Mt Rainier - Fog Forecast - Pacific Northwest

This forecast tracks the conditions that create the Pacific Northwest's legendary atmospheric photography. We combine fog probability, dewpoint spread, visibility, and wind data to predict when and where fog will form.

The Pacific Northwest's unique geography—where cold ocean currents meet temperate rainforests and volcanic peaks—creates fog conditions unmatched anywhere in North America. From the Hoh Rainforest's ethereal mist to the Columbia River Gorge's valley fog, this region offers year-round fog photography opportunities.

What makes the Pacific Northwest special for fog photography:

• Marine influence - Cold Pacific currents generate coastal fog that rolls inland through river valleys
• Rainforest atmosphere - Olympic's temperate rainforest creates perpetual mist and filtered light
• Temperature inversions - Mountain valleys trap fog below while peaks remain clear
• Varied terrain - Photograph fog against waterfalls, old-growth forests, sea stacks, and volcanic peaks

Peak fog season runs from late summer through fall, when temperature differentials between land and sea are greatest. Morning fog often burns off by midday, so arrive before sunrise for the most dramatic conditions. The Columbia River Gorge is particularly reliable for valley fog, while coastal locations like Cannon Beach offer fog throughout the year.