No water or restrooms were available at the Paradise and Narada Falls recreation areas this weekend due to issues with the water supply.
Officials say a heavy rain event affected the water system, allowing potentially harmful contaminants to enter the water supply and resulting in a “total water loss” until further notice.
People staying at the Paradise Inn on Friday night told KIRO 7 that the staff wasn’t sure what was going on at first.
On Saturday, people staying at the inn were told to bring their own water and use the bathrooms at nearby recreation areas:
“The closest available restrooms are at Cougar Rock picnic area and campground (9 miles southwest of Paradise, approx. 20-minute drive) and Longmire (3 miles and 5 minutes further southwest)”
According to Mount Rainier National Park, the supply issues are caused by a recent heavy rain event affecting the water system.
There was still limited prepared food and water at the Paradise Inn, according to the Mount Rainier National Park Facebook page.
“Thank you for your patience as the park works toward a resolution to this issue,” wrote the parks service.
On Sunday, the National Park Service confirmed that the water system and restrooms would be shut down until further notice.
In a news release, they explained why:
“On September 6, 2025, a strong thunderstorm over Mount Rainier caused heavy rainfall and runoff that disrupted the Paradise water supply system. The storm stirred up fine sediment in the Edith Creek drainage, the source of Paradise’s surface water. These materials clogged the water treatment system filters. Sedimentation from intense rain events has become a recurring challenge at Paradise, where the surface water source is particularly sensitive to loose soils and storm-driven debris.
The park is working closely with the Washington State Department of Health to restore reliable water service for employees and visitors. Water will remain unavailable until it meets safe drinking water standards."
Staff reportedly isolated all buildings, shut down restrooms, and brought in portable comfort stations.
The Paradise Inn remained open, but the dining room was closed, with limited food available at the visitor center and Paradise Inn snack bars. The National Park Inn dining room at Longmire was still open and available.
For updates on Paradise Inn operations, call Rainier Guest Services at 855-755-2275.
For the current status of Paradise water, check the Mount Rainier National Park website Alerts.
For more information, visit the Washington State Department of Health website.
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