Hiker Headlines: North Cascades permit lottery, no timed entry permits at Mount Rainier in 2026, Suiattle River Road closure

It’s Feb. 26. The lottery for backcountry camping permits in North Cascades National Park opens on March 2. Mount Rainier National Park has announced it is not requiring timed entry permits in 2026. The Suiattle River Road has an official closure order in place due to flood damage. And there’s only a few days left to enter WTA’s Golden Roll trip report giveaway! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Timed entry permits will not be required at Mount Rainier National Park this year. Photo by Tiffany Chou.

Mount Rainier: Mount Rainier National Park has announced they are not implementing a timed entry reservation system this year for any entrances at the park. 

North Cascades: The backcountry camping permit early-access lottery for North Cascades National Park opens Monday, March 2, at 7 a.m. Hikers can enter the lottery on Recreation.gov, and the lottery is open through March 13. Winners will be assigned a priority date when they can book reservations online. General reservations for all other visitors (not picked in the lottery) begin April 29. 

Suiattle River Road: An official closure order is now in place on the Suiattle River Road, which was severely damaged during the atmospheric river in December. The road is closed past milepost 4, which restricts access to several trails, including the Suiattle River, Downey Creek, Sulphur Creek, Green Mountain and Boulder Lake trails. 

Golden Roll giveaway: Last call to enter WTA’s Golden Roll giveaway! Mention bathroom conditions in a trip report by the end of February for the chance to win a gilded golden roll of a toilet paper. Winners will be chosen at random in March. (And a reminder to always pack extra toilet paper, follow Leave No Trace principles and pack it out!)

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