Permits and Passes

You must do two things before climbing Mt. Rainier:

1. Register for a climbing permit
Federal law requires that all people must register to climb Mt. Rainier. You must also check-out at a ranger station before you leave the park! This information enables us to perform a far more efficient search and rescue, effort should you require assistance.

2. Pay $30 for a climbing pass
Checks, cash, and credit cards are accepted.

The ranger stations at which you can complete these steps are:

1. Longmire Museum
Register in-person - 09:00-17:30 winter 2009-2010

2. Paradise
Self-Registration at the Paradise Old Station - 24/7 until mid-May 2010
Paradise Jackson Visitor's Center - Weedends and Holidays 10:00 - 16:30

3. White River Entrance Station

Self Registration - 24/7 until mid-May 2010

3. Longmire - Wilderness Information Center
Closed for the winter

4. Carbon River Ranger Station (360-829-9639)

Self-Registration - 24/7

FYI! The fine for not registering or checking out from your climb is $250.00!

Purchasing a Climbing Pass

All climbers must purchase a climbing pass at the time of registration. During the spring, climbers who self register must pay for their climbing pass with cash or credit cards. Follow the instructions on the back of fee envelop, included with the blue bags and registration card. Make sure that you deposit the fee envelop in the “Iron Ranger” (fee canister.) It usually takes 3 weeks to get these passes.

Climbing passes can also be purchased ahead of time. To do so, complete the following form. Send or fax it on the address listed to the climbing program.

Passes are generally mailed out within three weeks, however during the winter, it may take a month or more to get your pass. For more information, see the Climbing Pass FAQ.

Solo Climbing

If you'd like to climb Mount Rainier solo, you'll need to get a preapproved solo permit. The solo climbing application can be found here. It's a form fillable Word Doc.

It generally takes 2 weeks, sometimes less, to get your permit approved.

Climbing Pass FAQ's

Do I need a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass to climb Mount Rainier?

Yes. All persons climbing on glaciers, attempting a summit or climbing above high camps are required by law to purchase a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass and register for their climb. A climbing pass is not required to walk up to high camps or ski/snowboard on the lower glaciers.

Do I need a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass to go up to Camp Muir or Camp Schurman but no higher?

There is no need to purchase a Climbing Pass to travel only as far as Camp Muir or Camp Schurman. If you are going for a daytrip only, nothing additional is required. If you are staying out overnight, a Wilderness Camping Permit is required.

If I purchase a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass do I still need to register for my climb in person?

Yes. Purchasing a Climbing Pass simply pays your climbing permit fee for the calendar year. Your party is still required to register, in person, for your climb on the day your climb begins or the day prior to the climb.

How do I purchase a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass?

You may purchase your Mount Rainier Climbing Pass at the time you register for your climb or upon making a climbing reservation. You may also purchase your Mount Rainier Climbing Pass directly by fax or mail using a Climbing Pass Purchase Form.

How much does a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass cost and what form of payment can I use?

The fee for a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass is $30 payable by credit/debit card, check or cash (exact change required). The park accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

When does my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass expire?

Climbing Passes are good from the day purchased through December 31st of the year purchased.

How many climbs can I do with my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass?

You may register for an unlimited number of climbs within the calendar year.

Where does the money used to purchase my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass go?

The funds generated from Mount Rainier Climbing Pass sales are used to run the Mount Rainier Climbing Program. Funds are used to:

• Protect the mountain's delicate and unique alpine environment
• Staff the mountain's high camps with climbing rangers
• Staff ranger stations with climbing rangers and other personnel to assist climbers in registration
• Maintain a clean and healthful upper mountain free of human waste
• Fly human waste off the mountain from collection points and dispose of it properly
• Provide rangers who can rapidly respond to incidents on the mountain

Will I receive a pass when I go to the ranger station or will it be sent to me ahead of time?

If you choose not to make reservations for your climb, you will receive your Mount Rainier Climbing Pass upon payment of the climbing fee during registration. Those parties that make a reservation will receive their climbing passes by mail following the processing of the reservation.
When I show up to register for my climb, what do I need to purchase or use my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass?

To purchase or use your Mount Rainier Climbing Pass you will need valid photo I.D. If you have not already purchased a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass for the current year, you will need a valid form of payment for the purchase of a climbing pass.

Do I need to have my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass with me to register for a climb?

Each climber must present their Mount Rainier Climbing Pass and valid photo I.D. at the time they register for their climb. Failure to provide the climbing pass and I.D. will result in the climber being charged the climbing fee.

What if I show up to climb and I have forgotten my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass?

Failure to present your climbing pass will result in a charge for the climbing fee at the time of registration.

Does every climber need to have valid photo I.D.?

Yes. If you intend to purchase or use your Mount Rainier Climbing Pass you must have valid photo I.D.

Can I let my friends use my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass?

No. Mount Rainier Climbing Passes are nontransferable. You must have valid photo I.D. to register for your climb using a Climbing Pass.

Is my Mount Rainier Climbing Pass valid anywhere else?

The Mount Rainier Climbing Pass is good only at Mount Rainier.

Climbing Reservations - FAQ

How do I make a reservation to climb Mount Rainier?

You may request a reservation for your climbing party by visiting the Climbing Reservation Page of the Mount Rainier National Park website. Follow the directions to print out the forms provided and make a reservation request. The reservation form for climbing can be found here. Completed forms can be faxed or mailed to the park beginning March 15th. Requests sent or postmarked before this date will not be processed. Reservations can also be made in person at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center beginning Memorial Day weekend. Telephone reservations are not accepted.

Do I need a reservation to climb Mount Rainier?

Reservations are OPTIONAL, and they are not always needed. 40% of all camping slots are held aside for those who come to the mountain without reservations. These non-reservable slots usually go quickly. For much of the summer many of the popular high camps fill up and reservations are strongly recommended especially on weekends.

What is the cost of a climbing reservation?

The RESERVATION fee for a climbing permit is $20 per party. In addition, climbing pass fees are required for every member of your climbing party. Fees are payable by credit/debit card, or check. The park accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

Is the reservation fee refundable?

The reservation fee is NON-REFUNDABLE, even if you cancel your permit.

What information is required to make a climbing reservation?

You will need to fill out the Reservation Request form, which covers the specifics of your planned climb including:

• Dates of your trip
• Preferred camping locations
• Number of people in your party
• Basic personal information about the trip leader (name, address, etc.)
• Payment for the reservation fee and the Mount Rainier Climbing Pass Fee for the entire party
• The names of those in your party who have already purchased a current Mount Rainier Climbing Pass and their climbing pass number.
  

Do I need to know who will be in my party when I make climbing reservations?

No, you may purchase the necessary number of Mount Rainier Climbing Passes and distribute them to your teammates. The party leader need only specify the number of climbers in the party and pay the climbing fee for those slots. If one or more members of the team have already purchased a climbing pass for the current calendar year, the names and pass numbers of those members must be specified along with the reservation request.

When will I hear if my climbing reservation has been accepted or rejected?

Within approximately one week of requesting a reservation, a confirmation letter with the specified number of Mount Rainier Climbing Passes will be sent to the leader. A letter of rejection will be sent if the climb cannot be accommodated. The response time may be longer during the first two weeks of April.

Why would my climbing reservation request be rejected?

If the available overnight camping slots are already reserved at the camp(s) you requested, your climbing reservation request will be rejected.

What can I do to help ensure my climbing reservation request is not rejected?

By providing several alternative overnight camp locations, you are more likely to get a suitable reservation. The larger your climbing party size the more likely it is that a particular camp may not be able to accommodate your group. Smaller parties may have an advantage in this respect.

Do I pay anything if my climbing reservation request is rejected?

No. If your climbing reservation request is rejected, you will not be charged the reservation fee or Mount Rainier Climbing Pass fee.

Can I return a Mount Rainier Climbing Pass?

Mount Rainier Climbing Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE.

Can I make a change to my climbing reservation?

Changes may be made as long as notice is received at least 14 days in advance of your climb and if the change can be accommodated given the limited nature of the park's camping resources. Party size may be increased (if space is available) but any reduction in party size will not result in a refund as climbing passes are non-refundable.

How do I make a change to my climbing reservation?

Fax or mail the requested change before the the 14-day change deadline to the same place you sent your original reservation:Fax to: (360) 569-3131 Mail to: Wilderness Information Center, Mount Rainier National Park, Tahoma Woods, Star Route, Ashford, WA 98304-9751.

Does it cost anything to make a change to my climbing reservation?

One change may be made to your reservation at no cost. Each subsequent change will cost $20.

What if a member of the team already has a current Mount Rainier Climbing Pass when I make a reservation request?

Include the pass numbers and names of those with current valid climbing passes along with your request. The Climbing Party Supplemental Form, accessible through the Climbing Reservation Page is specifically designed for this purpose.

Here are a few tips for climbers, who are considering a reservation.

Special Use Permits

A Special Use Permit is required for activities that:

• Provide a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large; and,
• Require some degree of management by the National Park Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest.

Some examples of actitivities and events that require Special Use Permits are:

• Training or Mountaineering Schools (such as the Mountaineers, Boealps, Community Colleges, or The Washington Alpine Club.) Any event with more than 12 people needs to get a pre-approved Special Use Permit.
• Filming and Photography Permits
• Wedding Ceremonies
• Scattering of Ashes
• Military Operations
• Large Group Camps

Application Process:

Contact the NPS Permit Coordinator at Mount Rainier National Park, 55210 238th Avenue East, Ashford, WA 98304. There is an application available here.

(360) 569-2211, ext. 3328 phone
(360) 569-2174 fax

Regulations for Climbers

Guiding
Engaging in any business in park areas except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement is prohibited.

Leading or participating in an unauthorized guided climb of Mount Rainier is illegal (Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations).

Age
Anyone younger than 18 years of age must have permission of his/her parent or legal guardian before climbing above normal high camps.

Permits and Registration
Climbers must register and pay the climbing fee prior to climbing. They must also check out upon return.

Anyone climbing or hiking on glaciers, or above the normal high camps such as Camp Muir and Camp Schurman, must register and pay the climbing fee ($30.)

Mountain Travel
Travel on established trails to avoid damaging fragile alpine vegetation.

Camping
Camping is only allowed on permanent snow or ice, or on bare ground areas previously used as campsites.

Solo Climbing
Solo travel above high camps or anywhere on glaciers is not permitted except with prior written permission from the Superintendent. You may download a Solo Climb Request Form or you may request this form by calling the park at: 360 569 2211 or by writing to: Superintendent, Mount Rainier National Park, Attention Solo Climb, 55210 238th Ave East, Ashford, WA 98304.