‘High temperatures’ bring campfire ban to Mount Rainier. Can I still cook?
If you’re packing up to head to a Mount Rainier National Park Campground this summer, you might want to hold those marshmallows. The National Park Service announced on Thursday that a parkwide fire ban will take effect.
“Beginning Friday, June 26, 2026, until lifted, Mount Rainier National Park will implement a parkwide fire ban,” a press release sent to The News Tribune stated. “All campfires and the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbecue grills will be prohibited. This ban is in place to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fire.”
It’s still OK to use petroleum canister-fueled camping equipment like Jetboils and Coleman camping stoves, as long as they can be turned off.
At the moment, the ban only affects Cougar Rock Campground, as it is the only campground open. The park said it expects White River Campground to “open soon,” and the ban will apply there as well.
Ohanepecosh Campground is closed for construction in 2026.
The park says dry conditions, downed trees, and recent high temperatures have necessitated the ban.
On June 10, 2025, a similar fire ban was announced at Mount Rainier National Park due to high temperatures, downed trees and dry conditions. It was officially lifted on Oct. 1.
The park asks visitors to dial 911 or notify a ranger if they observe smoke or flames inside the park this summer.
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