Mount Rainier National Park is launching a pilot scheme with a timed entry reservation system.
It aims to improve the visitor experience by reducing wait times, congestion and environmental impacts caused by overcrowding.
Over the last 10 years Mount Rainier National Park has seen a 40% increase in visitors.
These reservations will be required for the summer period from 24 May through 2 September, for visitors at the Paradise Corridor from the south side between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
From 4 July through 2 September, a reservation will be needed to take the Sunrise Corridor on the northeast side between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Reservations for July visits are now open and reservations from 1 August to 2 September will open on 1 May. Each timed entry is for a two-hour window.
Park visitors can make reservations at Recreation.gov.
Advance reservations are expected to sell out, especially on weekends.
Additional reservations will be made available each evening for the next day to provide an opportunity for people with last minute travel plans.
About Mount Rainier National Park
The active volcano Mount Rainier is also the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States, located south of Seattle. Mount Rainier draws thousands of people each year to ascend the volcano. For visitors keen to explore throughout the park, there are more than 260 miles of maintained trails winding through everything from old-growth forests to high subalpine meadows. This includes short family friendly trails to strenuous hikes leading to waterfall views.
