Mount Rainier National Park moves to online reservations for hiking, climbing permits in summer 2021
Warmer days are just around the corner, and Washington's many outdoor enthusiasts are ready to get out of their houses and hit the trails.
But for those looking to head to the scenic Mount Rainier National Park, the planning could begin much sooner as the park has shifted to an online reservation model for hiking and climbing permits this summer.
The online trip planning tool will be available for the park's peak hiking season, which runs from June 1 through Sept. 20. The new system will show real-time site availability to allow visitors "greater control over their itinerary and earlier notification of a confirmed trip," according to the National Park Service.
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The park receives 7,500 requests for climbing and backpacking permits every year, with approximately 2,700 of the requests for the 93-mile Wonderland Trail that circles the mountain.
However, only 600 to 700 requests for the popular trail can be accommodated each year, according to the park service.
https://www.seattlepi.com/local/seattlenews/article/mount-rainier-online-reservations-for-2021-hiking-15969456.php