Have late summer plans for Mount Rainier? Then you probably want to reserve your time slot now.

In order to better control congestion in the national park, Mount Rainier has implemented a new timed reservation system.

According to the park, visitation has increased to more than 1.6 million people; 70% of them come between July and September, and most flock to the Sunrise and Paradise areas. This has led to hour-long-plus waits to enter the park.

Reservations for May 24 through July opened on April 1, while August through Sept. 2 reservations opened last Wednesday, May 1.

After Sept. 3, no reservation is needed to enter the park.

Additionally, park visitors that come before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m. do not need a reservation.

And finally, time slots for more impromptu trips will become available at 7 p.m. every night for next-day visits only.

Reservations are $2 and cover one vehicle. Additionally, there is a two-hour entry window, just in case visitors hit some difficulty on the roads while making their way to one of Washington’s wonders. There is no exit time requirement, so you can stay all day if you wish.

If you’re lodging or camping at Mount Rainier, you do not need a time entry reservation, and you can enter the park at any time after 1 p.m. on the first day of your reservation. Other permit holders (special use, research, and commercial use permits) also do not need to reserve an entry time.

You do not need to make a reservation to visit the east side of the park, the Ohanapecosh, Tipsee Lake, Carbon River, and Mowich Lake areas.

Entrance passes are still required to enter the park, regardless of the day or time or if you have a reservation.

Head to nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/fees.htm to reserve your time slot.