Road Status - Updated October 21, 2019
This report is updated when conditions change. You may also call the park for current road conditions at 360-569-2211 or check (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.
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Carbon River Road
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OPEN to pedestrian and bicycle traffic only
No vehicles are permitted beyond the park entrance; bicycle and pedestrian traffic only.
NOTE: Spiketon Creek Bridge (aka Pioneer Way Bridge) on State Route 162, outside of the park just west of Buckley, WA, along the route to the Carbon River Entrance, is CLOSED permanently (WSDOT News Release, 8/31/18). Motorists and bicyclists can follow a detour route onto Pioneer Way East to Mundy Loss Road to SR 410 and back to SR 165; see detour map. Or from South Prairie, take AP Tubbs Rd to Johns Rd E to SR165; see alternate route map. The Foothills Trail under the bridge will remain open.
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SR 123 (Cayuse Pass)
South Entrance to Cayuse Pass
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OPEN
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.
Typically closes for the season mid-November or earlier with the first heavy snowfall.
Commercial vehicles prohibited at all times.
NOTE: Tunnel height limit 13' 1".
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SR 410 (Chinook Pass)
North Entrance to SR123/Cayuse Pass then east to Chinook Pass
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OPEN from SR123/Cayuse Pass to the north entrance (towards Enumclaw).
CLOSED from SR123/Cayuse Pass east to Chinook Pass (towards Yakima).
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.
Typically closes for the season mid-November or earlier with the first heavy snowfall.
Commercial vehicles prohibited at all times.
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Nisqually Entrance to Longmire
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OPEN
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Longmire to Paradise
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OPEN - CLOSED nightly
The road may close at night depending on the weather/current conditions.
Gate Schedule:
- 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 exit the gate at Longmire before it locks for the night.
NOTE: The road can have a delayed opening, remain closed for the day, or close at any time depending on the weather/road conditions. Check (account not required to view) for current status of the Longmire gate and other road updates. More on winter travel in the park.
Why does the gate to Paradise close during the winter? Find out in the video The Road to Paradise: Winter Access.
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Mowich Lake Road
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CLOSED for the season
NOTE: Most of this road is gravel and some sections have rough conditions with potholes. Please drive with caution.
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Paradise Valley Road
One-way scenic route leaving Paradise connecting to Stevens Canyon Road.
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CLOSED for the season
NOTE: Barriers present to prevent parking due to the rock fall hazard. Do not park between barriers.
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Ricksecker Point Road
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OPEN
Expected to close for the season November 4 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall.
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Stevens Canyon Road
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CLOSED until further notice due to winter conditions. Road will be reassessed for opening as conditions improve.
NOTE: Stevens Canyon Road may at times be closed depending on local ice/snow conditions. Check (account not required to view) for current status.
Expected to close for the season October 28 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall.
NOTE: Tunnel height limit 12' 6".
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Sunrise Road
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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.
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Westside Road
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OPEN
Expected to close for the season November 4 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall.
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.
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White River Road to Campground
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OPEN
Expected to close for the season October 28 or earlier with the first heavy snowfall.
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Longmire-to-Paradise Winter Road Opening Decision Matrix
