Natural History Wanderings

Mount Rainier National Park has experienced an approximate 40% increase in visitation over the last 10 years, leading to overcrowding during the summer and damage to fragile ecosystems. In 2024, Mount Rainier National Park will implement a pilot timed entry reservation system to improve the visitor experience to the park by reducing wait times, congestion, and resource impacts on trails caused by overcrowding.

A timed entry reservation is required for two areas of the park: (1) Paradise Corridor coming from the southwest (near Ashford, WA) or southeast (near Packwood, WA), and (2) Sunrise Corridor coming from the northeast (via Enumclaw, WA) from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Each corridor requires a separate vehicle reservation. Timed entry reservations are for good a single day, per vehicle, and are required in addition to an entrance fee or park pass.

What You Need

• May 24 through September 2  timed entry reservations are required to enter the Paradise Corridor on the south side of the park from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• July 4 through September 2  timed entry reservations are required to enter the Sunrise Corridor on the northeast side of the park from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.
• Visitors entering the park in a vehicle or on a motorcycle in one of these areas during these dates need two things:
  1. A timed entry reservation OR service reservation (lodging, camping, wilderness permit, etc.) , AND
  2. Park Entrance Fee OR valid Park Pass (Annual, Senior, Military, etc.). See the FAQ page for details.

• The park is open 24/7 and visitors may enter timed entry reservation areas before 7:00 am or after 3:00 pm without a reservation. Learn more about visiting without a reservation.