First cashless, next reservations? Changes ahead for Mt. Rainier National Park

In two short weeks, Mount Rainier National Park is going cashless. Beginning May 26, only cards and Apple Pay will be accepted at designated park entrances.

Ranger Terry Wildy wants cash carrying travelers to know there are still other options. She says you can go online and purchase a pass before you head out. The National Park is also partnering with a few businesses in towns nearby for fee stations. Those businesses will sell passes for cash. Current partners in Ashford include: Ashford Valley Grocery, Ashford General Store and Ashford Pottery. More partners in Packwood and Enumclaw will be announced soon.

“Counting cash can actually take a lot of park resources,” said Wildy. “We would much rather be answering questions and helping visitors plan their trip.”

Data collected by the National Park Service shows that between 2008 and 2021, annual visitation went from 1.1 million to 1.7 million. Ranger Terri Tucker reports Sunrise and Paradise wildernesses are busier than ever.

“What we’re seeing is rapid growth over the last few years with huge increases,” said Tucker.

In response to that skyrocketing popularity and subsequent environmental impacts, Mt. Rainier National Park is now considering a reservation system.

“This is not a proposal to require a reservation 365 days a year, 24 hours a day,” said Tucker. “The ideas that we’re looking at do vary in terms of where in the park we might have a timed entry reservation system.”

Since 2020, Arches National Park in Utah has been piloting a reservation system of its own.

Sophia Fisher is a reporter with the Moab Times-Independent. She covered the launch of the program, highlighting rave reviews and community backlash. According to Fisher the majority of travelers she spoke with appreciated shorter lines and less crowded trails. However, some local hotel owners complained occupancy dropped by 5 to 15 percent during the pilot. They cited a drop in “weekenders” who couldn’t get a last-minute timed-entry ticket.

“I think we’re still dealing with incomplete data on how it’s been received,” said Fisher. “I do think that there are a lot of differing opinions, but certainly a sense that the system could be made a lot more efficient in the future.”

Bill Wade began his career in the park service at Mt. Rainier National Park. Today he serves as the Executive Director of Association of National Park Rangers. Wade believes this proposal was prompted not only by an increase in visitation, but a lack of staffing.

“I think that’s what’s led to a number of the parks that are looking for ways to limit visitation or at least spread it out in some way,” said Wade.

The public comment period on the reservation system ends June 11.

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