Is Mt. Rainier Open Year-Round? What to Expect at the Nisqually Entrance
The Short Answer: Yes, Mt. Rainier Is Open Year-Round — But Access Varies
Mt. Rainier National Park never fully “closes,” but not every road or area is accessible in all seasons.
That’s why choosing the right entrance matters.
The Nisqually Entrance, located just 5 minutes from Fjellsangin, is:
✔ The only park entrance open year-round
✔ The main access point for winter visitors
✔ Home to Longmire, a hub for winter services and low-elevation trails
Other entrances — like Sunrise, Stevens Canyon, and Mowich Lake — are seasonal only, often opening late June and closing the moment snowfall increases.
If you’re planning a trip between October and May, the Nisqually Entrance is your most consistent option.
What’s Open Year-Round at the Nisqually Entrance
Nisqually Entrance Gate
Open 365 days a year, weather permitting.
You can purchase your entry pass right at the gate — no advance pass needed except during summer timed-entry periods.
Longmire Historic District
Always accessible, this is the winter heart of the park.
What’s available:
year-round restrooms
The Longmire museum (seasonal hours)
scenic walks near the river
the historic district buildings
The Longmire restaurant, which accepts reservations during winter operation
Note: Some connecting trails may be closed due to snow or storm damage, especially mid-winter.
What Changes Seasonally: Paradise Road Access
Paradise — the most iconic viewpoint on the mountain — is NOT accessible year-round, even via the Nisqually side.
Winter Schedule (typically late November–late March)
The road from Longmire → Paradise opens only on days when conditions are safe.
The park often opens the gate late morning and closes it by mid-afternoon (exact hours vary).
Conditions can change quickly; snowstorms may shut the road completely.
Spring & Fall Shoulder Seasons
Access may be intermittent due to weather, downed trees, or avalanche control.
Summer
Open daily, weather permitting — the most reliable season for Paradise access.
Always check current road status before heading up:
Rangers update this site, and it is the best source for real-time info.
Do I Need Chains? Yes — All Winter Long
From November 1 to May 1, the park requires all vehicles (even AWD and 4WD) to carry tire chains.
This doesn’t mean you’ll use them — but you must have them in the car to pass Longmire.
It’s one of the most common visitor misunderstandings, and arriving prepared helps keep winter travel smooth.
What’s Open in Each Season
Winter (December–March)
Open:
Nisqually Entrance (year-round)
Longmire
Trails near the valley floor
Paradise on select days only
Winter highlights:
snowshoeing (when open)
photography
quiet, peaceful landscapes
low-crowd exploration
Perfect for: cozy cabin stays, wellness retreats, slow travel days, and the kind of restorative experiences we outline in our Morning Reset and Art of the Sauna posts.
Spring (April–May)
A transitional season — unpredictable but beautiful.
Open:
Nisqually Entrance
Longmire
Paradise on many days, weather-dependent
Expect:
melting snow
waterfalls at peak flow
patchy access to trails
This is one of the most atmospheric times to visit the Nisqually corridor.
Summer (June–September)
The best access and the most consistent conditions.
Open:
Nisqually Entrance
Longmire
Paradise
Most major trails
Expect:
wildflowers
steady crowds
timed-entry reservations during peak periods
This is the ideal season for adventurous itineraries.
Fall (October–Early November)
A favorite among photographers and hikers.
Open:
Nisqually Entrance
Longmire
Paradise until heavy snow begins
Expect:
golden meadows
crisp air
earlier sunsets
unpredictable first snowfalls
A perfect shoulder-season getaway.
Why Stay Near the Nisqually Entrance?
Choosing this side of the park gives you:
✔ The only year-round road access
✔ Quick drives to Longmire
✔ The most reliable winter and early-spring basecamp
✔ Proximity to waterfalls, viewpoints, and quiet forest stops
✔ Charming local dining in Ashford and Elbe
✔ Easy access to MTTA trails when Paradise Road is closed
And, of course, the peace and comfort of returning to Fjellsangin — a design-forward retreat built for slow mornings, warm evenings, and intentional travel.
How to Check What’s Open Before You Go
Use the official National Park Service links:
Road & Gate Status
https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/road-status.htm
Conditions, Alerts & Weather
https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Timed-Entry Reservations (Summer Only)
https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/timed-entry-reservations.htm
Checking the status each morning is part of the Mt. Rainier experience — especially in winter and shoulder seasons.
