Frequently Asked Questions

It’s smart of you to plan ahead. You can find today’s weather report here. During the winter season, Mount Rainier National Park posts daily road status posts here. You can find additional road status here.

Mt. Rainier National Park does not publish operating hours for the different park entrances at this time. Typically when we get this question it’s from visitors who want to arrive early in the morning for a sunrise hike, or late in the day for stargazing. If that’s your reason your best bet is to purchase a pass online ahead of time so that if you arrive and find the entrance station isn’t staffed you can enter the park and display your pre-purchased pass. Please note, during the wintertime, the gate at Longmire closes daily. For operating hours of the park visitor centers click here.

There are a variety of options for fees and passes at Mt. Rainier National Park. The most common option is the Mount Rainier Single Vehicle Fee of $30 which grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. The vehicle must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less. There are additional options for annual passes, walk-ups for people who hike, bike, or ride a motorcycle. Click here for the complete list.

We love adventure pups! Dogs are not allowed on the trails at Mount Rainier National Park, but dogs (on a leash) are allowed on the roads, parking lots, and campgrounds at the national park. Click here for more info on dogs at the national park, including dog-friendly lodging and attractions. We also have a travel guide you can download in PDF format. The travel guide has a list of dog-friendly trails outside of the national park.

Visitors can hike up to the high elevation areas and ski at Mount Rainier all year long. Located at Paradise, Snowplay is only place in the park where visitors can go sledding or tubing, Once that area opens (typically in late-December), its status is dependent on road and weather conditions. Each day Mount Rainier National Park will assess conditions and post a morning update on Twitter. You do not need a Twitter account to read the update.

Here’s a list of snowshoeing trails. You’ll be able to see at a glance—mileage, difficulty, location, and elevation changes. Plus we included equipment rental sites and a few maps.

Yes. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in Mount Rainier National Park during the winter season (November 1 – May 1). This requirement applies to all vehicles (including four-wheel-drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions. Need to rent chains? Click here to find locations.

Sure is. The Mt. Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort is open during the summer and winter seasons. Learn more here.

There are over 70 places to stay in the Mount Rainier area. Let’s help narrow down your choices. Click here and then select your preferred type of lodging (campground, cabin, hotel, resort). You can also sort by location and specific amenities.

The campgrounds at the national park and in the national forests operate seasonally. Privately owned campgrounds like the Enumclaw Expo RV Campground operates year-round. Mineral Lake Lions Den closes in late November. There are also some areas for dispersed camping.

No. A Washington state Snow Park permit will not be accepted at Mount Rainier National Park. You will need a Snow Park permit if you plan to visit the Mount Tahoma Trails.

Mount Rainier is monitored on an ongoing basis. The United States Geological Survey states an eruption is likely to be preceded by days to months or more of small earthquakes that could be detected giving communities time to be alerted and take precautions. For more information click here.

Yes, you’ll need a wilderness permit. For more information on wilderness permits click here.

It’s spotty. Coverage depends on which carrier you have and which area you visit. There’s a signal booster at the visitor center at Paradise. Please do NOT rely on WIFI coverage or cell signal for hikes. And remember, cell phone batteries don’t last as long in cold weather. Click the link below to read more in an article by the Washington Trail Association.

Sasquatch is the current world champion of hide and seek. Keep your eyes peeled and let us know if you spot him. Or her.

There are a variety of options for fees and passes at Mt. Rainier National Park. The most common option is the Mount Rainier Single Vehicle Fee of $30 which grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. The vehicle must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less. There are additional options for annual passes, walk-ups for people who hike, bike, or ride a motorcycle. Click here for the complete list.

The short answer is, not on the trails. A longer answer is, dogs on a leash can accompany a visitor in places where you can drive a vehicle. So areas like officially developed campgrounds, parking lots, and paved roads near viewpoints are areas where visitors can take a dog on a leash. Click here for the MRNP official pet policy. There are dog-friendly trails in the region located outside of the national park. Click here for a free copy of our travel guide with a complete list of dog-friendly trails and more.

Yes, it is. Keep in mind there are multiple entrances to the national park. Only the Nisqually Entrance is open year-round.

Sunrise is the highest point of Mount Rainier you can drive a vehicle to. This area is located at 6,400 feet elevation. The road to Sunrise is not open year-round. Click here to check the road status. Please note due to the steep, narrow, and winding nature of the Sunrise Road, it is recommended that RVs and vehicles with trailers longer than 25 feet LOA not travel up the Sunrise Road beyond the White River Campground intersection. Currently, there are no restrictions for unmodified motor coaches of standard length.

Mt. Rainier National Park does not publish operating hours for the different park entrances at this time. Typically when we get this question it’s from visitors who want to arrive really early in the morning for a sunrise hike, or late in the day for stargazing. If that’s your reason your best bet is to purchase a pass online ahead of time so that if you arrive and find the entrance station isn’t staffed you can enter the park and display your pre-purchased pass. Please note, during the wintertime, the gate at Longmire closes daily.

You can call the park directly at (360) 569-2211 or fill out this form to contact them via email. And just in case it’s helpful here’s a link to the park’s FAQ page.

Mount Rainier is monitored on an ongoing basis. The United States Geological Survey states an eruption is likely to be preceded by days to months or more of small earthquakes that could be detected giving communities time to be alerted and take precautions. For more information click here.

We’re sorry for your loss. Ashes may not be spread within half a mile of Tipsoo Lake or Reflection Lake. These areas are not available for Scattering of Ashes. Yes, however, you’ll need a special use permit for the scattering of ashes. Click here for more details.

Yes, you’ll need a wilderness permit. For more information on wilderness permits click here.