Plan Ahead with Trip to Mount Rainier: Park Requires Reservations This Summer

Family travelers visiting Mount Rainier National Park this summer must plan in advance as the park implemented a pilot timed entry reservation system to improve the visitor experience.

The new system reduces wait times, congestion and resource impacts on the trails. Timed entries are required through Sept. 2 when entering through either the Nisqually or Stevens Canyon entrance stations. This reservation includes access to Cougar Rock, Paradise, Reflection Lakes, Kautz Creek, Longmire, Comet, Christine and Narada Falls, Box Canyon, and Bench/Snow Lake.

From July 4 through Sept. 2, timed entries are required in the Sunrise Corridor entering through the White River entrance station. This reservation includes access to White River, Sunrise, Summerland, Glacier Basin and Owyhigh Lakes.

Timed entry reservations are required between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. and are good for single-day visits per vehicle and in addition to an entrance fee or park pass. Reservations are for a designated two-hour entry slot and must be booked for the specific corridor aligning with visitation plans.

Exceptions for time-entry reservations include park entrance before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.; visitors traveling on foot or by bike; visitors with permits for climbing, camping, wilderness permits or any other special-use permits; visitors with in-park lodging reservations at Paradise Inn, National Park Inn or Cougar Rock Campground can enter the park after 1 p.m. on the first day of their reservation and throughout their stay. Exceptions also apply to visitors entering the park as part of an organized tour like Evergreen Escapes, Olympic Hiking Company, The Adventure Hub, PeaceVans and ToursByLocals.

Learn more about the park and entrance rules here.