Regulations United States Mount Rainier Wilderness
South Tahoma Glacier
Mountaineering and hiking
Regulations on 30 October 2026
Signs at the site and later resolutions prevail; check the source.
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Prohibited all year
Mountaineering and hiking · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
South Tahoma Glacier
10,000’ to 10,500’ in elevation, is closed to public entry.
Published by National Park Service, 30 Nov 2025 · Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent’s Compendium, November 2025
In Mount Rainier National Park; In Mount Rainier Wilderness
Regulated zone
Mount Rainier National Park
These hold everywhere inside the boundary, whether or not a site is marked.
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Permit required
Mountaineering · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
§1.6 - ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
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§7.5(b) Climbing and hiking on glaciers or above the designated high camps
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Climbing Permit Fees
There is an annual climbing pass (cost recovery fee) for any skier or climber on a glacier and/or ascends above 10,000 feet on Mount Rainier.
Published by National Park Service, 30 Nov 2025 · Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent’s Compendium, November 2025
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Permit required
Camping & bivouac · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
(c) Backcountry Camping—(1) Backcountry camping permits required. No person or group of persons traveling together may camp in the backcountry without a valid backcountry camping permit. Permits may be issued to each permittee or to the leader of the group for a group of persons. The permit must be attached to the pack or camping equipment of each permittee in a clearly visible location. No person may camp in any location other than that designated in the permit for a given date.
(2) Group size limitations. Groups exceeding five persons must camp at a group site, but groups may not exceed twelve persons.
Published by National Park Service · 36 CFR § 7.5 Mount Rainier National Park
Regulated zone
Mount Rainier Wilderness
These hold everywhere inside the boundary, whether or not a site is marked.
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Prohibited all year
Paragliding · All year
In force on 30 October 2026
Wilderness
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National Park wilderness, including trails, is closed to the possession or use of any contrivance for moving people or material in or over land, water, snow or air that has moving parts, that provides a mechanical advantage to the user, and is powered by a living or non-living power source for the preservation of wilderness character. This includes, but is not limited to, non- motorized wheeled vehicles, conveyances and devices, such as bicycles, Segways™ and other Electric Personal Assistance Mobility Devices (EPAMD), carts, game carriers, canoe dollies, wheelbarrows, wagons, strollers, ski kites, sailboats/boards, hang gliders and paragliders.
Published by National Park Service, 30 Nov 2025 · Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent’s Compendium, November 2025