With the arrival of snow in late October, Mount Rainier's beauty changes and so do its challenges. Visitors planning to travel to the park in winter should familiarize themselves with winter travel tips, road status, and be prepared for potential winter hazards. Mount Rainier National Park is open all year, although in winter only two park entrances are open: the Nisqually Entrance, in the southwest corner of the park, and the Carbon River Entrance, in the northwest corner of the park. Most of Mount Rainier's roads are closed for winter. The road from Nisqually Entrance to Longmire is open year-round, but may close during extreme weather. During the winter season the road between Longmire and Paradise closes nightly, though it may also remain closed during the day due to extreme weather or high avalanche danger. The daily opening/closing status of the gate at Longmire is posted as Alerts on the park website and NPS app. Longmire to Paradise RoadLast updated: 8/26/24
Make sure you're properly equipped for winter weather and travel before leaving home:
Metering Vehicles During Times of High VisitationIf 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 RequirementsAs 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.
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. Winter Driving Safety Tips
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. |
Last updated: August 26, 2024