Permits, Registration, Ranger Stations and Regs

Permits and Passes

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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 for your climbing pass. It is an annual pass and valid for the calendar year it was purchased in. There are two passes.
a) Adult Pass ($43 / person) for those 25 and older.
b) Youth Pass ($30 / person) for those 24 and younger.

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

Climbing Information Center (at Paradise) :
- Open everyday from 600-1800, May 27 through June 30
- Open everyday from 600-1600, July 1 through September 5
- Open weekends from 700-1530, September 6 through 25
- Closed for the season starting September 26th (Self-Registration at Paradise is open!)

Self-Registration Box* at the Paradise Old Ranger Station :
- Open 24 hours a day starting September 6 (except when the CIC is open)
- Please register at the CIC on weekends in September

Paradise Jackson Visitor Center :
- Open Saturdays and Sundays 1000-1700, through May 5
- Open daily 1000-1700, May 6 through May 19
- Open daily 1000-1800, May 20 through June 17
- Open daily 1000-1900, June 18 through September 5

Longmire Wilderness Information Center :
- Closed until May 27
- Open daily 730-1700, after May 27

Longmire Museum :
- Open everyday 900-16:30, through May 27

White River Ranger Station :
- Sunday through Thursday 7:30-17:30
- Friday 7:00-19:00
- Saturday 7:00-17:30

Carbon River Ranger Station :
- Call for hours: (360) 829-9639
- No credit cards accepted at Carbon. Cash or Check only

* Self-Registration is an "easy" four step process. It is outlined in detail on top of the self-registration box. The self-registration box itself is located in Paradise, on the porch of the Paradise Old Ranger Station - this is the pointy A-frame building right next to the parking lot, across from the Visitor Center. Here's the gist of the self-registration process:

1.) Fill out a climbing permit card completely
2.) Cut the permit on the line, take the small half with you, put the large half in the wooden box.
3.) Fill out a fee envelope: put cash, check, or card information on it, and put it in the metal box.
4.) Take bluebags, maps, and bearing sheets as needed - all are inside the box.

Reservations

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About 40 percent of all camp sites at every location (Camp Muir, Ingraham Flats, Thumb Rock, etc.) are non-reservable. These are for "walk-up" climbers and backpackers. These walk-up permits are usually issued quickly in the morning each day, especially during July, August, and on weekends. There are no guarantees climbing parties will have space if they do not make a reservation. If you would like to reserve sites on the mountain, please fill out the reservation form (see link below). Wilderness Reservations cost $20.

All climbers must have or purchase an annual climbing pass at the time of reservation. You can fill out and fax the Climbing Pass Purchase Form (see link below), buy a pass at a open ranger station, or if it is before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, you can use the self-registration kiosks. Your pass will then be sent to you in the mail.

Wilderness Reservation Form

Climbing Pass Purchase Form

Solo Climbing

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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

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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 $43 for adults age 25 and older and $30 for 'youth' age 24 and younger. Passes are 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

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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 the requested change before the the 14-day change deadline to the same place you sent your original reservation:Fax to: (360) 569-3131
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

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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;

There is an application available here.

Regulations for Climbers

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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.