Exciting news for outdoor enthusiasts planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park in 2024! The National Park Service has recently unveiled a new plan requiring timed-entry reservations for specific popular areas of the park.
According to a press release, starting from May 24, visitors entering the Paradise Corridor through the Nisqually or Stevens Canyon entrances between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. will need reservations. Additionally, from July onwards, those entering the Sunrise Corridor via the White River entrance during the same hours will also require reservations. These programs are set to run until September 2. The cost for timed-entry reservations will be $2 per vehicle, in addition to regular park entrance fees, allowing visitors a 2-hour window to explore. However, individuals with a wilderness permit or camping reservation will be exempt from the timed-entry requirement.
Mount Rainier has witnessed a 40 percent increase in visitation over the past decade, prompting the National Park Service to implement these changes to prevent overcrowding during the summer and protect fragile ecosystems. Mount Rainier National Park will be joining the ranks of nine other national parks, including Arches, Glacier, and Rocky Mountain, in adopting timed-entry programs.
Superintendent Greg Dudgeon emphasized the necessity of these changes, stating, “In recent years, it’s been too common for visitors to sit in idling cars for a couple of hours at the entrance stations and then make laps through the parking lots hoping for an empty parking space. We are testing a system that will spread visitation out throughout the day and season to reduce crowding.”
For those eager to secure their spot, reservations for the Paradise Corridor and Sunrise Corridor will open on February 21 and April 1, respectively, on Recreation.gov. So, plan ahead and get ready for an unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning landscapes of Mount Rainier National Park!