• Mount Rainier peeks through clouds, viewed across subalpine wildflowers and glacial moraine.

    Mount Rainier

    National Park Washington

Traffic & Travel Tips

Park roads are winding and shoulders are narrow. The maximum speed limit is 35 mph in most areas. Allow plenty of travel time during your visit.

 
Drawing of two blue snowflakes.

Winter Driving at Mount Rainier
All vehicles are required to carry tire chains. Ensure that your chains fit your tires and practice installing them before leaving home. Stop in a chain-up area, pullout, or parking lot to install, adjust, or remove tire chains. Learn more about Winter Travel, including information on gate closures, and Tire Chain Frequently-Asked-Questions.

In the park, practice safe winter driving :

  1. Reduce your speed.
  2. Keep your headlights on for visibility.
  3. Allow extra distance between vehicles.
  4. Stay well back when following plows.
  5. Use low gears, especially when driving downhill.
  6. Never stop or park in a traffic lane.
 
Drawing of a sun.

Traveling to Mount Rainier in the Summer
On a sunny summer weekend, it can be difficult or impossible to find parking at Paradise, Sunrise, Grove of the Patriarchs, and at trailheads between Longmire and Paradise. The following tips may help you avoid this problem:

  1. Visit these areas on weekdays.
  2. Arrive early in the day.
  3. Carpool to the park.

Parking is not permitted along road edges.

 

Did You Know?

Gobblers Knob fire lookout.

In the early 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corp constructed fire lookouts throughout the park to help protect the surrounding area from fire. Four historic lookouts still remain in the Mount Rainier National Historic Landmark District including Tolmie, Shriner, Fremont, and Gobblers Knob.