If you are looking to visit Mt. Rainier National Park this summer look out for the new Timed Entry Reservation system that the park will be using through the summer. 

Starting May 24, $2 per private vehicle timed entry reservations will be a requirement to get into Mt. Rainier National Park in the Paradise Corridor which has 2 entrances, the Nisqually Entrance off WA-706, and the Stevens Pass Entrance off WA-123. Time selections for the reservations are two-hour entry time slots at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 1 p.m. These reservations will also be needed for the Sunrise Corridor with the White River Entrance off WA-410 beginning July 4, 2024. Reservations for both corridors will be needed to enter the park through Sept. 2, 2024. However, if you want to enter the park before or after these dates or times, a reservation is not needed but you will still need to buy a park pass.  

According to nps.gov, “The timed entry reservation system pilot is projected to reduce wait times at entrance stations, reduce road and trail congestion, reduce impacts to fragile subalpine meadows, and improve parking options at popular destinations such as Paradise and Sunrise. This will lead to a better visitor experience – more time in the park, less time in cars waiting in line or searching for parking,” the site says. 

With these reservations being put in place they do give some grace for trying to enter the park by making it easier to park but don’t seem to be very forgiving if you’re running late, “If the reservation is not validated, it is canceled and cannot be used for entry at a later time, even if the late arrival is on the same day,” nps.gov says. This means it might be better to try to get to the park earlier in your two-hour slot rather than later and risk ruining your trip. 

These reservations are only a trial to see if the park can use them to improve in the future with the issues mentioned. But when you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to make a reservation so you don’t have to turn around and have a trip wasted. 

For more information visit https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservations-faq.htm