Located 100 miles southeast of Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park is situated in one of the most rugged areas of Washington state. At 14,410 feet, the namesake mountain towers over the park; and not only is this active volcano the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US, but it’s also a popular climb, with over 10,000 attempts each year. That said, you can certainly enjoy the park without attempting the summit, as there are also several developed areas that offer accessible trails, museums, campsites and overnight lodging.
Insider Tips
Be sure and stop at Christine Falls, which is located just past Longmire on the left side of the road. It’s easy to miss, and if you take time to admire it from the road, you’ll drive right by the pullout on the right side, which offers the best view of the falls. Unfortunately there are only stairs down to the lower viewing area, but you can still get a nice view of the top part of the 40-foot high waterfall from the 1928 masonry bridge near the pullout.
The most accessible trail in the park – the Kautz Creek Trail – is located across the street from the Kautz Creek Picnic Area. This level boardwalk trail winds through a section of the forest which was devastated by a 1947 glacier generated debris flow, and leads out to an overlook that offers an excellent view of Mount Rainier.
A timed entry reservation is required for visits to the Paradise Corridor and the Sunrise Corridor of the park, during the peak summer season. Reservations are released 90 days in advance and are available a www.recreation.gov. Plan ahead, because entry reservations are not available at the park; and if you don’t have one you won’t be admitted. And remember, even if you have a national park pass, you still need an entry permit.
Located in Northwest Washington, Mount Rainier towers 14,410 feet over the surrounding alpine meadows. And when the “mountain is out” it’s visible from as far away as Seattle, Portland and even Vancouver. That said, there’s nothing like a close look at this active volcano, which can be had from Mount Rainier National Park , as well as aboard a local rail excursion. Although it’s only possible to access these sites in the summer season, due to snow and road closures; they are definitely worth a visit. So take some time to to check out these wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views on your next Washington national park road trip.
Kautz Creek Boardwalk
Located about three miles east of the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, the Kautz Creek Boardwalk is one of the newest accessible trails in the park. There’s accessible parking near the picnic area, with level access to the .1-mile boardwalk across the street. The boardwalk leads through a section of forest that’s still recovering from a 1947 glacier generated debris flow, and it ends in a crushed granite viewing area with a few benches. And on a clear day, you just can’t beat the Mount Rainier view from there.
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center
Next up on our list of wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views is the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, which is located about 14 miles up the road in Paradise. This area of the park was named by an early settler who reportedly exclaimed “Oh, what a paradise!” when she first saw it. And it’s a fitting description. There’s accessible parking in front of the building, with barrier-free access to all areas of the visitor center. The visitor center offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the area, but you’ll also get a great Mount Rainier view if you just step out the back door. And if you hit this stop at the right time in the summer, you’ll also be treated to a nice view of the wildflower-filled meadows.
Reflection Lake Pullout
The next stop is about 3.5 miles up the road at the Reflection Lake Pullout. Although the lake is on the left side, the most accessible viewpoint is located on the right. The small parking area includes an accessible parking place with curb-cut access out to the viewpoint. And you just can’t beat the stunning reflection of Mount Rainer in the water. This is also a great stop for folks who have trouble walking, as you can get a nice windshield view from the pullout.
Sunrise Visitor Center
Mount Rainier viewed from Sunrise Visitor Center
The highest point in Mount Rainier National Park which can be reached by vehicle is located in Sunrise, about 60 miles northeast of the Nisqually Entrance. And it just makes sense that you’ll get a good mountain view from this 6,400 foot vantage point. Although the front entrance to the Sunrise Visitor Center has steps, there’s an accessible side entrance. There are a number of interpretive exhibits inside, but the main attraction is the view. You’ll get an absolutely jaw-dropping glimpse of the mountain from the spotting scope on the far side of the room. It’s definitely worth the drive! Plan ahead though, as the visitor center is generally only open from July through mid-September, as the road closes after the first substantial snowfall.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
The Nisqually River Viewed from Mount Rainier Railroad
Last but not least on our list of wheelchair-accessible Mount Rainier views, is the impressive vista that can be seen aboard the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad (mtrainierrailroad.com). This seasonal train excursion departs from the Elbe depot, which is just 15 minutes from the Nisqually Entrance. There’s accessible parking near the depot, with barrier-free access to the building. Accessible restrooms are located next door, and there are plenty of accessible pathways around the outside depot area. There’s lift access up to the roomy baggage car, which has plenty of room for a wheelchair. This scenic excursion travels along the Nisqually River and offers no shortage of photo worthy views. And there’s an announcement right before you round the corner for that iconic Mount Rainier view. And with the large open doorways and a safety fence in place, wheelchair-users have the perfect vantage point. It’s a great addition to any Mount Rainier visit.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Because of increased visitation to many popular US National Parks, advance entrance reservations are now required during peak visitation periods. These reservations must be purchased in advance at www.recreation.gov, or by using the mobile app (https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app) or calling (877) 444-6777. They will not be available for purchase at the parks; and visitors who arrive without national park entrance reservations will be turned away. It’s a good idea to print or save a digital copy of your reservation on your phone, as cell service is not available at many national park entrance stations. A photo ID is also required, and it must match the name on the reservation.
Entrance reservations are not required if you have lodging, camping or tour reservations; however you must show confirmation of those reservations at the park entrance. Entrance reservations are required even if you have a national park pass. And if you don’t have a national park pass, you will still need to pay the entrance fee even if you have an entrance reservation. Questions about the entrance reservations can be directed to the specific national park you intend to visit.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 national park entrance reservations.
Mount Rainier National Park
The timed entry reservation system for Mount Rainier National Park was a pilot program in 2024. The results of this program will be evaluated to determine if it helped the park achieve it management objectives. Future entry reservation requirements for 2025 and beyond will be announced here when/if applicable.
Timed entry reservations are required for visits to the Paradise Corridor and the Sunrise Corridor of Mount Rainier National Park, between May 24, 2024 and September 2, 2024, from 7 AM to 3 PM.
The Paradise Corridor runs from the Nisqually Entrance near Ashford in the southwest area of the park, to the Stevens Canyon Entrance on State Route 123 near Ohanapecosh in the southeast corner of the park. Mount Rainier timed entry reservations are required for this area of the park between May 24, 2024 and September 2, 2024. They will be available beginning on February 21, 2024 at the following times.
Booking Window Opens
Arrival Dates
February 21, 2024
May 24 to June 30, 2024
April 1, 2024
July 1 to July 31, 2024
May 1, 2024
August 1 to September 2, 2024
The Sunrise Corridor is located in the northeast corner of the park. It can be accessed by the White River Entrance, which is located on State Route 410. It connects Enumclaw in the north to Yakima in the east. Mount Rainier timed entry reservations are required for this area of the park from July 3, 2024 to September 2, 2024. Timed entry reservations for this area of the park are available beginning on April 1, 2024 at the following times listed below.
Booking Window Opens
Arrival Dates
April 1, 2024
July 3 to July 31, 2024
May 1, 2024
August 1 to September 2, 2024
Reservations cost $2, and blocks will be released 90 days in advance. A limited number of timed entry reservations will also be available at 7:00 Pacific Time the day prior to the visit.
Yosemite National Park
The 2025 Yosemite entrance reservation requirements are delayed due to administrative changes. The 2025 (and beyond) requirements are expected to be released shortly.
National park entrance reservations are required for Yosemite National Park, for visits from April 13, 2024 to October 27, 2024. The 2024 Peak Hours Plus entrance reservation program differs a bit from those in past years, but the goal is the same — to preserve the park and increase enjoyment for visitors.
Entrance reservations will be required on weekends and holidays from April 13 through June 30, and from August 17 through October 27. The holidays that fall within the reservation period include Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Entrance reservations will also be required daily from July 1 through August 16. These reservations are required for visitors who enter the park between 5 AM and 4 PM (3 PM after September 21) . Reservations cost $2 each.
There are two types of entrance reservations. One is good all day, while the other is only good after noon. Both entrance reservations are valid for three days, and they do not need to be used on the first day.
The majority of Yosemite entrance reservations will be available on January 5, 2024 at 8 AM PST. The rest of the reservations will be available seven days before the arrival date at 8 AM. For example, a reservation for an arrival date of October 27 would become available at 8AM on October 20.
Reservations are required for most people who just want to pass through the park; however people with a local zip code can pass through without an entrance reservation. The only acceptable proof of residence for this purpose is a drivers license. No stopping is allowed on the pass through entry.
Yosemite entrance reservations are also required during peak viewing times for Horsetail Falls in February. Those entrance reservations are usually released in early December. (
After reviewing the 2024 Arches Timed Entry Reservation Program, some modifications have been made. A Timed Entry Reservation will be required for visitors who enter the park from April 1 to July 6, 2025 and from August 28 to October 31, 2025. Reservations are required between 7 AM and 4 PM during these periods. Reservations will be released in blocks beginning at 8 AM MST on January 2, 2025. They cost $2 each. The reservation blocks are listed below.
April 1-June 30 reservations open January 2 at 8 AM MST
July 1-6 reservations open on February 1 at 8 AM MST
August 28-31 reservations open on March 1 at 8 AM MST
September 1-30 reservations open on April 1 at 8 AM MST
October 1-31 reservations open on May 1 at 8 AM MST
Beginning on March 31, 2025, a limited number of next-day tickets will be available after 7 PM MDT on the day prior to the visit.
Reservations can be made in hourly increments and are only valid for entrance during that hour. Visitors who want to visit the park on two different days will need two different timed entry reservations. Once visitors enter the park, they can stay for the entire day. Ticket holders may also exit and re-enter the park on the same day with a correctly validated ticket.
Glacier National Park
As in previous years, advance vehicle reservations are required for the most congested areas in Glacier National Park. The 2025 system requires vehicle entrance reservations for visitors traveling over the west side of Going-to-the-Sun Road between June 18 and September 28, 2025. These reservations will be required for visits between 6 AM and 3 PM.
Vehicle entrance reservations cost $2. A portion of the vehicle entrance reservations for the West Entrance and the Camas entrance will be available 120 days in advance beginning February 12, 2025 at 8 AM Mountain Standard Time. Beginning on June 12, 2025 the remaining vehicle entrance reservations will be released at 7 PM, the day prior to the visit.
As in 2024, vehicle reservations will not be required to enter Two Medicine Valley or the St. Mary entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road in 2025. Entry may however be restricted (metered) during peak times if the roads become too congested. This usually occurs between 10 AM and 2 PM. Visitors with lodging or tour reservations will be admitted during these restricted times.
The Swiftcurrent area of Many Glacier Valley will be closed to the public in 2025, due to construction projects.
It’s important to note that although visitors with lodging or tour reservations do not need vehicle entrance reservations to enter the park, the lodging or tour reservation must be made for the specific area of the park you plan to visit. For example if you have a reservation in the Apgar Campground, you will be allowed to access that campground; however you will not be allowed to access Going-to-the-Sun Road without a vehicle entrance reservation.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park are required to have a timed entry permit to enter the park beginning May 23, 2025. There are two Rocky Mountain Entry Permits.
The Timed Entry Permit will allow access to all areas of the park, except the Bear Lake Corridor. It will be valid from 9 AM to 2 PM. It is required until October 13, 20254. All permits will be timed, and will require the permit holder to enter the park within a 2 hour window.
The Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Permit will allow entry to the Bear Lake Corridor, as well as the rest of the park. It will be valid from 5 AM to 6 PM. It is required until October 19, 2025.
Reservations for the majority of the permits will be released on 8 AM Mountain Time on the following dates.
May 1, 2025 for permits from May 26 to June 30
June 1, 2025 for permits for the month of July
July 1, 2025 for permits for the month of August
August 1, 2025 for permits for the month of September
September 1, 2025 for permits for the month of October
The remaining entry permits will be available for purchase at 7 p.m. the day before the planned visit. Entry reservations cost $2, and if you plan to visit the park more than one day you will need an entry permit for each day.
Carlsbad Caverns
Last but not least on the list of national park entrance reservations is Carlsbad Caverns. Although technically you don’t need a reservation to get in to the park, you do need one if you actually want to see the famous caverns.
Every person — even children — needs a timed ticket to enter the caves. Tickets are good for entrance within the hour specified on the ticket. Late comers will not be admitted, so give yourself plenty of time to travel to the caverns and park.
These tickets are priced at $1 each, and like the park entrance reservations they are only available at www.recreation.gov. And again, make sure you print out your tickets or save a screen shot of them, as cell service is spotty in the park.
Plan ahead to avoid disappointment, and get your national park entrance reservations as soon as you make your travel plans.
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
