Nature, Now by Appointment Only

Ah, the great American tradition of enjoying the great outdoors, now with an added layer of bureaucracy! Because who doesn't love the thrill of making a reservation just to commune with nature?

Mount Rainier National Park, bless its heart, has seen a whopping 40% increase in visitors over the past decade. And apparently, all these eager nature enthusiasts are causing such a ruckus that even the fragile ecosystems are feeling a bit miffed.

So, what's the solution? Well, it's not to encourage responsible behavior or educate visitors on Leave No Trace principles. No, no, no. It's to implement a reservation system! Because clearly, nothing screams "public land" like having to book a slot just to take a stroll in nature.

Now, if you're planning a jaunt to the Paradise Corridor or the Sunrise Corridor, make sure you've got your timed entry reservation handy. Because nothing says "fun" like being restricted to a two-hour window to frolic among the trees.

But fear not, dear park-goers! If you've already shelled out for lodging or camping, or if you're one of those adventurous souls with a wilderness permit, you're exempt from the reservation hoopla. Because apparently, spending money on accommodation or permits grants you VIP access to nature.

And let's not forget our friends at Yosemite National Park, who have fully embraced the reservation lifestyle. Because why bother with spontaneity when you can plan your outdoor adventure months in advance?

So, grab your calendar and start marking those reservation dates, folks! Because if you're not willing to jump through bureaucratic hoops, you might just have to settle for Netflix and chill instead.