Welcome to Mount Rainier National Park!
Welcome to your park!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic
things are different this year. We invite you to enjoy Mount Rainier
National Park, but ask that you recreate responsibly. Help ensure
a safe visit for you and your family
as well as for the Mount Rainier community.
Mount Rainier National Park is following guidance from the White House,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local
public health authorities to increase recreational access and services
through a phased approach.
Not everything in the park may be open
or open with the same level of access as normal.
Facilities may also close as conditions change.
Make sure to check hours of operations before coming.
For example, Wilderness Permits to camp in the backcountry
in the park must be reserved in advance. Check the park
website and social media for updates.
[Middle] If you are visiting the park, be prepared.
[Right] Services may not be available
so bring everything you may need like food, water,
and of course the 10 essentials.
[Left] Don’t forget a face covering and some hand sanitizer.
[Middle] Good news restrooms are available.
Plan ahead and have a Plan B. If your first choice is full have a back up
location in mind, or you may need to come back at a different time.
Please park only in designated areas.
Play it safe! Slow down
and choose lower risk activities. Search and Rescue and
other health care providers are strained this year and have less capacity
to help you if you are in trouble. Remember, higher
elevation areas may still be snow covered, making travel more difficult.
Climbing routes, like the Disappointment Cleaver, are also
less established this year. If you are not an experienced climber
this may not be the year to attempt a climb of Mount Rainier.
While you’re here, be considerate.
When visiting the park, it’s important to keep in mind that
everyone is affected by this pandemic. Remember to be
considerate to your fellow visitors.
If someone asks for more space, please do so.
This is hard to ask for and respecting
their wishes will make them welcome. If another visitor is not giving
you space, ask politely or move back to a distance you are comfortable with.
[Middle] Maintaining space on narrow trails may be difficult
especially when passing. If you must pass someone,
wait until the trail widens a bit.
[Right] You can also step off the trail onto durable ground like a rock
or a thick patch of snow to let others passed. Say thank you once you’ve passed.
[Left] Wear a mask or face covering especially on busy trails
or in crowded areas. If you aren’t wearing one while hiking, do your best
to cover your face when approaching others or
to turn your face away while passing.
Now more than ever is the time to be understanding
of other’s needs and to be kind. While we strongly recommend
social distancing and face covering, it is not a requirement. If someone
is not respecting your desire for space, continue your hike and enjoy
the rest of your day.
Maintaining space from wildlife is important too.
Do not feed the wildlife, even if they look
hungry. They are expert beggars. Ensure that you pack
out what you pack in. There will be limited access to trash disposal
and facilities so please take all garbage
with you and Leave No Trace.
We know things are weird right now. We’re all adjusting
to a new normal and appreciate your patience.
With your cooperation, we can all have safe visits and normal
operations will eventually resume.
We are so excited to welcome visitors back
and we look forward to seeing you on the trail.
Thanks!
For more information visit the website at nps.gov/mora or
recreateresponsibly.org