Road Status

Road Status - Updated November 12, 2024

This report is updated when road status changes. Check Alerts at the top of this website for road updates and announcements, including daily status of the Longmire gate in winter.

• Weather can change quickly and affect road conditions. Webcams can also provide an idea of current weather conditions.
• Plan ahead to avoid summer congestion. The park can experience extremely high visitation with long wait times at the entrances and heavy road and parking lot congestion.
• Some facilities may be closed even if roads are open. Check Hours of Operation for facilites at your destination and plan ahead to bring what you need, including food and water.

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).

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.

 

Road Status Map

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.

View full screen >

 

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. NOTE: State Route 165 Carbon River Bridge (Fairfax Bridge), located at milepost 11.5, three miles south of Carbonado en route to Carbon River and Mowich Lake, has a weight restriction of 16,000 pounds (8 tons). Vehicles over that weight limit are not allowed on the bridge. There is currently no alternate route. (WSDOT News Release, 7/26/24).
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	OPEN during the day Friday-Monday, conditions permitting. The road is closed Tuesday-Thursday. The road to Paradise closes nightly at the gate at Longmire. NOTE: The road can close at any time due to weather/road conditions. Check Alerts daily for status of the Paradise Road. Gate Schedule, Friday-Monday: 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 drive down the hill and exit the gate at Longmire before it locks for the night. Learn more about Winter Travel.
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. NOTE: State Route 165 Carbon River Bridge (Fairfax Bridge), located at milepost 11.5, three miles south of Carbonado en route to Carbon River and Mowich Lake, has a weight restriction of 16,000 pounds (8 tons). Vehicles over that weight limit are not allowed on the bridge. There is currently no alternate route. (WSDOT News Release, 7/26/24).
Paradise Valley Road One-way scenic route leaving Paradise connecting to Stevens Canyon Road.	CLOSED for the season NOTE: This road closure does NOT affect access to Paradise or Paradise parking lots.
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.

 

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.