COVID-19 Visitor Guide for Healthy Access

The National Park Service is working to gradually increase access and services across all units of the National Park Service, including at Mount Rainier National Park. We are opening recreational access and services through a phased approach that aligns with guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local, state, and national opening plans. The health and safety of visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners remains our top priority. We are also working to ensure that our actions support local community public health objectives outside the park.

• CDC Guidance on How to Protect Yourself & Others
• National Park Service Public Health Update

As our facilities reopen, please remember to recreate responsibly and work together to protect each other in the outdoors during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. We appreciate your patience and your support of the national parks.

 

Key Changes for Winter 2022-2023 Operations

• Masks are optional inside all buildings at Mount Rainier National Park, regardless of vaccination status, due to a current "Low" COVID-19 community level. Additional details are available at Mount Rainier Laws and Policies and NPS Public Health Update. (updated 3/22/23)

Please Note:

• Dogs are not allowed on trails or on snow in the park. Learn more about pets in the park.
• Check road status and MountRainierNPS on Twitter (account not required to view) for updates on current conditions.
• Wilderness permits are required for all overnight camping in the park's backcountry, including winter camping.

 

Plan Your Visit

• 

  Can you get to where you're going?

  Road Status

  Find out current road conditions.

• 

  What's open where

  Operating Hours & Seasons

  Hours of operation for park visitor centers, inns, ranger stations, and other facilities.

• 

  Do you have a wilderness permit?

  Wilderness Camping

  Only a small part of the park can be reached by vehicles. Explore the rest through hiking and wilderness camping.

 

Recreate Responsibly Sticker Graphic

Graphic by recreateresponsibly.org

Recreate Responsibly

Help protect yourself, protect others, and protect Mount Rainier National Park by recreating responsibly: https://www.recreateresponsibly.org.

• Know Before You Go - Check the status of the place you want to visit. If it is closed, don't go. If it's crowded, have a back up plan.
• Plan Ahead - Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch, and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a face covering.
• Practice Physical Distancing - Keep your group size small. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space. If you are sick, stay home.
• Play It Safe - Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury. Search and rescue operations and health care resources are both strained.
• Explore Locally - Limit long-distance travel and make use of local parks, trails, and public spaces. Be mindful of your impact on the communities you visit.
• Leave No Trace - Respect public lands and waters, as well as Native and local communities. Take all your garbage with you.
• Build An Inclusive Outdoors - Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for all identities and abilities.

 

NPS Recreate Responsibly