Road Status

Road Status - Updated February 22, 2021
This report is updated when conditions change. You may also call the park for current road conditions at 360-569-2211 or check MountRainierNPS on Twitter (account not required to view) for road updates and announcements. Weather can change quickly and affect road conditions, and check for park alerts involving road construction or delays. The park can experience extremely high visitation with long wait times at the entrances and heavy road and parking lot congestion. Plan ahead to avoid summer congestion.

NOTE: All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park during the winter season (Nov 1 - May 1). This requirement applies to all vehicles (including four-wheel drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions. Review the Tire Chain Frequently Asked Questions for more information or learn more about Winter Recreation at Mount Rainier.

View the following road status map or road status table for updates (in the map, click on any section of road or notification symbol for more information).

 

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Road Status

ROAD	STATUS
Carbon River Road	OPEN to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only No vehicles are permitted beyond the park entrance; bicycle and pedestrian traffic only. NOTE: Fairfax Forest Reserve Road E. remains closed at the Forest Service Road 7810 Bridge outside of the park just before the Carbon River Entrance. See Pierce County information for updates (updated 9/18/20). Park at your own risk before the closure. NOTE: Due to a large number of fallen trees, the Carbon River Trail (former road) is temporarily impassible for bicyclists after the first 1.5 miles and challenging for hikers. Thanks for your patience while crews work to clear the road. (updated 2/12/21)
SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) South Entrance to Cayuse Pass	CLOSED for the season For more information, check the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) or call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623) toll-free statewide or 206-DOT-HIWY (368-4499) in the greater Seattle area. Commercial vehicles prohibited at all times. NOTE: Tunnel height limit 13' 1".
SR 410 (Chinook Pass) North Entrance to SR123/Cayuse Pass then east to Chinook Pass	CLOSED for the season For more information, check the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT) or call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623) toll-free statewide or 206-DOT-HIWY (368-4499) in the greater Seattle area. Commercial vehicles prohibited at all times.
Nisqually Entrance to Longmire	OPEN
Longmire to Paradise	Week of February 22: Due to forecasted heavy snowfall, the road between Longmire and Paradise will likely remain CLOSED this week. Check Twitter daily for updates. Note that avalanche danger has been at or above considerable since the beginning of February. The Longmire to Paradise road closes at night during the winter. Gate Schedule, when road is open: Gate opens 9:00 am Uphill gate closes 4:00 pm Downhill gate closes 5:00 pm** **It is recommended to leave Paradise by 4:30 pm in order to safely exit the gate at Longmire before it locks for the night. NOTE: The road can have a delayed opening or remain closed for the day depending on weather and road conditions. Check @MountRainierNPS on Twitter (account not required to view) for current status of the Longmire gate and other road updates. Why does the gate to Paradise close during the winter? Find out in the video The Road to Paradise: Winter Access.
Mowich Lake Road	CLOSED for the season NOTE: Most of this road is gravel and some sections have rough conditions with potholes. Please drive with caution.
Paradise Valley Road One-way scenic route leaving Paradise connecting to Stevens Canyon Road.	CLOSED for the season NOTE: Barriers present to prevent parking due to the rock fall hazard. Do not park between barriers.
Ricksecker Point Road	CLOSED for the season
Stevens Canyon Road	CLOSED for the season NOTE: Tunnel height limit 12' 6".
Sunrise Road	CLOSED for the season NOTE: Due to the steep, narrow, and winding nature of the Sunrise Road, it is recommended that RVs and vehicles with trailers longer than 25 feet LOA not travel up the Sunrise Road beyond the White River Campground intersection. Currently there are no restrictions for unmodified motor coaches of standard length.
Westside Road	CLOSED for the season NOTE: Due to danger from rock fall, vehicles must park south of the barricade at Dry Creek. Hikers and bicyclists should travel through the area with caution and avoid lingering in the hazard zone. Visitors are also advised that Westside Road is an active geohazard zone.
White River Road to Campground	CLOSED for the season

Longmire-to-Paradise Winter Road Opening Decision Matrix

NOTE: Closed roads may be open to non-motorized vehicles like bicycles. CHECK SIGNS on closed road gates before proceeding. During snow plowing operations or when otherwise posted, park roads are closed to all use, including hiking, skiing, snowmobiles, and bicycling.