Help protect yourself, protect others, and protect Mount Rainier National Park by recreating responsibly.
Know Before You Go - Some areas can become dangerous with winter conditions. Research your destination, as roads and facilities may be closed in winter.
Plan Ahead - Check local conditions and prepare for the elements, packing extra layers, waterproof clothing, and avalanche safety gear for the backcountry.
Practice Physical Distancing - Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth. When possible, opt to eat and rest outside. If you feel sick, stay home.
Play It Safe - Know your limits and your gear. Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce your risk of injury.
Explore Locally - Consider exploring locally, as driving and parking may be more challenging in winter. If you travel, be mindful of your impact on Native and local communities.
Leave No Trace - Did you know that the snow is our water supply? Keep our winter playgrounds clean. Pack out any human or pet waste. Be respectful of the land.
Build An Inclusive Outdoors - Everyone deserves to experience a winter wonderland. Be an active part of making the outdoors safe, accessible, and welcoming for all identities and abilities.
Learn and Explore
Winter Recreation
Paradise is a popular place to enjoy winter activities. The mountain receives abundant snowfall and the scenery is spectacular. In winter, recreational opportunities are numerous, including snowshoeing, winter camping, snowboarding, and skiing. Learn more about winter recreation.
Winter Camping in the Paradise area is open for the season. Maximum party size is 10 people, consistent with state and local health guidelines, or up to 12 people if all members are of the same household.
The Paradise snowplay/sledding area has CLOSED for the season. Sledding is not permitted in any other area at Mount Rainier National Park.
The Jackson Visitor Center remains closed and there are no indoor warm facilities at Paradise this winter. Visitors will need to rely on personal vehicles for shelter during the day. Please plan accordingly.
NOTE:Dogs are not allowed on trails or on snow in the park. Learn more about pets in the park.
Paradise provides access to a network of trails suitable for every ability. During fall, the weather can change quickly to winter conditions, with snow, wind, and cold temperatures. Popular winter recreation includes snowshoeing and skiing. Make sure to check the trail status map below to see current snow conditions on trails. If you are not prepared to hike on snow, try a lower elevation hike at Longmire or Ohanapecosh.
Please stay on trails! It may be tempting to skirt patches of snow that are covering trails. However, by going off trail you are walking on and damaging the wildflowers that you may be coming to see! It is better to stay on the trail even if that means crossing snow, particularly in the high-visitation meadows around Paradise.
The interactive map below shows current conditions of trails in the Paradise Area and is updated weekly. Click on any section of trail in the map to see details.
The upper mountain is open for climbing and recreation. Remember, travel above high camps and/or glaciated travel requires a climbing permit. Some temporary restrictions still remain in place. Check the climbing page for details. If you are heading to Camp Muir, make sure to download the Camp Muir with Bearings Map site bulletin.
Learn and Explore
Tour the historic Paradise area
Paradise is a National Historic Landmark District. The Paradise Inn, built in 1917, is also a historic landmark. The Paradise Inn is currently closed, but the exterior can be viewed along with other historic buildings in the area. Or, learn more about the Paradise Area.
Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service Officers, the following facilities and services are available.
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center
Restrooms in vestibule open weekends & holidays.
Visitor Center interior remains closed. Rangers staff an information table 10:00 am - 4:00 pm weekends only.
Paradise Camp Deli inside the visitor center is CLOSED for the season. The National Park Inn in Longmire is open with to go food options.
Plaza (Slate) Restrooms
OPEN 24 hours a day
Located adjacent from visitor center in the upper parking lot plaza.
Paradise Inn & Tatoosh Cafe
CLOSED. Opening May 22 for the 2021 season. The National Park Inn in Longmire is open with to go food options.
For additional information, visit mtrainierguestservices.com or call 360-569-2275 or 855-755-2275.
Paradise Wilderness Information Center
CLOSED Wilderness Permits are required for all overnight camping. Backpackers can register outside Wilderness Information Centers at Longmire, Paradise, White River, and Carbon River. NOTE: Rangers can assist with permits in Longmire, but the Jackson Visitor Center does NOT register wilderness permits.
Paradise Picnic Area & Restrooms
CLOSED for the season
Paradise Parking Map
NPS Graphic
Paradise Parking Map
Designated parking at Paradise includes:
Accessible Parking - Day Use & Overnight Parking*
Located along the north side of the upper lot or by the Paradise Inn.
Drop Off Zones - Passenger Drop Off only - No Parking
Located along the Paradise Plaza on the northwest side of the upper lot and in front of Paradise Inn.
Paradise Upper Parking Lot - Day Use Only - No Overnight Parking
Paradise Lower Parking Lot - Day Use & Overnight Parking*
Overflow Parking: Paradise Picnic Area - Day Use & Overnight Parking*; Paradise Valley Road - Overflow Parking or Bus/RV Parking. CLOSED during the winter.
*Note that overnight parking requires a backcountry camping permit or hotel reservation. No sleeping in vehicles overnight.
