Mount Rainier National Park ditches timed entry reservations

Timed entry reservations will not be required to visit Mount Rainier National Park this year.

The National Parks Service announced the policy change in a news release Wednesday.

The timed-entry policy first went into effect in 2024 and was meant to prevent overcrowding at the park, which had led to three-hour-long waits at entrance gates, overfilled parking lots, packed trails, and trampled wildflowers.

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Park officials did not give a specific reason for the change in policy on Wednesday, but pledged to "maximize available capacity," while also protecting park resources.

"Mount Rainier National Park is dedicated to providing meaningful access to visitors while responsibly managing congestion during peak periods," Superintendent Gregory Dudgeon said in a statement. "We will continue using proven traffic and parking management strategies to support a safe and memorable experience for all."

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The Parks Service also provided some tips for visitors looking to have the most enjoyable experience possible, unhampered by overcrowding:

• Pick out a backup entrance point or trail if your preferred option is full or congested.
• Try to visit the park outside peak hours, before 7 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Plan weekday trips and avoid weekends and holidays, when the park is usually busiest.
• Consider lesser-known trails.

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