Mount Rainier National Park - Spring Update

-Authored by the NPS-
Even though the calendar says Spring has arrived, most of Mount Rainier National Park is still covered in deep winter snow. Paradise currently has 167 inches of snow on the ground. Although it may be late June, mid-July, or even early August before the last remnants of snow finally leave the slopes of “The Mountain”, park and concessions personnel are beginning the annual ritual of opening building; bringing utility systems back into operation after the winter closure; removing snow in and around buildings for access; opening park roads; and hiring of seasonal staff is underway. This process is like bringing small, isolated villages back to life each year.

The park’s projected opening dates for 2013 are listed below. These are projected dates only and subject to change depending on conditions.

MARCH:
Tuesday/Wednesday closure of the road above Longmire ends today, March 20.  The gate at Longmire will continue to close nightly through April 15.  The Paradise snow play area will close on March 31 and the guided snowshoe walks end for the season.

APRIL:
April 5 - Westside Road open to Dry Creek
April 15 – nightly gate closure @ Longmire ends
Snow removal underway on Stevens Canyon, Cayuse and Chinook Passes

MAY:
May 6 – Jackson Visitor Center open 7 days-a- week
May 22 – Paradise Inn opens for season
May 24 – Stevens Canyon Road
May 24 – Cougar Rock Picnic Area
May 24 – Wilderness Information Centers – Longmire & White River
May 24 – Ohanapecosh Campground*
May 24 – Box Canyon Overlook & Restrooms
May 24 – White River Road to Campground and Parking Lot
Snow removal continues - Stevens Canyon, Cayuse and Chinook Passes
Cayuse and Chinook Pass/SR410/SR123 – opening dates undetermined at this time

JUNE:
June 27 – Cougar Rock Campground
June 28 – White River Campground
June 28 – Sunrise Road
Snow removal continues - White River/Sunrise Roads

JULY:
July 3 – Sunrise Visitor Center & Day Lodge
July 4 – Mowich Lake Road

2013 FEE FREE DAYS:
April 22-26 -National Park Week
August 25 – National Park Service’s 97th birthday
September 28 – National Public Lands Day
November 9-11 – Veterans Day weekend

ACCOMMODATIONS:
The National Park Inn located at Longmire is open year round offering guest rooms, dining and gifts as well as a moderate supply of groceries. Paradise Inn is open daily beginning May 22 through October 7 and also offers lodging, dining and gifts. Both inns are on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. For reservations call 360-569-2275 or visit their website at www.mtrainierguestservices.com

For information on other accommodations outside the park, visit these websites:
www.visitrainier.com, www.mt-rainier.com, www.staycrystal.com, www.destinationpackwood.com, www.minerallake.com

Visitors planning to come to the park should check for current weather and road conditions. Recorded information is available by calling 360-569-2211 or via the park’s social media pages at:
http://facebook.com/MountRainierNPS
http://twitter.com/MountRainierNPS
http://youtube.com/MountRainierNPS
http://flickr.com/groups/MountRainierNPS

*Ohanapecosh Visitor Center will not be open this season.

-NPS-