Road Status

Road Status - Updated March 22, 2023
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.

View the following road status map or road status table for updates.

 

All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park during the winter season (Nov 1 - May 1).

The tire chain 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. Learn more about Winter Recreation at Mount Rainier.

 

For the best viewing experience, click on the "View full screen" link in the lower left corner of 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 & bicycling traffic only NOTE: Be prepared to navigate around road and trail washouts and expect to encounter normal hazards, including downed trees, snow, and changing weather conditions. No vehicles are permitted beyond the park entrance.
SR 123 (Cayuse Pass) South Entrance to Cayuse Pass	CLOSED for the season Estimated to open for the season TBD, weather dependent. 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 Estimated to open for the season TBD, weather dependent. 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	Closed Mondays - Fridays for the 2022-23 winter. Open Saturdays and Sundays, weather/staff/equipment dependent. Road closes nightly on weekends and may close early depending on current conditions. Estimated to open daily, with nightly closures, on weekdays in mid-April, weather dependent. Nightly closures are probable until early May. Check @MountRainierNPS on Twitter for road status updates. (Twitter account not required to view, though may need to refresh browser if prompted for a login). Typical gate schedule when the road opens: Gate opens 9:00 am Uphill gate closes 3:00 pm Downhill gate closes 4:00 pm** **It is recommended to leave Paradise by 3:30 pm in order to exit the gate at Longmire before it locks for the night. Check @MountRainierNPS on Twitter after 4:00 pm for the next day's expected road opening status the day before you plan to visit. NOTE: The road can have a delayed opening or remain closed for the day depending on current conditions.
Mowich Lake Road	CLOSED for the season Estimated to open for the season July 7, weather dependent. 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 Estimated to open for the season June 30, weather dependent.
Ricksecker Point Road	CLOSED for the season Estimated to open for the season May 19, weather dependent.
Stevens Canyon Road	CLOSED for the season NOTE: Construction will continue in the 2023 season. Check the Stevens Canyon Road Rehabilitation Project page for additional information. NOTE: Tunnel height limit 12' 6".
Sunrise Road	CLOSED for the season Estimated to open for the season early July, weather dependent. 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 Estimated to open for the season May 19, weather dependent. 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 Estimated to open for the season May 26, weather dependent.

Longmire-to-Paradise Winter Road Opening Decision Matrix

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.

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.

 

Your GPS May Be Wrong

There are five entrances to the park. GPS may take you to the wrong entrance or attempt to follow the most direct route, which could lead to closed gates. It can take hours to reroute to the correct entrance. Check directions and maps, not just your GPS.