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 implemented 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.
Visitors with reservations at the National Park Inn in Longmire, Paradise Inn, or Cougar Rock Campground within the Paradise Corridor can use proof of their reservation for entry after 1:00 pm on the day of their reservation instead of using a timed entry reservation to gain access to the Paradise Corridor.
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.
