Are you planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park this summer? As it has done with several other popular parks recently, the National Park Service recently implemented a reservation system for Rainier that requires a timed-entry permit. Here’s what you need to know.
From May 24 to September 2, permits are required to enter the Paradise Corridor from either the Nisqually Entrance on the west side (Hwy 706) or the Stevens Canyon Entrance on the east side (Hwy 123).
From July 4 to September 2, a permit is required to enter the Sunrise Corridor via the White River Entrance on Hwy 410.
You’ll need to make advance reservations through Recreation.gov. The permits cost $2 and are good for one day. This is in addition to the normal park entrance fee. But wait! If you have reservations for a campground or one of the lodges in the park, or you have a wilderness permit for backpacking, you do not need the timed-entry permit.
If you are an avid photographer and planning a day trip to capture the best light at sunrise and sunset, there’s some good news: Timed-entry permits are not required for entry before 7:00 a.m. or after 3:00 p.m. If you are visiting Mount Rainier for a photography workshop that includes transportation, you won’t need a permit or to wait in line, provided that your workshop company is a fully authorized permittee of the park. Insert blatant plug for my Mount Rainier National Park photo workshop.
For more information about the permit requirements, visit https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/news/many-mount-rainier-national-park-visitors-will-need-reservations-in-summer-2024.htm
My travel guidebook Photographing Washington has a chapter devoted to Mount Rainier with lots of information to help you plan your visit and maximize your opportunities for making great photos.
What do you think about the requirements for advance permits in National Parks? Personally, I wish they weren’t needed because they can preclude spur-of-the-moment adventures, but waiting in a miles-long line at the entrance points is definitely sub-optimal. I’m glad that the park service recognizes the problem and is experimenting with programs that will alleviate overcrowding and somewhat lessen the impacts of so many people wanting to explore and enjoy these wonderful places.
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