Mount Rainier timed entry permits: where to hike when you don’t have one

Oh no! You forgot that you would need Mount Rainier timed entry permits to visit the most popular areas of the Park this summer, now what?! Never fear: there are plenty of gorgeous hikes, yes, even ones that will give you breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier, outside of the corridors where you need timed entry reservations. Here are my top 5 trail recommendations for visiting the park when you don’t have a Mount Rainier timed entry permit. Send this to a friend who is going to Mt. Rainier this summer!

But first, what is going on with timed entry permits at Mt. Rainier?

Due to an increase in visitors (according to the NPS website, 40% increase in the past 10 years!) Mt. Rainier is experiencing negative effects of overcrowding, including destruction of fragile natural areas as well as parking insufficiency. In 2024, the NPS implemented a timed entry reservation system for accessing the most popular areas of the park: the Sunrise and Paradise corridors.

How do you reserve a timed entry permit for Mt. Rainier?

In order to get a timed entry permit, you need to reserve one online. They opened for reservations for the months of June and July on April 1, and for the month of August on May 1. The timed entry permits for Mt. Rainier cost only $2, and each permit is valid for one vehicle. Note that this is separate from the National Parks day pass or annual pass that you will need in order to enter the park. 

When do you need a timed entry permit for Mt. Rainier?

Mount Rainier timed entry permits will be required from Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekends between the hours of 7 am and 3 pm. This means that you will want to plan in advance if you’re going to visit the park during peak season.

While it is likely that these reservations do sell out, you have one final opportunity to reserve a timed entry permit to Mt. Rainier the night before your intended visit at 7 pm PT. At this time, the park opens up final reservations, and you may get lucky!

However, it’s important to have a back up plan should you not be able to get a timed entry reservation. That’s why I am recommending the following hikes as fantastic alternatives to the trails that require timed entry.

Amazing trails that don’t require Mount Rainier timed entry permit (but are close to or in the park!)

While some of the most gorgeous trails at Mt. Rainier are within these popular corridors, there are a handful of truly excellent trails that are outside these boundaries. 

1. High Rock Lookout

One of my all time favorite hikes, High Rock Lookout provides the wow factor you want when you’re hiking at Mt. Rainier. It’s a short hike and the views on a clear day are incomparable. In addition to seeing Mt. Rainier in all her glory, you’ll also be able to see Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams if you’re lucky. Pro tip: High Rock Lookout is an excellent sunrise hike.

Trail stats:
High Rock Lookout Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
High Rock Lookout Elevation: 1365 feet elevation gain
Trail link: High Rock Lookout, WTA
The drive to the trailhead is on an unpaved road, but it is passable with a non-SUV vehicle (I did it in my Prius V just fine). There are no bathrooms at the trailhead. 

2. Crystal Peak or Upper Crystal Lake

Crystal Peak is one of the most underrated trails in the Mt. Rainier area. There isn’t a lot of parking in the area, maybe 15 spaces, and pretty much any time I’ve driven by, there are spaces available. This may be because it is a TOUGH trail. But the reward is worth it! You’ll climb through the forest for the first half or so, and then on an exposed mountainside you’ll traverse switchbacks to the top. The views of Crystal Lakes and Mt. Rainier are such a treat. If you want something a little easier (but without the epic Mt. Rainier views at the top), Upper Crystal Lake is gorgeous and shares the same first portion of the trail as Crystal Peak.

Trail stats: 
Crystal Peak distance: 8 miles roundtrip
Crystal Peak elevation gain: 3100 feet
Trail link: Crystal Peak Trail or Upper Crystal Lake

3. Naches Peak Loop

Naches Peak Loop is one of the all-time best trails in the Mt. Rainier National Park area. It is easy, approachable for everyone in the family, and offers incredible views basically the entire time. It’s very popular, so be sure to arrive early (or after the first early birds have completed the trail) to get a parking spot. Part of the trail is in the National Park, and part is on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Naches Peak Loop is best hiked clockwise for views of Mt. Rainier. Start at the trailhead at the top/back of the parking lot (there are some picnic tables there) and go to the trail on the left side. 
Trail Stats:
Naches Peak Loop trail distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
Naches Peak Loop elevation gain: 600 feet
Trail link: Naches Peak Loop trail 

4. Kelly Butte Lookout

Looking for views of Mt. Rainier and no crowds? You should hike Kelly Butte Lookout, one of the least populated trails I’ve been on in Washington. Hike through the forest, up some exposed hillsides, and arrive at a fire lookout with those classic 360 views of the surrounding area, including Mt. Rainier, of course!

Be warned that this trail has some steep/intense sections that I probably would not recommend for small children unless they are safely in a hiking carrier. Definitely pack your poles for this one. Also, note that the road to the trail is unpaved. We did it in our SUV but I think we would have been fine in our sedan, too. You’ll need a northwest forest pass for parking at this trail. This is a great option when you forget to grab a Mount Rainier timed entry permit.

Trail Stats:
Kelly Butte trail distance: 3.4 miles roundtrip
Kelly Butte elevation gain: 1100 feet
Trail link: Kelly Butte trail

5. Tolmie Peak

This one is still on my “to hike” list, and I’m hoping to get to it this summer! This dreamy trail takes you to a lookout and gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier and Eunice Lake. Be warned, visitors note that the road to the trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle.

Trail stats:
Tolmie Peak Lookout distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip
Tolmie Peak elevation gain: 1100 feet
Trail link: Tolmie Peak Trail

Final thoughts on trails that don’t require Mount Rainier timed entry permits

The new timed entry permit system for Mt. Rainier National Park means that not everyone who wants to visit popular areas of the park in peak season will be able to do so. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Mt. Rainier and have a great time (within the park, and also in places nearby!). Be sure to check out these five trails you can hike without Mount Rainier timed entry permitsand let me know your favorites below.

Looking for more hiking inspiration for your visit to Mt Rainier National Park? Check out this post on my favorite hikes in the area!