National Park that many vacationers drive right past without realizing what they are missing. Located along the road between Longmire and Paradise, this short 1/3 mile one-way scenic loop offers a quiet and rewarding break from the main park road, with outstanding views of the southwest side of Mount Rainier.
This scenic drive traces the edge of Ricksecker Point, a prominent ridge located between Rampart Ridge and the Tatoosh Range. As you follow the loop, the views begin to open up in several directions, giving you a memorable look at Mount Rainier, the deep Nisqually River Valley, the Paradise River Valley, and the sharp, dramatic peaks of the Tatoosh Range. On a clear day, the mountain rises above the landscape in a way that reminds you just how massive and powerful Mount Rainier truly is.
Ricksecker Point Road is especially nice for vacationers who want a beautiful scenic experience without a hike. The pullouts along the road make it easy to stop, step out of the vehicle, take photos, and simply enjoy the view. It is also a great place to slow down and appreciate the layers of the park, from forested valleys and glacier-carved drainages to distant ridgelines and the snow-covered summit of Mount Rainier.
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The classic view of Mount Rainier from Ricksecker Point.
For photographers, Ricksecker Point can be a rewarding stop, especially when the light is changing across the mountain and valleys. Morning and evening light is typically best, while passing clouds often create constantly changing moods across the landscape.
Because Ricksecker Point Road is typically subject to seasonal closures, it is always wise to check current road conditions before making it part of your day. When open, this short scenic loop is well worth the few extra minutes. It is a simple, peaceful, and beautiful way to experience Mount Rainier National Park, and it makes a perfect stop on your way up to Paradise.
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The view of the Nisqually River from Ricksecker Point in Mount Rainier National Park
Where is Ricksecker Point Road located?
Ricksecker Point Road is located in the southwest section of Mount Rainier National Park, along the scenic road between Longmire and Paradise, about 6 miles east of Longmire and between Christine Falls and Narada Falls. This short one-way loop leaves the main Road to Paradise and follows the edge of Ricksecker Point, offering beautiful views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Valley, the Paradise Valley, and the Tatoosh Range.
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A view of Mount Rainier along the Ricksecker Point Road.
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How did Ricksecker Point Road get its name?
Ricksecker Point Road gets its name from Eugene Ricksecker, an Army Corps of Engineers supervisor who helped survey the original route to Paradise in 1904. Today, this short one-way scenic loop continues to honor his connection to one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most historic and beautiful drives, giving vacationers a memorable look at Mount Rainier, the Nisqually and Paradise River valleys, and the rugged Tatoosh Range.
A view of the Nisqually River from Ricksecker Point Road.
When does Ricksecker Point Road open and close each year?
Ricksecker Point Road is generally open during the summer season and usually closes when snow and winter conditions return to the Paradise area road corridor. Because opening and closing dates can change from year to year depending on weather, snowpack, road work, and park operations, vacationers should always check the current Mount Rainier National Park road status before planning this scenic stop.
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