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

By Sarah Joseph Published November 22, 2024

Mount Rainier National Park in the winter — NPS / NPS

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

Mount Rainier — bones64 / Pixabay

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:

Upgrades to infrastructure: All 185 campsites and nine restrooms will be revamped. Electrical and water systems will be modernized, and the aging wastewater collection system will be replaced.
Improved Accessibility: Mount Rainier National Park is committed to making their accommodations accessible and welcoming to all visitors.

Recommended Videos

Because of the scale of these upgrades, Ohanapecosh Campground, including the visitor center, picnic area, and auditorium will close for the 2025 season. The National Park Service expects that the project will conclude in time to welcome visitors back in 2026.

If you were planning on camping at Ohanapecosh Campground this coming year, now’s your chance to try one of the other gorgeous campgrounds around Mount Rainier, like White River Campground or Cougar Rock Campground. Be sure to book your site in advance so you’re able to snag your reservation!

State Route 123 to see major safety upgrades

State Route 123 runs along the eastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park. In recent years, it has become increasingly unsafe, so it’s time for some upgrades. The Federal Highways Administration has funded this two-year project, and construction will start in April 2025.

During year one, a 2.8-mile section of the road between Stevens Canyon Road and Panther Creek will be fully closed from September 2nd-30th. During this time, there will be no vehicle, pedestrian, or cycling access.

During year two, there will be no more full closures but you should still expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

For more information about these closures, visit the National Park Service website.

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

This popular Great Smoky Mountains trail will be closed for 18 months — where to hike instead

You won't see this Great Smoky Mountains Favorite for another 18 months. Here's why.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Laurel Falls Trail is a popular destination at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Seeing over 300,000 hikers annually, it's one of the park's most iconic trails. While Gatlinburg was largely spared by Hurricane Helene, Laurel Falls Trail has become unsafe due to loose, broken pavement and other safety hazards. This is largely because the trail hasn't been repaved at all since the trail was made in 1963. The National Park Service is committed to the safety of this trail, so the park has funded a rehabilitation project to give Laurel Falls Trail a well-deserved makeover.

This project will be extensive. The National Park Service reports that they will be making huge upgrades to the trailhead parking area, expanding it by about fifty parking spaces and adding a designated pathway with a guardrail to connect pedestrians to the trailhead. They will also be repaving all of the trails and installing new educational signage along the way to provide wayfinding, bear safety, and Leave No Trace guidance.

Travel

U.K.’s new travel rule: Apply for your electronic travel pass before your trip

You'll need an ETA to enter the UK starting January 8, 2025.

Brighton England

We announced earlier this year that traveling to London will soon cost you more, and that time has come. The UK government has officially opened applications for its new electronic travel authorization (ETA), which will be required for all U.S. citizens entering the UK starting January 8, 2025.

The ETA allows visitors to stay in the UK for up to six months and must be secured before your trip. Without it, you may be denied entry at the border. Exceptions apply if you hold a visa, have permission to live, work, or study in the UK, or are a British or Irish citizen.

Outdoors

Your guide to Yellowstone’s winter secrets

Now's the best time to visit Yellowstone. Here's why

Amphitheater Mountain at Yellowstone National Park in winter

For most of the year, Yellowstone National Park is flooded with visitors, even with timed entry and reservation systems in place. Visits to Yellowstone plummet once the snows start coming, so if you're allergic to crowds, winter might just be the best time to visit. But don't think that you'll be sitting around, snowbound and twiddling your thumbs! There's so much to do at Yellowstone National Park during the coldest months of the year. Here's your complete guide to Yellowstone in winter, complete with our favorite ways to make this winter getaway the best one yet.
What to expect at Yellowstone in winter

Even though winter sees fewer crowds, Yellowstone still has a $35 entry fee unless you choose one of the park's special free-entry days. This ticket is valid for seven consecutive days. If you plan on visiting other nearby parks like Grand Teton National Park, consider purchasing an "America the Beautiful" pass, which gets you access to both parks.