Due to a "critical failure of the park's existing reservation system during a recent storm event" the park will not be accepting nor processing reservations for any wilderness permits this season.
Wilderness Camping to be First-come, First-served
This means only walk-up permits will be issued for climbing on Mount Rainier this summer. Any reservations already received will be returned unprocessed and fees will be refunded. Please see the press release above for more details.
In the past we've recommended reserving a permit for parties who don't have flexible travel dates and want particular sites during popular times (weekends in late-July and early-August). This year, since reservations are not a possibility, here are some recommendations:
- Add an extra day to your trip so that your climb could start either a day ahead, or a day behind the original start date of your climb and thus opening up more possibilities to fit your party in.
- Register (must be in-person) as early as possible for your climb. The Climbing Information Center in Paradise is open from 7:00 to 4:30 this summer and the White River Ranger Station will be open from 7:30 to 5:00. Permits can be issued up to one day before the start of your climb.
- Be familiar with the different camping zones up high on the mountain so you can make alternative plans if your first choice of camping location is full.
Information on Climbing in Mount Rainier National Park. Maintained by Park Service Climbing Rangers.
