Thinking of heading out to Mount Rainier for some hiking and sightseeing?
While all areas of the park are open, not all services are available this summer due to the current pandemic. Here is the latest information:
All public roads have reopened for the summer, giving access to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Washington State. The road outside the park’s northwest (Carbon River) entrance was damaged by winter storms. Visitors can park along the road outside the entrance and walk or bicycle in.
Notable changes in services include:
- Visitor and wilderness information centers, including the Carbon River Ranger Station remain closed for public safety during the COVID response. Look for information stations set up outside visitor centers and information boards at Paradise.
- Backcountry camping permits are required and are available online. They are not available inside the park but must be obtained prior to visiting the park.
- There are no food, lodging, or gift shops available at Paradise. The Paradise Inn is closed this year. The picnic area is open for use and food and lodging facilities outside the park are open.
- The National Park Inn at Longmire is open for gifts, grab and go food only, and lodging at a limited capacity.
- Grab and go food service only and the gift shop are available at the Sunrise Day Lodge.
- Campgrounds throughout the park are partially open with some sites closed due to hazard trees.
Follow these guidelines when visiting the park:
- Know Before You Go – Check the status of the place you want to visit. If it’s crowded, have a Plan B.
- Plan Ahead – Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch, and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a face covering.
- Practice Physical Distancing – Keep your group size small. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home.
- Play It Safe – Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are both strained.
- Explore Locally – Limit long-distance travel and make use of local parks, trails, and public spaces. Be mindful of your impact on the communities you visit.
- Leave No Trace – Respect public lands and communities and take all of your garbage with you.
