Accessibility

A group of handcyclists travel up a gravel road surrounded by tall evergreen trees. — A group of handcyclists enjoy Westside Road.
NPS Photo

The National Park Service is committed to making Mount Rainier National Park more accessible. Many facilities are over 100 years old and accessibility is not always ideal. Through an on-going self-assessment and transition plan, Mount Rainier National Park has identified and is working toward eliminating barriers to accessibility. Extra obstacles may be encountered because of the remote, wilderness nature of the park. Facilities described as accessible do not necessarily comply fully with federal standards and some accessible facilities are not marked with the international symbol.

Visiting the Park

Driving

At Mount Rainier National Park, the elevation of the road ranges from 1,880 feet (573m) to 6,400 feet (1950m). The roads are winding and steep, and weather can change rapidly. Check the conditions before visiting.

Cell Service

There is very little cell service throughout the park; GPS is not reliable. Paradise is the only area with consistent coverage. Prepare by downloading offline maps or using paper maps. Check the road and trail conditions and review any alerts before you come.

Access Pass

The Access Pass is a free, lifetime, non-transferable pass for US citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities.

Admits pass holder and others in the same vehicle to federal recreation sites that charge entrance fees
Provides discounts on camping

To order an Access Pass online, upload documentation of permanent disability and residency or citizenship. To get an Access Pass in person, find a location with available passes.

NPS Mobile App

The NPS App is accessible and includes alt text for images. Mount Rainier National Park does not have cell service in many areas; download the NPS App prior to coming to the park. Features available include:

Self-guided tours of the Longmire Historic District, Nisqually Vista, Ohanapecosh Hot Springs, Sunrise Geology and Nature Trail, Trail of the Shadows, and more
Exhibit panel descriptions
Things to do in the park
Details about amenities
News, calendar, and passport stamp locations
Audio description tours of the visitor centers

Park Brochure

The park brochure is available to download in a vaiety of formats, including audio description and braille.

NPS Audio Description App

The NPS Audio Description App includes audio description to assist visitors who are blind and or have low vision to navigate and experience exhibits at Mount Rainier National Park. The App provides description based on what is nearby, and includes descriptions for the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise and the Sunrise Visitor Center.

Service Animals

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are allowed on trails and in park facilities if the animal has been trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Therapy animals providing emotional support do not qualify as service animals. Pets are not allowed inside buildings, on trails, or in the backcountry. Learn more about service animals in national parks.