Paradise Construction Projects | Mount Rainier National Park

Paradise is the most popular visitor destination in Mount Rainier National Park with its spectacular subalpine meadows, miles of hiking, and jaw-dropping views of the mountain, glaciers, and the Tatoosh Range and, on a clear day, the southern Cascade peaks. This year the largest National Park Service construction project in the nation is underway at Paradise. Over the next two years the construction effort focuses on rehabilitation of the historic Paradise Inn and construction of a new visitor center with Paradise Inn reopening in May 2008. Upon completion and opening of the new visitor center in fall 2008, the existing Jackson Visitor Center will be demolished and the lower parking lot will be redesigned.

If you plan to visit Paradise during construction be prepared for significantly reduced parking, construction noise, and to use alternate trailheads to reach trails in the upper meadow. A shuttle system will be available in mid- to late July servicing overflow parking on the Paradise Valley Road and outlying areas. Some tips to improve your Paradise experience include:

The best time to visit Paradise is on weekdays, early or late in the day.
If visiting on a weekend or holiday plan to arrive at Paradise by 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. for the best parking opportunities.
Consider exploring other areas of the park or outside of the park during construction.

For more information on parking, Paradise facility status, exploring other areas of the park, and project information browse the rest of the Paradise Construction website.