How do I make a reservation to climb Mount Rainier?
Travel here to begin the process for requesting a reservation for climbing or backpacking Mount Rainier. Follow the directions to print out the forms provided and make a reservation request. Completed forms can be faxed or mailed to the park beginning March 15th. Requests sent or postmarked before this date will not be processed. All requests received between March 15th and April 1st will be processed in random order beginning April 1st. Requests received April 1st and later will be processed in the order they are received.
Reservations can also be made in person at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center beginning Memorial Day weekend.
Telephone reservations are not accepted.
Do I need a reservation to climb Mount Rainier?
Reservations are OPTIONAL, and they are not always needed. 30% of all camping slots are held aside for those who come to the mountain without reservations. These non-reservable slots usually go quickly. For much of the summer many of the popular high camps fill up and reservations are strongly recommended especially on weekends.
What is the cost of a climbing reservation?
The RESERVATION fee for a climbing permit is $20 per party. In addition, climbing pass fees are required for every member of your climbing party. Fees are payable by credit/debit card, or check. The park accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.
Is the reservation fee refundable?
The reservation fee is NON-REFUNDABLE, even if you cancel your permit.
What information is required to make a climbing reservation?
You will need the specifics of your planned climb including:
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Dates of your trip
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Preferred camping locations
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Number of people in your party
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Basic personal information about the trip leader (name, address, etc.)
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Payment for the reservation fee and the Mount Rainier Climbing Pass Fee for the entire party
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The names of those in your party who have already purchased a current Mount Rainier Climbing Pass and their climbing pass number.
Do I need to know who will be in my party when I make climbing reservations?
No, you may purchase the necessary number of Mount Rainier Climbing Passes and distribute them to your teammates. The party leader need only specify the number of climbers in the party and pay the climbing fee for those slots. If one or more members of the team have already purchased a climbing pass for the current calendar year, the names and pass numbers of those members must be specified along with the reservation request.
When will I hear if my climbing reservation has been accepted or rejected?
Within a few days (during the summer months) of requesting a reservation, a confirmation letter with the specified number of Mount Rainier Climbing Passes will be sent to the person requesting the reservation. The response time may be longer between April 1 and mid-May, as there is a surge of requests for reservations. A letter of rejection will be sent if the climb cannot be accommodated.
Why would my climbing reservation request be rejected?
If the available overnight camping slots are already reserved at the camp(s) you requested, your climbing reservation request will be rejected. One option at that point is to attempt to get a first-come, first-served permit when you arrive in the park.
What can I do to help ensure my climbing reservation request is not rejected?
By providing several alternative overnight camp locations, you are more likely to get a suitable reservation. The larger your climbing party size the more likely it is that a particular camp may not be able to accommodate your group. Smaller parties may have an advantage in this respect.
Do I pay anything if my climbing reservation request is rejected?
No. If your climbing reservation request is rejected, you will not be charged the reservation fee or Mount Rainier Climbing Pass fee.
Can I return a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass?
Mount Rainier Climbing Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE.
Can I make a change to my climbing reservation?
A change may be made as long as it can be accommodated given the limited nature of the park's camping resources. Party size may be increased (if space is available) but any reduction in party size will not result in a refund as climbing passes are non-refundable.
How do I make a change to my climbing reservation?
Call the Wilderness Information Center in Longmire at 360-569-6650 and talk with a Ranger.
Does it cost anything to make a change to my climbing reservation?
One change may be made to your reservation at no cost. Each subsequent change will cost $20.
What if a member of the team already has a current Mount Rainier Climbing Pass when I make a reservation request?
Include the pass numbers and names of those with current valid climbing passes along with your request. If party members do have a current Mount Rainier Climbing Pass, complete and fax the Climbing Party Supplemental Form along with your reservation request form.
