Washington Filmworks uses our Location of the Month newsletters to showcase the diversity of unique looks and resources for production in a number of jurisdictions around Washington State. Find previous installments archived on our website and on the WF Blog.
City of Rainier
Rainier was named for its view of Mount Rainier. The small city, a train stop in the 1870s, was first settled in 1890. Paying homage to these roots, drivers cross under a train trestle coming into the city. Rich with history, take a stroll down Main Street and you will feel small town charm. Stop into any of the small shops that flank the street.
Accessible to urban life, you can also find spectacular nature just around the corner with the unmatched natural beauty of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Cascade Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.
In August the city celebrates Rainier Round-Up Days, a community celebration that boasts a parade and the region’s best bluegrass music.
City of Rainier Weather
Photo Credit: Images by Brant
Rainier welcomes a beautiful summer with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, lasting mid-June through late September. Gentle rains grace the land during winter and spring, with very little snowfall.
Average Temperature:
January – High 44.0 F, Low 22.0 F
July – High 76.0 F, Low 50.0 F
Precipitation:
January Rainfall – 7.54 inches
July Rainfall – 0.82 inches
Sources: intellicast.com
Key Locations of Interest
Photo Credit: Images by Brant
Historic Downtown – Charming with a small town Americana feel.
Parks – 8 acres of parks flow throughout the city with Veterans Memorial Park in the center of town.
Sweeping vistas – View the untouched natural beauty of Mount Rainier and expansive farmland.
Yelm-Tenino Trail – A beautiful rail trail that is paved for cycling or walking. It travels for 14.5 miles with Rainier being the halfway point.
Closest Large Cities Adjacent
Photo Credit: Images by Brant
- Olympia is approximately 17 miles from Rainier
- Tacoma is approximately 40 miles from Rainier
- Seattle is approximately 70 miles from Rainier
Distance to Closest Large Airport
Photo Credit: Images by Brant
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is approximately 60 miles from Rainier
Relevant Contact Names and Information
Photo Credit: Images by Brant
Local Film Liaison
Line Critchfield, Executive Director
Yelm Area Chamber of Commerce,
(360) 458-6608, yelmchamber@fairpoint.net
Agency that issues permits and costs
Robert Shaw, Mayor, City of Rainier, (360) 446-2715,
mayorofrainier@fairpoint.net
Police or Sheriff’s Department or agency that handles traffic control
Thurston County Sheriff’s Department, (360) 786-5500