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Mount Rainier National Park Park visitors and their car in 1921 with snow birms lining the Paradise Road.
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Mount Rainier National Park
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.

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.
  4. If possible, park your car in Ashford or Longmire and ride the free shuttle bus up to Paradise.

Parking is not permitted along road edges.

 

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Tahoma Creek suspension bridge

Did You Know?
The 93 mile Wonderland Trail encircles the mountain offering hikers commanding views of Mount Rainier blanketed by 25 icy glaciers. The trail leads through extensive subalpine meadows of wildflowers and lowland old growth forest. The Tahoma Creek suspension bridge is part of the Wonderland Trail.

Last Updated: November 09, 2009 at 13:25 MST