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Mission in Mount Rainier National Park
Hidden Clues — Real Locations — An Unforgettable Adventure in Mount Rainier National Park.
Jake Evans and his friends, Amber and Wes, are back—and this time the scavenger hunt takes them into the shadow of one of America's most legendary mountains. Rising over 14,000 feet into the clouds, Mount Rainier holds its own special mysteries and dangers.
Following instructions left by his grandfather, Jake begins to question why Grandpa chose him for this quest—and whether he knew just how dangerous it might become.
And it does get more dangerous—more than Jake could have imagined.
Ages 7 to 14 —Over 60 Illustrations — An Edge-of-Your-Seat Mystery Adventure
With twists, hidden clues, real locations, survival challenges, and more than sixty illustrations hand-drawn by the author, Mission in Mount Rainier National Park takes readers on the biggest adventure yet in the bestselling National Park Mystery Series.
The National Park Mystery Series - Over 1 Million Copies Sold
Before Jake’s grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. He entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt through the rugged wilderness of America’s national parks.
The mystery unfolds as Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship.
Along the way, they discover they are not the only ones on this quest. A mysterious shadow group is close on their heels.
Illustrated by the author, these page-turning adventures are designed to capture the imagination of even the most reluctant young readers. Parents looking for a delightful read-aloud adventure may find themselves just as eager as their kids to discover what happens next.
If your family loves the wild and beautiful places of our national parks, this series will take you to hidden places and breathtaking landscapes. If you enjoy mystery adventures like the Hardy Boys or Gary Paulsen’s survival classic, Hatchet, you’ll love this sixth installment of the National Park Mystery Series.
Can I start the series with Book 6, or do I have to start with Book 1?
You can start with any book in the series, though the adventure is best enjoyed from Book 1. Each book includes a brief, spoiler-free preface to catch readers up on the story.
Jake Evans and his friends, Amber and Wes, are back—and this time the scavenger hunt takes them into the shadow of one of America's most legendary mountains. Rising over 14,000 feet into the clouds, Mount Rainier holds its own special mysteries and dangers.
Following instructions left by his grandfather, Jake begins to question why Grandpa chose him for this quest—and whether he knew just how dangerous it might become.
And it does get more dangerous—more than Jake could have imagined.
Ages 7 to 14 —Over 60 Illustrations — An Edge-of-Your-Seat Mystery Adventure
With twists, hidden clues, real locations, survival challenges, and more than sixty illustrations hand-drawn by the author, Mission in Mount Rainier National Park takes readers on the biggest adventure yet in the bestselling National Park Mystery Series.
The National Park Mystery Series - Over 1 Million Copies Sold
Before Jake’s grandfather died, he was on the trail of a centuries-old mystery. He entrusted that mystery to Jake, leaving behind a set of hidden codes, riddles, maps, and other clues that lead Jake and his friends on a scavenger hunt through the rugged wilderness of America’s national parks.
The mystery unfolds as Jake, Amber, and Wes learn about survival skills, natural history, integrity, character, and friendship.
Along the way, they discover they are not the only ones on this quest. A mysterious shadow group is close on their heels.
Illustrated by the author, these page-turning adventures are designed to capture the imagination of even the most reluctant young readers. Parents looking for a delightful read-aloud adventure may find themselves just as eager as their kids to discover what happens next.
If your family loves the wild and beautiful places of our national parks, this series will take you to hidden places and breathtaking landscapes. If you enjoy mystery adventures like the Hardy Boys or Gary Paulsen’s survival classic, Hatchet, you’ll love this sixth installment of the National Park Mystery Series.
Can I start the series with Book 6, or do I have to start with Book 1?
You can start with any book in the series, though the adventure is best enjoyed from Book 1. Each book includes a brief, spoiler-free preface to catch readers up on the story.
332 pages, Paperback
Published October 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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October 28, 2026SM
October 6, 2026
Our family shared a truly wonderful experience reading Mission in Mount Rainier together. From the very first chapter, we were completely hooked—it is an absolute page-turner that left us all eager to read 'just one more page' every single night.
The seamless blend of high-stakes adventure and clever, interactive puzzles kept everyone engaged, while the fascinating historical details added an unexpected layer of depth to the story. It is a brilliant addition to an already fantastic series, effortlessly capturing the magic of discovery and teamwork. We are so grateful for this spectacular next chapter in the series, and we cannot wait to see where the adventure takes us next!
The seamless blend of high-stakes adventure and clever, interactive puzzles kept everyone engaged, while the fascinating historical details added an unexpected layer of depth to the story. It is a brilliant addition to an already fantastic series, effortlessly capturing the magic of discovery and teamwork. We are so grateful for this spectacular next chapter in the series, and we cannot wait to see where the adventure takes us next!
October 9, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I started this series in 2022, and I assumed that by the time I reached this point in the series, I would be too old and uninterested to finish the series. I was completely wrong. This series has knocked my socks off, and I know that I will continue this series to the very end. Thank you Aaron for this amazing series!
October 8, 2026
Me and my kids love visiting the real life places in the books! What a great way to make learning come alive!
One of the tricky things about a series like this is that the entire mystery won’t be solved until the tenth book, but this book reveals some key information that makes it feel incredibly satisfying and it keeps me wanting more!
One of the tricky things about a series like this is that the entire mystery won’t be solved until the tenth book, but this book reveals some key information that makes it feel incredibly satisfying and it keeps me wanting more!
October 6, 2026
Soooo worth the wait! Each book shows that Johnson's skill as a writer continues to improve, making the overall adventure even more compelling. This is the first book in the series where I have not already hiked the park. Not only do I want to visit Mt. Rainier, now, but I feel like I have a map in my head! The way the books calls back to mind the first five books but clearly moves us toward books 7-10 surprised and delighted me. I'm 50yrs old and feel like a kid again :-)
October 8, 2026
I had the honor of being a beta reader for this book. The 6th book in this series did not disappoint! As a 4th grade teacher, I not only recommend this series to my school and students, but I also use it as a read-aloud every year!
October 6, 2026
Another fantastic installment in this series. This book follows Jake, Wes, and Amber as they follow clues left behind by Jake’s grandfather in Mount Rainier National Park. While the entire book was entertaining, I found that I couldn’t put the book down for the last few chapters. I even let my son stay up well past his bedtime because I didn’t want to go to sleep without seeing how this one ended.
October 5, 2026
This was the best one of the series! I couldn’t put the book down! It felt like we were right there with the kids solving the clues in Mt. Rainier.
Here's what sets this book series apart:
-The main characters are ones I want my kids reading about: they are kind, smart & brave.
-These kids are tired of their friends back home always being sucked into video games or only playing on their phones. The author downplays electronics a bit, but by making it cool to do so.
-There is an element of the fantastical, but only in the adventure-the setting, history, geology, outdoor skills, etc. are all very real. And that is AWESOME because THIS series leaves readers wanting to learn more about mysteries in archaeology and history and the marvels of geology and nature!! Which is even MORE fun because it's REAL!!!) and places they can potentially explore.
-The parents are good people. And aren't dead. That is so rare in kids books! It's refreshing to read about parents being kind role models who trust their kids, and kids being respectful in return.
-The mystery is fresh, surprising and clever and absolutely a page-turner!! All while avoiding anything too scary, and certainly nothing gory or creepy. Hooray! (This is also a plus for adult readers who like mystery but not gore or horror)!
-The illustrations are a gift-a visual glimpse into the national parks, as well as something middle-grade chapter book readers aren't usually treated to.
-The information at the end of each book is such a treat, because you don't want the book to end, and that section gives you more to explore and learn about until the next release date! (Encouraging the skill of self-motivated learning! Yes!!!)
Overall, what I enjoyed most about the book:
-Mentions real places in the National Park to learn and appreciate the park more. Plus, made my kids more excited to go visit the park, which we have done and enjoyed.
-Interesting storyline that even an adult can enjoy trying to puzzle through.
-Seeing how much my kids enjoyed the book and the look of excitement on his face every time something happened that tied to other clues or previous action.
We are long-time readers of this wonderful series! My 13-year-old loves to reread these books when she isn’t in the mood to read something new.
Here's what sets this book series apart:
-The main characters are ones I want my kids reading about: they are kind, smart & brave.
-These kids are tired of their friends back home always being sucked into video games or only playing on their phones. The author downplays electronics a bit, but by making it cool to do so.
-There is an element of the fantastical, but only in the adventure-the setting, history, geology, outdoor skills, etc. are all very real. And that is AWESOME because THIS series leaves readers wanting to learn more about mysteries in archaeology and history and the marvels of geology and nature!! Which is even MORE fun because it's REAL!!!) and places they can potentially explore.
-The parents are good people. And aren't dead. That is so rare in kids books! It's refreshing to read about parents being kind role models who trust their kids, and kids being respectful in return.
-The mystery is fresh, surprising and clever and absolutely a page-turner!! All while avoiding anything too scary, and certainly nothing gory or creepy. Hooray! (This is also a plus for adult readers who like mystery but not gore or horror)!
-The illustrations are a gift-a visual glimpse into the national parks, as well as something middle-grade chapter book readers aren't usually treated to.
-The information at the end of each book is such a treat, because you don't want the book to end, and that section gives you more to explore and learn about until the next release date! (Encouraging the skill of self-motivated learning! Yes!!!)
Overall, what I enjoyed most about the book:
-Mentions real places in the National Park to learn and appreciate the park more. Plus, made my kids more excited to go visit the park, which we have done and enjoyed.
-Interesting storyline that even an adult can enjoy trying to puzzle through.
-Seeing how much my kids enjoyed the book and the look of excitement on his face every time something happened that tied to other clues or previous action.
We are long-time readers of this wonderful series! My 13-year-old loves to reread these books when she isn’t in the mood to read something new.
October 6, 2026
Jake and his friends are back and exploring Mount Rainier National Park this time. As they get more involved in the mystery the stakes keep getting higher. Will the shadow group that has been trailing them beat them to the treasure? Will they be able to follow the clues to find even more information left by Jake's grandfather. This is a wonderful romp through an incredible national park. Kids will be on the edge of their seats trying to solve the puzzles along side the characters in the story. The descriptions of the parks and the illustrations inside the book all help to set the scene for a truly exciting adventure that will make young readers long for the opportunity to investigate these sites on their own.
If you have a young adventurer at home this is the series for them and this may just be the best of all of the book so far. A great read aloud for parents or teachers to share with their children!
If you have a young adventurer at home this is the series for them and this may just be the best of all of the book so far. A great read aloud for parents or teachers to share with their children!
October 15, 2026
This is the sixth book in a wonderfully engaging series. Although it is written for young readers from eight to 14, this grandma enjoyed the entire series before gifting it to grandkids and a fifth grade classroom that we support. The young stars of the story are easy to like and relate to, and their adventures as they follow an ongoing mystery keep the reader engaged as well as introducing us to amazing national parks across the West. I recommend this book - and the entire series for any young readers you know.
October 15, 2026
Aaron Johnson moves Jack Evans and his friends thru Mt Rainier National Park with little or no slow downs. At each steep a note has been added yet there is no signs of tampering, as you would expect from the notes left at an earlier time. What this does is introduce a new story to an old mystery. For a new person to Mt Rainier National Park, you can learn much about the park. Have fun and enjoy the next chapter in this series.
October 12, 2026
Our entire family could not put this book down! Sentences flow well - makes a great read-aloud. Real-life locations, great characters, suspense-without scary, and an awesome plot twist: Aaron Johnson really outdid himself this time! Already looking forward to reading Book 7!!!
October 12, 2026
If you've been reading the National Park Mystery Series, you'll want to be sure to get the latest book 6, Mission in Mt. Rainier. Aaron Johnson has outdone himself with the twists, intrigue, the hold your breath moments throughout the entire book. It's his best yet and they're all great.
October 12, 2026
Mr. Aaron, your work for this book is exceptional! I love the action and the mystery! Thank you for being a role model for kids. As a twelve year old, this book really brightened my week, this is a masterpiece!
October 8, 2026
This series is good! It keeps my 11 and 13 year old (as well as myself) interested and we are already waiting for book 7!
October 12, 2026
Best of the series so far! My daughter couldn't put it down.
October 12, 2026
This is an enjoyable as well as educational series for youth as well as adults. Great characters and a terrific storyline that carries thru each book.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews