Mount Rainier Enters Winter: Paradise Gate Closes Nightly and All Vehicles Must Carry Tire Chains
Mount Rainier National Park, in Pierce and Lewis counties, Washington, has switched to its winter operating pattern. The National Park Service's winter travel page, last updated November 2, 2026, says regular nightly closures of the gate at Longmire began on October 29 for the winter season, and from November through April, visitors heading to Paradise should check gate opening times for that day before setting out.
The typical schedule, conditions permitting, opens the gate at 9:00 a.m., closes it to uphill traffic at 3:00 p.m. and to downhill traffic at 4:00 p.m., with visitors advised to plan on leaving Paradise by 3:30 p.m. But the gate may open late, close early or remain closed all day depending on weather, avalanche danger and road conditions. The park advises checking its alerts after 4:00 p.m. the day before a trip and again after 7:00 a.m. on the day of travel.
One rule is absolute: from November 1 through May 1, all vehicles, including four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, must carry tire chains while in the park. Posted traction requirements escalate through three levels, from approved traction tires advised, to chains required except for four-wheel drive, to chains required on all vehicles. AutoSocks are an approved alternative for passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds.
Crowd management adds one more constraint: when parking at Paradise fills up, rangers may meter traffic at Longmire, admitting one car uphill for each car that comes down, and visitors should monitor in-park broadcasts. Before a winter trip, check the alerts, carry chains and watch the gate times. (Source: National Park Service)
Source: National Park Service
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：雷尼尔山国家公园内积雪的山路。国家公园管理局图片。 / Photo: A snow-covered mountain road in Mount Rainier National Park. Image from the National Park Service.
