Cowlitz Glacier Alpine
Mount Rainier · Washington
Cowlitz Glacier Alpine is one of the permitted entry points in Mount Rainier on recreation.gov. The daily quota is 1 person/day, and dates can sell out ahead of the season. Its current demand score is 10/100. Permit Ranger watches this pass around the clock and alerts you the moment a sold-out date opens up.
Quota
1 person/day
When permits are released
The whole late-May – mid-October season goes on sale at once in late April (2026: April 25) at 7:00 AM Pacific, after the February–March early-access lottery. Cancellations reopen camps all summer. Outside the season permits are walk-up/self-registration only.
Demand
Easy to get (10/100)
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed in this area.
Popular trails nearby
- Camp Summerland and Lakes via Wonderland Trail - 4.8 on AllTrails
- Camp Muir Route via Skyline Trail - 4.8 on AllTrails
- Glacier Basin Trail - 4.8 on AllTrails
- Lake George and Gobblers Knob Trail - 4.8 on AllTrails
- Kautz to Longmire via Indian Henry's Hunting Ground - 4.8 on AllTrails
Frequently asked questions
When do Cowlitz Glacier Alpine permits open?
The whole late-May – mid-October season goes on sale at once in late April (2026: April 25) at 7:00 AM Pacific, after the February–March early-access lottery. Cancellations reopen camps all summer. Outside the season permits are walk-up/self-registration only. Check the recreation.gov page for the exact on-sale details for your dates.
What if my dates are sold out?
Cancellations happen all season as plans change. Add Cowlitz Glacier Alpine to a trip window on Permit Ranger and you get an instant alert the moment a date you need opens back up.
How competitive is Cowlitz Glacier Alpine?
The live demand score is 10/100. Odds of catching an opening are good - most dates stay bookable.
Does Permit Ranger book the permit for me?
No. Permit Ranger never books on your behalf. When a watched date opens, you get an alert with a direct link so you can book it yourself on recreation.gov.
Nearby passes
- Camp Muir Alpine Camp - 1 mi away
- Camp Schurman Alpine Camp - 3 mi away
- Camp Curtis Alpine Camp - 3 mi away
- Carbon Alpine Zone (Curtis Ridge) - 5 mi away
- Colonades Alpine Zone - 7 mi away
Book on recreation.gov · All Mount Rainier passes · Mount Rainier permit guide