Local

Changes affecting Mount Rainier, including the new reservation system

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

This list of stories illustrates how Mount Rainier is changing. A new reservation system shows ongoing efforts to manage access and protect resources as more people come to visit. Road and bridge closures, like the permanent closing of the Carbon River Fairfax Bridge, are making some areas harder to reach. Meanwhile, scientists have found that the mountain is shrinking because of melting ice. Leaders from local tribes and researchers have highlighted the many Native names for Mount Rainier which reflect its role as a source of water and cultural identity.

A colorful sunrise lights up the sky over Mount Rainier as seen from Tumwater, Washington, on Feb. 26, 2022.

NO. 1: MOUNT RAINIER IS GETTING SHORTER. HERE’S WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH WA’S HIGHEST POINT

Eric Gilbertson, a mountaineer and scientist, recently posted the new measurements to his website. | Published October 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

The Mountain Was out exhibition displays artifacts from the history of Mount Rainier at The Washington State History Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, in Tacoma, Wash.

NO. 2: ‘THE MOUNTAIN WAS OUT.’ STATE HISTORY MUSEUM CREATES NEW EXHIBITION CELEBRATING RAINIER

Get an inside look at the exhibition that launched last week. | Published October 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Simone Carter

Mount Rainier glimmers at sunset in Bonney Lake, from where you can catch many awesome views on Route 410 to Sunrise. By Brian Hayes

NO. 3: NEW STUDY FINDS 20 DIFFERENT NATIVE NAMES FOR MOUNT RAINIER. HERE’S HOW TO SAY THEM

People have talked about changing the name of The Mountain for decades. | Published March 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becca Most

The Carbon River Fairfax Bridge, which connects State Route 165 to Mount Rainier National Park. The bridge is closing permanently due to safety concerns from the steel deteriorating. The rust is visible underneath the bridge in this photo.

NO. 4: HOW IS THIS PERMANENT BRIDGE CLOSURE GOING TO AFFECT MOUNT RAINIER VISITORS?

The bridge closure isolates key areas of Mount Rainier National Park. A $1.5 million study will determine next steps. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isabela Lund

Mount Rainier glimmers at sunset in Bonney Lake, from where you can catch many awesome views on Route 410 to Sunrise. By Brian Hayes

NO. 5: VISITING POPULAR MOUNT RAINIER ENTRANCE REQUIRES A RESERVATION THIS SUMMER

This is the second year with required reservations. The trial program is meant to make popular areas of the park less crowded. | Published May 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Isabela Lund

As rain helps reduce fire risk levels in the Cascades, the state is preparing to open Chinook Pass, the Department of Transportation announced Wednesday. By Jeffrey P. Mayor

NO. 6: WSDOT OPENS PASSES TO MOUNT RAINIER IN TIME FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

The passes opened for visitors to Mount Rainier National Park starting May 23, although road work is expected to slow travel. | Published May 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Constanza Montemayor

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.