Mount Rainier Climbing Permit
Climbing permit for Mount Rainier via all routes. Requires annual climbing fee plus wilderness permit for overnight climbs.
“One of America's most sought-after wilderness permits.”
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Rainier permits become available due to cancellations.
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Rainier permits become available.
Rainier Quick Facts
Key Information
Key Dates
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Apply for the Early Access Lottery for guaranteed dates
- •Walk-up permits are available but competitive on weekends
- •Acclimate at Camp Muir before your summit attempt
- •Start your summit bid between midnight and 2am for best conditions
What to Expect
Highlights
- •2-3 day climb for standard routes
- •Technical glacier travel with crevasses
- •High camp at 10,000+ feet
- •Early morning summit push (midnight-2am start)
Hazards & Considerations
- !Crevasse falls
- !Altitude sickness
- !Unpredictable weather
- !Rockfall on certain routes
Summit Information
Rainier
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Base Camp
Technical Gear Required
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between Early spring. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
Wait for lottery results
Results are typically announced Late March. Check your email and recreation.gov account.
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Conditions
Firm snow conditions ideal for technical routes. Crevasse bridges still solid.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Best snow conditions
- +Fewer rockfall hazards
- +Solid crevasse bridges
Challenges
- !Shorter days
- !Storm cycles more frequent
- !Colder temperatures
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced mountaineers comfortable with Class 3-4 terrain and altitude.
Recommended Experience
Glacier travel training required. Must be competent with crampons, ice axe, and rope work.
Not Recommended For
Those without high-altitude experience. Altitude sickness is a serious risk above 10,000 ft.
About This Permit
Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States. The summit is only about 60 air miles from Seattle but feels worlds away. Over 50% of climbers use guided services.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Rainier is among the most competitive permits in Mt. Rainier. Thousands attempt to get permits each season, and success requires planning, persistence, and often a bit of luck. The permit system exists because this destination is genuinely special.
Rules & Regulations
- •Annual $70 climbing fee required (valid calendar year)
- •Wilderness permit required for overnight
- •Pick up permit in person at Wilderness Information Center
Gear Checklist
Required
- Crampons and ice axe
- Rope for glacier travel
- Helmet
- Cold weather gear
Key Landmarks
Lottery Statistics
Competitive
estimated success rate
Get detailed lottery statistics and tips in the PermitSnag app.
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Rainier.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
🏔️Mountaineering Resources
Guide Services
Guides recommended for first-time climbers. Find authorized guide services.
Authorized guide services:
- • Check with ranger station for current list
- • Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Don't own technical gear? Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
Route Conditions
Real-time route status, snow levels, and climbing conditions.
Current conditions include:
- • Route status (open/closed/caution)
- • Snow level elevation
- • Crevasse and glacier conditions
- • Recent trip reports
Avalanche Forecast
Check avalanche conditions before winter and spring climbs.
Avalanche info includes:
- • Current danger level
- • Avalanche problems (wind slab, persistent slab)
- • Travel advice
- • Links to regional avalanche centers
Summit Success
50%
summit success rate
Based on ~10,000 annual attempts
Rainier FAQ
How do I get a Mount Rainier climbing permit?
First pay the $70 annual climbing fee on Pay.gov. Then either enter the Early Access Lottery on Recreation.gov or obtain a walk-up permit (1/3 of permits available day-before/day-of) at the Wilderness Information Center.
What is the success rate for climbing Rainier?
About 50% overall. The Disappointment Cleaver route has a 51% success rate, while the Emmons Glacier sees 54% success.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Rainier offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Rainier
- 📍Mt. Rainier scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation