Mount Rainier National Park is open all year, 24 hours a day. Visitation is at its peak in July and August, when the weather is warm and dry and the wildflowers are blooming. If you are planning a summer trip to Mount Rainier, consider visiting mid-week, which is generally less crowded. Parking is limited in many areas of the park. Wait times at the Nisqually and White River Entrances can be over an hour on the very busiest summer weekends and holidays. Entering the park before 10:00 am or after 2:30 pm can help avoid delays when visitation is heavy. Plan ahead and follow these tips to avoid summer congestion.
In spring, with ephemeral waterfalls and in autumn, with brilliant colors reaching deep into the valleys, visitors can enjoy a more leisurely vacation in the park. During these seasons, weather may determine the availability of facilities in certain areas of the park. Before making any plans check the current status of roads, campgrounds, trails, and activities.
Vehicle access to Mount Rainier in the winter is only available from the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park on the way to Paradise. The Carbon River Entrance is open but the road within the park boundary is limited to foot and bicycle traffic. Check the road status webpage or Alerts prior to coming to the park as road conditions are subject to change.
Information and operating hours for visitor centers, wilderness information centers, campgrounds, picnic areas, lodging and food are located below. Other important topics to consider when planning your trip are: maps, road status, trail conditions, climbing permits, weather, and wilderness permits.
Last Updated: May 20, 2024
All scheduled dates are weather dependent.
VISITOR CENTERS | DATES and HOURS OF OPERATION |
Longmire Museum | May 20 - June 9 *When the museum is closed, wilderness permits are available at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center. |
Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center Open year-round, but weekends only in winter (generally October-May). | May 6 - June 16 |
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center Generally open late June through mid-September. | CLOSED for the season |
Sunrise Visitor Center Generally open July through mid-September. | CLOSED for the season |
WILDERNESS & CLIMBING INFORMATION CENTERS | DATES and HOURS OF OPERATION |
Longmire Wilderness Information Center | January - May 23. NOTE: Wilderness Permits are available at the Longmire Museum when the WIC is closed. |
White River Wilderness Information Center | CLOSED for the season. Expected to open for the season May 24. |
Carbon River Ranger Station Located on the Carbon River Road 5.5 miles east of the Mowich Lake (SR165) junction. | April 21 - June NOTE: Visitors to the Carbon River area should be prepared to navigate around road and trail washouts. |
Paradise Wilderness Information Center / Guide House | CLOSED for the season. Expected to open for the season May 24. |
CAMPGROUNDS | CURRENT STATUS |
Cougar Rock | CLOSED for the season |
Ohanapecosh | CLOSED for the season |
White River | CLOSED for the season |
NOTE: See the campground page for other campground updates.
PICNIC AREAS | CURRENT STATUS |
Cougar Rock | CLOSED for the season |
Paradise | CLOSED for the season |
Sunrise | CLOSED for the season |
Box Canyon | CLOSED for the season |
Ohanapecosh Campground | CLOSED for the season |
NOTE: See the picnic area page for other picnicking options.
FOOD & LODGING | DATES and HOURS OF OPERATION |
National Park Inn at Longmire Lodging, dining. | OPEN Dining Room Hours April 16 - June 14 June 15 - September 2 Front Desk 7:00 am - 10:00 pm daily |
Longmire General Store | OPEN |
Paradise Camp Deli | OPEN |
Paradise Inn | OPEN May 18 - September 30 Dining Room Hours May 18 - June 14 June 15 - September 2 September 2 - September 30 Tatoosh Cafe May 18 - September 30 |
Sunrise Day Lodge | CLOSED for the season July 4 - September 15 |
Firewood Sales | Available during the summer at Longmire General Store daily and Cougar Rock Campground, Thurs-Mon. |
More information on dining in the park
More information on lodging in the park