What permits and fees do you need to climb Mount Rainier?

Three pieces, in order. First, the annual climbing fee: $70 per climber, paid on Pay.gov, valid for the calendar year. Every climber going above high camp needs this regardless of route. Second, a wilderness permit for any overnight climb, at $12 per person per night, which is how you reserve space at Camp Muir or Camp Schurman. Third, a $6 application fee when you apply through the reservation system.

Timing: the Early Access Lottery runs in early spring with results in late March, and it is the reliable way to lock in specific dates, especially summer weekends at Camp Muir. If you miss it or lose, about one third of permits are held for walk-ups issued the day before or day of at the Wilderness Information Center. Walk-ups are workable midweek and competitive on weekends.

You pick up the permit in person at the Wilderness Information Center, so build that stop into your approach day.

The climbing season runs May 1 into October, with most traffic on the standard routes in June and July. If your dates are rigid, apply in the lottery. If your dates are flexible, watching for cancelled reservations between the lottery and your window catches spots that reappear as teams' plans change.