For the first time, Mount Rainier National Park is implementing a timed entry reservation system this summer. As part of the park’s larger efforts to combat overcrowding, reservations will be required to enter the Nisqually, Stevens Canyon and White River entrances daily through Sept. 2.
(Reservations not required at White River until July 4.) Want to ensure your visit to the mountain goes smoothly this summer? Keep these seven tips in mind. Arrive at the park before 7 a.
m. or after 3 p.m.
to enter without a reservation — remember that the sun doesn’t set until after 9 p.m. for much of June and July.
If advanced reservations are sold out for the day you want to visit, check again at 7 p.m. the night before your visit.
An extra batch of reservations gets released at that time. Print or screenshot the QR code on your reservation, as cell service likely won’t be available at the entrance gates. Since the line is often long at the Nisqually entrance to the park, consider the Stevens Canyon entrance near Packwood.
It’s typically less busy and it also provides access to Paradise. Visit a hike or viewpoint outside the park , many of which also have incredible views of the mountain. You can also take the Mt.
Rainier Gondola up to the top of Crystal Mountain ($49). For $89, Crystal Mountain is offering a shuttle to the Sunrise Visitor Center, no timed entry reservation needed, from July 1 to Sept. 29.
Head to nps.gov for a recap of all details related to the timed entry rese.
