Mount Rainier: Plan for Packed Park This Summer

Leading up to the Fourth of July, just days after the final snow-covered roads were opened, Mount Rainier National Park was already experiencing high visitation levels creating long wait times, heavy traffic and congested parking lots. 

The solution, according to the park, is not to refrain from visiting, but to do it strategically. 

“Visitors to Mount Rainier National Park are encouraged to visit on weekdays and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid long waits at entrances and move easily to find a parking spot,” a press release from the park states. 

Park staff are working to reduce congestion in the busiest areas, such as Paradise. 

Overflow parking is available at the Paradise Picnic Area and along Paradise Valley Road. When the Sunrise parking area is filled to capacity, incoming vehicles are held at the White River Entrance Station and are only allowed to proceed once parking spots become available.

The southeastern entrance near Packwood generally has had a shorter wait time on busy weekends during July and August than the Ashford entrance, according to the park. 

Park staff also suggest visitors break up their trips with stops at Elbe and at the Ashford County Park at 29801 state Route 706 in Ashford.

“The 80-acre park has walking trails, a playground with a large play structure, balancing elements, infant swings, and regular swings.  There is plenty of parking, and public restrooms are located next to the playground,” according to a news release from the Park.

As of Friday, June 28, most park facilities and roads were open for the summer. Current park road status and facility hours can be found on the park website, www.nps.gov/mora. 

“There are incredible experiences throughout the park and the surrounding areas,” said Chip Jenkins, Mount Rainier National Park superintendent. “By planning your trip to avoid peak congestion times, you may find that you spend less time looking for parking and more time enjoying the park.”