Mount Rainier National Park will be requiring visitors at Sunrise to once again reserve a spot.

The reservation system was launched last year as an attempt to control crowding and traffic at the popular destination, as the number of visitors to the more popular locations has jumped in recent years.

Nearly 2.5 million people entered the park last year.

In 2024, reservations were required for both Sunrise and Paradise, but that changed this year due to construction.

“There are 3 construction projects going on this year, and we thought it would be too difficult for visitors to try to navigate construction and timed entry both in the Paradise Corridor,” the park’s Chief of Interpretation, Education and Volunteers Terry Wildy said in an email.

Additionally, the park shifted its timed reservation system to include more of the fall. Last year, reservations were only necessary between May and the beginning of September; this year, it’s July through October.

This is because Sunrise is typically open from July through October, while Paradise opens in May.

Here’s what you need to know.

Who needs a reservation?

Reservations are for recreational visitors only.

Those with a backpacking permit, climbing permit, or special use permit can present their IDs to park workers to gain access to the park.

Those wishing to camp at the White River Campground should either pass through the White River Entrance Station prior to 7 AM or after 5 PM, or secure a timed entry reservation to enter the White River Campground to look for an available campsite between 7 AM – 5 PM.

Once an individual has secured a campsite at White River Campground, that campground reservation will serve as their timed entry reservation for the Sunrise/White River Corridor for the duration of their stay at the White River Campground.

When do I need a reservation?

First, you’ll need a reservation to visit the Sunrise/White River Corridor on any day between July 11 and Sept. 1, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This controls access to Sunrise, Sunrise Point, Sunrise Day Lodge, White River Campground, White River and all trailheads beyond the White River Entrance Station, including Mount Fremont, Sourdough Ridge/Dege Peak, Burroughs, Palisades Lakes, Glacier Basin, Wonderland Trail to Summerland, and Owyhigh Lakes.

Then on Sept. 2 through Oct. 26, you’ll need a reservation to visit the area on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays like Columbus Day. No reservations are needed for the weekdays.

Please note that late October is roughly when the pass closes for the year, and that it may close before Oct. 26.

Why can’t I reserve a spot in August?

Not all reservations are available at once — they’re released in blocks about two months in advance.

Currently, only July reservations are available.

Reservations for August through October will become available June 6.

Do I really need to plan that far ahead?

No, there are limited next-day reservations that you can make.

Next-day reservations become available at 7 p.m. on July 10, and will continue to be made available every night at 7 p.m. through October.

Where can I make a reservation?

You can only make a reservation at recreation.gov.