New Permitting System for Mt Rainier NP
Posted: February 19th, 2021, 10:55 am
Big changes this year
https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/ ... permit.htm
Short story:
1. All reservations going to recreation.gov.
2. Wonderland loop has a new lottery system.
3. One third of all permits will still be saved for same day walkup.
My impression is that most hardcore backpackers mostly use the same day system. And that will get better because now you will be able to look up availability to whatever your preferred destination is online before you go. As a relatively small national park that is very popular, Rainier will never be the place for those who prioritize flexibility and cheap. I typically go once a year and take a list of options for my same day permit, which usually are mostly off-Wonderland. If you want to use the car campgrounds, I think it's the same system as before.
https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/ ... permit.htm
Short story:
1. All reservations going to recreation.gov.
2. Wonderland loop has a new lottery system.
3. One third of all permits will still be saved for same day walkup.
My impression is that most hardcore backpackers mostly use the same day system. And that will get better because now you will be able to look up availability to whatever your preferred destination is online before you go. As a relatively small national park that is very popular, Rainier will never be the place for those who prioritize flexibility and cheap. I typically go once a year and take a list of options for my same day permit, which usually are mostly off-Wonderland. If you want to use the car campgrounds, I think it's the same system as before.