Mount Rainier Rolls Out Limited Seasonal Reservation System

SEATTLE – Last week, after months of uncertainty, Mount Rainier National Park introduced a limited timed-entry reservation system for the peak visitation season. Reservations will only be required for visitors entering the Sunrise Corridor from the northeast between July 11 - September 1 and on weekends and holidays in September and October.

The National Parks Conservation Association, which has advocated for smart and commonsense visitor use management systems, encouraged Mount Rainier to build on its reservation systems announced in 2024. Unfortunately, the Trump administration delayed agency efforts and weakened the successful 2024 pilot program. Last year’s program, which covered more dates during peak season and included the park’s popular Nisqually and Stevens Canyon entrances, was also embraced by community members local to Mount Rainier, as well as the State of Washington Tourism, outdoor retailers and park visitors.

The reservation system is a needed response to the nearly 40% increase in visitation to Mount Rainier over the last decade. Increased visitation has led to traffic gridlock, long lines for services, trash buildup, trail crowding, and wildlife disturbance. Park advocates have expressed particular concern about the gradual loss of the park’s high-altitude wildflower meadows from social trails and roadside parking outside of designated areas. Gridlock will only increase since access is more limited due to the closure of the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge.

Statement from NPCA Northwest Regional Director Rob Smith

“It’s frustrating to settle for a scaled back reservations plan when a more commonsense system prevailed at Mount Rainier last year and could have easily returned earlier and in more areas of the park this year. In these times of staffing cuts and uncertainty, we’ll take this glimmer of hope for Mount Rainier, but the national park and its visitors deserve a more reliable experience.

“If this administration truly cared about the visitor experience, it would have allowed park leaders to introduce an enhanced plan months ago, covering the Sunrise as well as busy Nisqually and Stevens Canyon entrances.

“In addition to supporting smart planning, NPCA supports smarter staffing levels to welcome visitors and ensure reservation systems are a success, at Mount Rainier and all our national parks. Over the last few months, Mount Rainier and parks across America have been ruled by chaos versus certainty, with ongoing Trump administration attempts to cut staff who welcome visitors, conduct science, maintain trails and facilities, and more. Attacks on park staffing are also attacks on park visitors, surrounding communities, and the landscapes we cherish.”

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About the National Parks Conservation Association: Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than 1.6 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.