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Mount Rainier National ParkPark visitors and their car in 1921 with snow birms lining the Paradise Road.
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Mount Rainier National Park
Traffic & Travel Tips
 

Park roads are winding and shoulders are narrow. The maximum speed limit is 35 mph in most areas. Allow plenty of travel time during your visit.

 
Drawing of two blue snowflakes.

Winter Driving at Mount Rainier
All vehicles are required to carry tire chains. Ensure that your chains fit your tires and practice installing them before leaving home. Stop in a chain-up area, pullout, or parking lot to install, adjust, or remove tire chains.



In the park, practice safe winter driving :

  1. Reduce your speed.
  2. Keep your headlights on for visibility.
  3. Allow extra distance between vehicles.
  4. Stay well back when following plows.
  5. Use low gears, especially when driving downhill.
  6. Never stop or park in a traffic lane. 
 
Drawing of a sun.

Traveling to Mount Rainier in the Summer
On a sunny summer weekend, it can be difficult or impossible to find parking at Paradise, Sunrise, Grove of the Patriarchs, and at trailheads between Longmire and Paradise. The following tips may help you avoid this problem:

  1. Visit these areas on weekdays.
  2. Arrive early in the day.
  3. Carpool to the park.

Parking is not permitted along road edges.

 

 

Artist rendering of the new Paradise Visitor Center.  

Did You Know?
The park is currently building a new visitor center at Paradise & rehabilitating the historic Paradise Inn. The new visitor center will be more sustainable and less expensive to operate than the existing visitor center. The Paradise Inn, after 89 years of use, is in need of extensive rehabilitation.

Last Updated: December 18, 2006 at 11:15 EST