Mount Rainier National Park will not require visitors to make reservations before showing up this summer, ending a time-entry program launched two years ago that was meant to blunt the impact of rising visitation at the popular Washington park.
The move follows an announcement from the National Park Service earlier this month that Yosemite, Glacier and Arches national parks will also end reservation programs for the upcoming tourist season. This comes as the Trump administration officials have said they want to prioritize the visitor experience on public lands.
“Mount Rainier National Park is dedicated to providing meaningful access to visitors while responsibly managing congestion during peak periods,” Mount Rainier Superintendent Gregory Dudgeon said in a statement. “We will continue using proven traffic and parking management strategies to support a safe and memorable experience for all.”
Advocates of reservations said they limit overcrowding, ease traffic congestion and protect both natural resources and park staff. But critics said they can hamper access to national parks, deterring recreationists who haven’t planned ahead, are unaware of the reservation system or who have limited access to technology.
