Winter Travel

The historic Longmire Suspension Bridge frosted with fresh snow.

NPS Photo

Longmire to Paradise Road

Last updated: 11/2/2026 — Regular nightly closures of the Longmire gate began 10/29/2026 for the winter season.

• During the winter, the gate at Longmire to Paradise closes nightly so that the Paradise Road assessed the following morning following the Longmire-to-Paradise Winter Road Opening Decision Matrix to determine whether the gate can open for the day. The gate may open late, close early, or remain closed for the day depending on weather, avalanche conditions, and road conditions.
• Typical gate schedule, conditions permitting:
  • Gate opens: 9:00 am
  • Uphill gate closes: 3:00 pm
  • Downhill gate closes: 4:00 pm*
  • *Plan to leave Paradise by 3:30 pm to allow enough time to reach the Longmire gate before it closes for the night.
• While you're waiting for the road to open in Longmire, please park in the parking lot, not in a traffic lane.
• Check Alerts daily for the current status of the Longmire gate and other road updates:
  • Check after 4:00 pm for the expected gate opening status the day before you plan to visit.
  • Check back after 7:00 am the day of your visit for the updated expected status. Conditions can change quickly on the mountain.
  • The alert will be updated when the road is open for the day or when conditions change.
• For winter recreation options outside of the Paradise Area, check the Alternative Winter Destinations and Activities webpage.
• All vehicles, including 4WD and AWD vehicles, are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park November 1 – May 1: Tire Chain Frequently Asked Questions

 

Even in winter, the Paradise area parking lot can quickly fill on sunny days! Photo taken January 17, 2017.

NPS Photo

Metering Vehicles During Times of High Visitation

If the Paradise area experiences high visitation levels and the parking lots fill, the park may implement metering vehicles at the Longmire gate. “Metering” means rangers will allow one vehicle up the road to Paradise for each vehicle that comes down. The goals of metering are to ensure that all visitors to Paradise have a place to park, to reduce vehicle congestion, and to provide a safe visitor experience. Many of the tips to avoid summer congestion also apply during the winter.

 

Follow Traction Requirements

As road and weather conditions change throughout the day, traction requirements may also change. Always carry tire chains when driving in mountainous terrain in winter and spring. Traction tires or chains may be required at anytime in winter. Obey the posted traction requirement.

• "Approved Traction Tires Advised" - The road ahead has patches of snow and/or ice covering the surface. Your vehicle should have approved all-season tires, snow tires, or chains on the drive wheels. Approved traction tires are designated by "M-S", "M/S", "*-*", or "All Season" on the sidewall of the tires.
• "Chains required Except 4WD" - The road ahead is snow-packed or icy and drivers can expect some difficulty. Your vehicle must have tire chains (link, cable, or plastic) on the drive wheels. AWD and 4WD vehicles may proceed without chains if they have snow tires on all four wheels, are in four wheel drive, and carry one set of chains in the vehicle for later installation if needed.
• "Chains required all vehicles" - All vehicles must have chains on the drive wheels inlcuding AWD and 4WD.

Note: Autosocks are allowed for passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds as an alternative traction device for use when "Chains Required" signs are posted, in accordance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 204-24-035. Vehicles over 10,000 pounds must carry a second set of chains and use them whenever traction tires or chains are required.

 

Park roads can be snowy and icy in winter. Be prepared for changing conditions.

NPS Photo

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Beware of poor visibility and reduced traction.
• Always carry tire chains in winter and spring.
• Reduce your speed.
• Keep your headlights on for visibility.
• Allow extra distance between vehicles.
• Stay well back when following plows.
• Use low gears, especially when driving downhill.
• Never stop or park in a traffic lane. Your life may depend on it!
• If your RWD vehicle skids: Reduce gas and steer where you want to go.
• If your FWD vehicle skids: Accelerate slightly and steer where you want to go.
• Brake sparingly to avoid skidding by locking your brakes.
• Drive in the appropriate lane for your direction of travel. Avoid the center line.
• Ensure that your chains fit your tires and practice installing them before you need them.
• Stop in a chain-up area, pullout, or parking lot to install, adjust, or remove tire chains.
• When parking, avoid setting your emergency brake. It may freeze.
• Shady areas and bridge surfaces can be treacherously icy even when other sections of roadway are not.
• Stay alert, use caution, anticipate hazards, and slow down!

Learn more about Winter Safety, including how to minimize the risk from hypothermia and avalanches.

 

Road Status

Find out current road conditions, including access to Paradise during the winter season.

Winter & Snow Safety

Winter can show you a different side of the park, but it also involves extra safety considerations such as the risk of avalanches.

Weather

Be prepared for Mount Rainier's changeable weather.