Going to Mount Rainier National Park this winter? Here’s what you should expect

No sledding this year at Mount Rainier, but here's what you can do instead

By Sarah Joseph Published November 17, 2024

Mount Rainier National Park in the winter — NPS / NPS

Winter is almost here, and Mount Rainier National Park is gearing up for the 2024-25 winter recreation season with updates to its schedule. Starting Tuesday, November 12, new access guidelines were put in place to help visitors make the most of their winter adventures. Here’s what you need to know:

2024-25 Winter access at Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park in the winter — NPS / NPS

The Paradise area will be available for four days a week, from Friday through Monday. You’ll be able to drive there on these days, but the road will be closed for the rest of the week. The National Park Service has also announced that due to limited staffing, sledding will not be available anywhere in the park this winter. While this is unfortunate, there are still plenty of other activities to choose from.

Recommended Videos

With a permit, you’ll be able to go winter camping, which will be available Fridays through Sunday nights if the weather permits. The Longmire area will remain accessible seven days per week unless extreme weather arises. State Routes 410 and 123 will soon close for the season, but the eastern side of Mount Rainier will remain open to visitors. There, you can enjoy ranger-led snowshoe walks, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling.

Winter at Mount Rainier is an experience you and your crew will never forget. That said, it also comes with a few challenges. The conditions during this time of year can be unpredictable, so check all road statuses and weather forecasts before you go. Dress warmly, drive safely, and have fun this season at Mount Rainier National Park.

Topics

Contributor

Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…

Outdoors

Good news if you’re visiting Hawaii: This stunning attraction has reopened

This famous trail at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park reopens after major upgrades

Lava at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

Sulphur Banks is one of the most visually striking areas in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. If you've never seen the yellow sulfur crystals on dark lava rocks, you're in for a real treat. Earlier this year, Sulfur Banks was closed for a maintenance project and was not expected to open until December. However, due to the trail crew's hard work, they wrapped up construction a month early.
Here's everything you need to know about the new upgrades to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

The Sulfur Banks Trail, also known as Ha'akulamanu, has reopened upon the project's completion, which included a complete replacement of the boardwalk, benches, and railings. This area of the park hasn't seen much TLC since 2000, so this was a welcome upgrade. The new boardwalk is made from yellow cedar, which is strong and weather-resistant to all manner of sun, rain, and heat, so the National Park Service expects it to last another fifteen or twenty years.

Outdoors

Mount Rainier to transform in 2025: How it will affect your trip

This campground and road will be getting some much-needed TLC in 2025

Mount Rainier National Park in the winter

Mount Rainier National Park is about to undergo two exciting construction projects in the coming year. Efforts and resources will be focused on the Ohanapecosh Campground and State Route 123. While these upgrades may be temporarily disruptive to 2025 visitors, these enhancements are long overdue and promise to make your upcoming experiences far more enjoyable. Here are the details.
Construction projects coming to Mount Rainier National Park

Ohanapecosh Campground to see major makeover
Ohanapecosh Campground is in the southeast corner of the park, and it's in desperate need of some TLC. Partly funded by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), this project aims to modernize the facility and improve accessibility. This is what it will include:

Travel

How long do AirTags last? Here’s what you need to know

Let us walk tyou through how to replace an AirTag battery

Apple AirTag on white table

If you travel often, have a knack for misplacing things, or just like the convenience of smart tech, you've likely heard of Apple AirTags. These small, button-shaped tracking devices can be life savers when it comes to keeping track of your personal items. But how long do AirTags last? Keep reading for the answers.
How long do AirTags last?
Apple AirTags are powered by standard CR2032 coin cell batteries, which you might already be familiar with if you've used other small electronic gadgets. According to Apple, the battery life of an AirTag should last more than one year under normal use. But what does "normal use" really mean? Essentially, this means using your AirTag to ping your items occasionally and having it emit a signal when nearby devices on Apple's Find My network detect it.
Factors that affect battery life

Frequency of use: If you frequently use the AirTag's precise location feature or trigger the built-in speaker to find lost items, your battery life will be shorter. The more you interact with your AirTag, the faster the battery wears down.
Find My network activity: AirTags work by tapping into Apple’s Find My network, which anonymously leverages the millions of iPhones, iPads, and Macs around the world. If your AirTag is in a busy area with lots of interactions, it might use up battery more quickly than one tucked away in a drawer most of the time.
Environmental conditions: Just like any battery-operated device, temperature and weather can play a role in how well the AirTag performs. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can affect battery life, sometimes leading to premature battery depletion.