Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Randy King announces that the annual spring opening of park areas and facilities has begun. The exceptionally low snow pack this winter is allowing earlier access to some park roads. However, visitor services and facilities may be limited in some areas until summer staffing is on board and facilities are dewinterized.
Below are the projected opening dates:
Lodging**
Paradise Inn
Wednesday, May 20
National Park Inn at Longmire
Open Year Round
Roads (open at 8:00 am)
Cayuse Pass (SR 123)
April 3
Chinook Pass (SR 410)
April 3
Mowich Lake Road
May 22
Paradise Valley Road
May 22
Ricksecker Point Road
June 5
Stevens Canyon Road to Snow Lake*
May 1
Stevens Canyon Road
May 22
Sunrise Road from White River
June 5
Westside Road to Dry Creek
Open
White River Road to White River Campground
May 1
Longmire to Paradise - Uphill gate open 24 hours
April 13
Campgrounds & Picnic Areas (open at 8:00 am)
Box Canyon Picnic Area & Restrooms
May 22
Cougar Rock Campground & Picnic Area
May 22
Ohanapecosh Campground
May 22
Paradise Picnic Area
May 22
White River Campground
June 26
Visitor Information Centers
Jackson Visitor Center - Daily operation
May 2
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
June 26
Sunrise Visitor Center
June 27
Sunrise Lodge
June 27
Wilderness Information Centers - Longmire & White River
May 22
Longmire Museum
May 8
*Stevens Canyon Road is currently blocked by a large rock and debris slide near Backbone Ridge. A repair contract has been advertised. The target opening date is May 22.
**For lodging reservations at Paradise Inn and the National Park Inn go to www.mtrainierguestservices.com or call 360-569-2275.
For updates on current conditions check the park's webpage at www.nps.gov/mora, or join the Mount Rainier community on Facebook. Find out breaking news and road status updates through Mount Rainier's Twitter feed, explore the park and behind-the-scenes operations with our videos on YouTube, and share your own photos of Mount Rainier with other visitors in the Mount Rainier Flickr group. Recorded park information is also available by calling 360-569-2211.
Outside the park, visitor lodging, food, gifts and activities are available year round. Check the following web pages for information on these communities surrounding the park - www.visitrainier.com, www.mt-rainier.com, www.staycrystal.com, www.minerallake.com, www.destinationpackwood.com.
NOTE: Construction work on the historic Nisqually Road between the Nisqually Entrance Arch and the Paradise area is scheduled to take place mid-May through the end of July 2015. Additional work at Paradise is scheduled after October 1 and will continue into November, weather permitting. Park staff will keep the public informed of construction activities through the park's web page and social media.
This work continues the second year of a multi-year road and utility construction project that will address outdated utilities and deteriorating road conditions due to abundant precipitation, structural and design deficiencies, large traffic volumes, and normal wear. The project is designed to protect the extraordinary natural and cultural resources within and adjacent to the road, including rare plants and animals, archaeological resources, and the character of the National Historic Landmark District.
In 2015, power and data lines between Longmire and Paradise are being replaced, which will greatly improve reliability and service. Paving and minor repairs between the Nisqually Entrance and Longmire will also cause minor delays in travel for visitors and staff alike. Delays will be limited to no more than 30 minutes through the entire project. Expect rough road conditions.
SAFETY MESSAGE: Always drive in your lane unless following a pilot car and always stay in your vehicle while stopped. Many workers, heavy equipment, vehicles will be on the road.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
