In response to flood damage to the Carbon River Road and Ipsut CreekCampground following the major November 2006 flood event and subsequent
flood events as recent as last winter, the Carbon River Access Management
Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was
signed by the Pacific West Regional Director on February 3, 2011.
The selected Preferred Alternative #2 states that the Carbon River Road
would be reopened to private vehicles as far as a turnaround/drop-off at
the Old Mine Trailhead, 1.2 miles from the park entrance. Between the Old
Mine Trailhead and Ipsut Creek Campground, intact sections of the road
would be used as an improved trail and new improved trail sections would
be constructed through or around flood damaged sections.
Eventually the improved trail will provide sufficient width and sight
distance to safely accommodate hikers and bicyclists, and meet Universal
Access guidelines. Existing road culverts will eventually be removed and
up to 9 wood trail bridges installed to improve fish passage. The Ipsut
Creek Campground will be converted to a hike-in/bike-in backcountry camp
with a minimum of 15 individual sites and 3 group sites. The existing
vault toilets will be replaced with composting toilets and the former
Ipsut trailhead parking area will be recontoured and the historic Ipsut
Patrol Cabin will be reconstructed near the trailhead. At the Carbon River
entrance area, an entrance archway will be constructed, the existing
ranger station will be replaced with a new fee station/visitor contact
office, and additional parking will eventually be provided at the entrance
and in the former maintenance compound located 1/4-mile up the road.
This project will be multi-phased and time to complete is solely dependent
upon funding. Work beginning this Summer/Fall will include: Construction
of up to 5 log flood protection structures within the Carbon River
floodplain adjacent to the Carbon River Entrance Area and the former
maintenance compound; placement of log-span check dams in the damaged
Falls Creek area to protect the adjacent unimproved trail and location for
the future improved trail from future flooding; remove existing vault
toilets and install new composting toilets (likely this Fall); general
decommissioning of portions of the Ipsut Campground for downsizing (i.e.
remove fire grates, parking barriers, etc.); install bike racks and
bear-proof food boxes in the downsized campground; begin to clear/widen
unimproved trail in the Falls Creek area; begin construction of new trail
bridges; and remove dysfunctional culverts along the length of the old
roadway.
Visitors will be able to access the Carbon River area, continuing to park
in the limited parking area immediately inside the entrance and hike/bike
to the Ipsut Creek Campground. Biking is only permitted on the unimproved
trail up to the Ipsut Creek Campground. Please be aware of the
construction work going on in the area (during weekdays) and wait for
permission from the workers when it is safe to pass through the
construction zone. Bikers, please be particularly aware of other bikers
and hikers using the unimproved and narrow trail, especially in areas of
restricted sight distance.
-NPS-
Monday, July 18, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Night Skies Program and Star Gazing at Mt Rainier-Paradise this Friday
Contact: Curt Jacquot, West Area Interpreter, (360) 569-2211 ext. 6577
Star Party and Night Skies Program at Paradise: 9:00 PM, Friday July 22,
2011
Families and individuals of all ages are invited to the Paradise area of
Mount Rainier National Park for a special program on Friday, July 22.. The
event starts at 9:00 PM in the lobby of the Paradise Inn with a short
presentation about the National Park Service “Night Skies” program. The
National Park Service has come to embrace night skies as one of the many
scenic vistas the agency is a steward of. It is essential to keeping a park
whole and touches on almost every aspect that is important to us - from
sustainability to stargazers, and animals to ancient ruins.
At 9:45 PM there will be outdoor star gazing in front of the Paradise
Jackson Visitor Center with Tacoma Astronomical Society (TAS) volunteers
and their telescopes. Astronomy Society volunteers will also assist with
special children's astronomy activities. All ages will be able to make
astronomy devices called "star finders."
If weather makes star gazing difficult, the party will move inside the
Paradise Inn lobby for star finder making and a 45-minute film about the
Milky Way galaxy.
If you have questions please contact Park Ranger Curt Jacquot at (360)
569-2211, extension 6577.
Information about the Tacoma Astronomy Society is found online at:
http://www.tas-online.org/
General park information is available at www.nps.gov/mora or by calling
360-569-2211.
-NPS-
Star Party and Night Skies Program at Paradise: 9:00 PM, Friday July 22,
2011
Families and individuals of all ages are invited to the Paradise area of
Mount Rainier National Park for a special program on Friday, July 22.. The
event starts at 9:00 PM in the lobby of the Paradise Inn with a short
presentation about the National Park Service “Night Skies” program. The
National Park Service has come to embrace night skies as one of the many
scenic vistas the agency is a steward of. It is essential to keeping a park
whole and touches on almost every aspect that is important to us - from
sustainability to stargazers, and animals to ancient ruins.
At 9:45 PM there will be outdoor star gazing in front of the Paradise
Jackson Visitor Center with Tacoma Astronomical Society (TAS) volunteers
and their telescopes. Astronomy Society volunteers will also assist with
special children's astronomy activities. All ages will be able to make
astronomy devices called "star finders."
If weather makes star gazing difficult, the party will move inside the
Paradise Inn lobby for star finder making and a 45-minute film about the
Milky Way galaxy.
If you have questions please contact Park Ranger Curt Jacquot at (360)
569-2211, extension 6577.
Information about the Tacoma Astronomy Society is found online at:
http://www.tas-online.org/
General park information is available at www.nps.gov/mora or by calling
360-569-2211.
-NPS-
Friday, July 8, 2011
“Keep Wildlife Wild Day” at Mount Rainier
“Keep Wildlife Wild Day” at Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier National Park will host its third annual Keep Wildlife Wild
Day on August 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in an effort to educate
visitors on wildlife and the impacts we have on them. The day will focus
on protection and education to keep Mount Rainier’s wildlife wild.
The park will celebrate the day with a number of short educational programs
in the Paradise area. Interpretive Rangers and Biologists will present
talks on native wildlife throughout the day. Activities will be provided
for children to explore the interesting world of wildlife through artistic
expression.
Join Mount Rainier in helping to keep wildlife wild!
For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, contact
Sarah_Yates@nps.gov.
More information on the “Keep Wildlife Wild” program can be found at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/keep-wildlife-wild.htm.
For more information on volunteering for the park, visit Mount Rainier’s
volunteer website at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm
Contact: Sarah Yates, 360-569-6774
Mount Rainier National Park will host its third annual Keep Wildlife Wild
Day on August 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in an effort to educate
visitors on wildlife and the impacts we have on them. The day will focus
on protection and education to keep Mount Rainier’s wildlife wild.
The park will celebrate the day with a number of short educational programs
in the Paradise area. Interpretive Rangers and Biologists will present
talks on native wildlife throughout the day. Activities will be provided
for children to explore the interesting world of wildlife through artistic
expression.
Join Mount Rainier in helping to keep wildlife wild!
For more information, or to sign up to volunteer, contact
Sarah_Yates@nps.gov.
More information on the “Keep Wildlife Wild” program can be found at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/keep-wildlife-wild.htm.
For more information on volunteering for the park, visit Mount Rainier’s
volunteer website at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/supportyourpark/volunteer.htm
Contact: Sarah Yates, 360-569-6774
Friday, June 17, 2011
Delayed opening of the road to Sunrise until at least July 8...
For Immediate Release
Contact: Donna Rahier, 360-569-6501
Deep Snow Conditions Will Delay Opening of Sunrise Area and the White River
Campground; Entrance Fees Waived on June 21
Deep and persistent snow levels at higher elevations on Mount Rainier will delay the opening of the road to Sunrise until at least July 8. Park road crews, using bulldozers and a rotary snow blower, are working daily to remove snow from the road and expect to reach the parking area at Sunrise early next week. Once access is available, additional park and Washington Conservation Corps crews will be brought into the area to shovel out buildings and activate the power and water systems.
Since July 1, 2010, a total of 907 inches of snow have fallen at Paradise. The record for the park is 1,122 of snowfall during the 1971-72 winter season. Cool and wet temperatures have persisted into June, delaying snow melt in the upper elevations and slowing snow removal operations that began in March. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) road crews have faced similar deep snow conditions on Highway 410, delaying the opening of Chinook Pass on the east side of the park. WSDOT’s projected opening for Chinook Pass is June 23 at 10:00 AM.
Persistent snow conditions will also delay the opening of the White River Campground until July 1. The road to the campground is open and accessible. Mowich Road opening operations will be delayed until snow removal at Paradise and Sunrise are completed. All other park roads and areas are open. Travelers are advised to check the park’s website prior to a visit to get updated information on road and trail conditions, services and activities. Mount Rainier National Park’s website is at: www.nps.gov/mora. Attached are recent photos of current snow conditions at Sunrise.
Other photos are posted on the park website.
Please check the WSDOT website, www.wsdot.wa.gov, for current updates on all highway and pass conditions in Washington State.
June 21 is a FEE FREE DAY at Mount Rainier!
June 21 marks the first day of summer and the next FEE FREE DAY at Mount Rainier National Park and all other national parks charging entrance fees across the nation. This is one of 17 fee free days that have been designated this year. Other remaining fee free periods are September 24 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11-13 (Veteran's Day Weekend).
Fee free days serve to encourage Americans to visit and appreciate their national parks.
-NPS-
Contact: Donna Rahier, 360-569-6501
Deep Snow Conditions Will Delay Opening of Sunrise Area and the White River
Campground; Entrance Fees Waived on June 21
Deep and persistent snow levels at higher elevations on Mount Rainier will delay the opening of the road to Sunrise until at least July 8. Park road crews, using bulldozers and a rotary snow blower, are working daily to remove snow from the road and expect to reach the parking area at Sunrise early next week. Once access is available, additional park and Washington Conservation Corps crews will be brought into the area to shovel out buildings and activate the power and water systems.
Since July 1, 2010, a total of 907 inches of snow have fallen at Paradise. The record for the park is 1,122 of snowfall during the 1971-72 winter season. Cool and wet temperatures have persisted into June, delaying snow melt in the upper elevations and slowing snow removal operations that began in March. Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) road crews have faced similar deep snow conditions on Highway 410, delaying the opening of Chinook Pass on the east side of the park. WSDOT’s projected opening for Chinook Pass is June 23 at 10:00 AM.
Persistent snow conditions will also delay the opening of the White River Campground until July 1. The road to the campground is open and accessible. Mowich Road opening operations will be delayed until snow removal at Paradise and Sunrise are completed. All other park roads and areas are open. Travelers are advised to check the park’s website prior to a visit to get updated information on road and trail conditions, services and activities. Mount Rainier National Park’s website is at: www.nps.gov/mora. Attached are recent photos of current snow conditions at Sunrise.
Other photos are posted on the park website.
Please check the WSDOT website, www.wsdot.wa.gov, for current updates on all highway and pass conditions in Washington State.
June 21 is a FEE FREE DAY at Mount Rainier!
June 21 marks the first day of summer and the next FEE FREE DAY at Mount Rainier National Park and all other national parks charging entrance fees across the nation. This is one of 17 fee free days that have been designated this year. Other remaining fee free periods are September 24 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11-13 (Veteran's Day Weekend).
Fee free days serve to encourage Americans to visit and appreciate their national parks.
-NPS-
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Summertime Ranger led programs return to the Mountain
Mount Rainier National Park
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2011
Summertime Ranger-led Programs return to the Mountain
Contact: Curt Jacquot, Curt_Jacquot@nps.gov, 360.569.6578
Mount Rainier National Park is pleased to announce the return of regularly scheduled ranger-led programs. The Ohanapecosh campground is snow-free and rangers have returned to present a variety of daily programs starting Friday, June 17th. These include Junior Ranger activities, walks and evening programs.
In June at the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center, visitors can join a daily Ranger’s Choice walk at 2 p.m. and on Friday, June 17th there will be an evening program at the Paradise Inn starting at 9 p.m. The complete schedule of daily ranger programs at Longmire and Paradise will begin Friday, July 1st. The summer schedule of Ranger-led activities is available on the park website at:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm
Follow upcoming Mount Rainier National Park events via our new twitter page at:
http://twitter.com/#!/MountRainierNPS
Upcoming evening programs are as follows:
Friday, June 17, Paradise Inn Lobby at 9:00 PM
Journey to Paradise: Join Ranger Maureen McLean for a 1915 sojourn to Mount Rainier National Park.
Friday, June 17, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Treemendous Trees: Come and discover the many special gifts that the coniferous forests of Mount Rainier provide for all with Ranger Bev Killam.
Saturday, June 18, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Climbing Mount Rainier: Have you ever wondered, dreamed, or imagined what you would experience were you to climb the mountain? Join Ranger Dan Smith for a journey into the world of thin air and ice as he shares his 40+ years of climbing experiences.
Sunday, June 19, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Life in the Treetops: The old growth forests of Mount Rainier National Park are some of the last remnants of the forests that covered this area in the past. These biologically diverse ecosystems provide life to thousands of plant and animal species. Join Ranger Scott Coombs in a tour of the old growth forest and an introduction to the animals that call these treetops home.
Monday, June 20, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Climbing Mount Rainier: Ranger Dan Smith
Tuesday, June 21, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Treemendous Trees: Ranger Bev Killam
Wednesday, June 22, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Where the Wild Things Are
Thursday, June 23, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Life Comes From The Volcano!
General park information is available at www.nps.gov/mora or by calling
360-569-2211.
-NPS-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2011
Summertime Ranger-led Programs return to the Mountain
Contact: Curt Jacquot, Curt_Jacquot@nps.gov, 360.569.6578
Mount Rainier National Park is pleased to announce the return of regularly scheduled ranger-led programs. The Ohanapecosh campground is snow-free and rangers have returned to present a variety of daily programs starting Friday, June 17th. These include Junior Ranger activities, walks and evening programs.
In June at the Paradise Jackson Visitor Center, visitors can join a daily Ranger’s Choice walk at 2 p.m. and on Friday, June 17th there will be an evening program at the Paradise Inn starting at 9 p.m. The complete schedule of daily ranger programs at Longmire and Paradise will begin Friday, July 1st. The summer schedule of Ranger-led activities is available on the park website at:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm
Follow upcoming Mount Rainier National Park events via our new twitter page at:
http://twitter.com/#!/MountRainierNPS
Upcoming evening programs are as follows:
Friday, June 17, Paradise Inn Lobby at 9:00 PM
Journey to Paradise: Join Ranger Maureen McLean for a 1915 sojourn to Mount Rainier National Park.
Friday, June 17, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Treemendous Trees: Come and discover the many special gifts that the coniferous forests of Mount Rainier provide for all with Ranger Bev Killam.
Saturday, June 18, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Climbing Mount Rainier: Have you ever wondered, dreamed, or imagined what you would experience were you to climb the mountain? Join Ranger Dan Smith for a journey into the world of thin air and ice as he shares his 40+ years of climbing experiences.
Sunday, June 19, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Life in the Treetops: The old growth forests of Mount Rainier National Park are some of the last remnants of the forests that covered this area in the past. These biologically diverse ecosystems provide life to thousands of plant and animal species. Join Ranger Scott Coombs in a tour of the old growth forest and an introduction to the animals that call these treetops home.
Monday, June 20, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Climbing Mount Rainier: Ranger Dan Smith
Tuesday, June 21, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Treemendous Trees: Ranger Bev Killam
Wednesday, June 22, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Where the Wild Things Are
Thursday, June 23, Ohanapecosh Campground Amphitheater 8:30 pm
Life Comes From The Volcano!
General park information is available at www.nps.gov/mora or by calling
360-569-2211.
-NPS-
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
We'll miss you Dave!
DENVER – Intermountain Regional Director John Wessels today announced that
Mount Rainier Superintendent David Uberuaga has been named Superintendent
of Grand Canyon National Park. Uberuaga will begin his duties in mid-July.
“I am extremely pleased that we have someone of Dave’s character,
experience and ability at Grand Canyon National Park,” Wessels said. “He
has all the skills necessary to take on the many complex issues that are
part of managing a park the size and stature of Grand Canyon.”
Uberuaga is currently the Superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park in
Washington state, a post he has held for the past 9 years. During that
time he served for more than a year as Acting Superintendent of Yosemite
National Park. He has spent 37 years in federal service and has been with
the National Park Service since 1984.
“I am humbled to have been selected as Superintendent at Grand Canyon,”
Uberuaga said. “I look forward to working with the park staff, the many
stakeholders who care so deeply about the park, and the local community.
Grand Canyon National Park is a truly spectacular place, one that has
inspired people around the world.”
Uberuaga has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Masters in
Business Administration from the University of Idaho. Among his many
awards, he is the recipient of the National Parks Conservation
Association’s Stehpen Tyng Mather Award for promoting environmental
preservation in parks; the Department of Interior Cooperative Conservation
Award; and the Department of Interior Superior Service Award. In 2008, he
was named Federal Land Manger of the year by the Department of Interior.
Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, he and his wife Barbara have three grown
children, Mark, Michelle and Amy.
---NPS---
Mount Rainier Superintendent David Uberuaga has been named Superintendent
of Grand Canyon National Park. Uberuaga will begin his duties in mid-July.
“I am extremely pleased that we have someone of Dave’s character,
experience and ability at Grand Canyon National Park,” Wessels said. “He
has all the skills necessary to take on the many complex issues that are
part of managing a park the size and stature of Grand Canyon.”
Uberuaga is currently the Superintendent of Mount Rainier National Park in
Washington state, a post he has held for the past 9 years. During that
time he served for more than a year as Acting Superintendent of Yosemite
National Park. He has spent 37 years in federal service and has been with
the National Park Service since 1984.
“I am humbled to have been selected as Superintendent at Grand Canyon,”
Uberuaga said. “I look forward to working with the park staff, the many
stakeholders who care so deeply about the park, and the local community.
Grand Canyon National Park is a truly spectacular place, one that has
inspired people around the world.”
Uberuaga has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Masters in
Business Administration from the University of Idaho. Among his many
awards, he is the recipient of the National Parks Conservation
Association’s Stehpen Tyng Mather Award for promoting environmental
preservation in parks; the Department of Interior Cooperative Conservation
Award; and the Department of Interior Superior Service Award. In 2008, he
was named Federal Land Manger of the year by the Department of Interior.
Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, he and his wife Barbara have three grown
children, Mark, Michelle and Amy.
---NPS---
Friday, May 20, 2011
Mount Rainier Spring/Summer Opening Schedule
-NPS-
Paradise Inn Opens - On Friday, May 20, the historic Paradise Inn opens its
doors once again to greet visitors for the 2011 season. Constructed in
1916, the Inn showcases a beautiful lobby and dining room featuring hand
painted hanging lamps depicting park wildflowers, three huge stone
fireplaces to welcome guests, 118 guest rooms, a café, and gift shop with
authentic Native American arts and crafts. A full service dining room
offers Northwest cuisine. The Inn is listed as a National Historic
Landmark.
In addition to the Paradise Inn, the National Park Inn at Longmire is also
open for visitors. The National Park Inn offers 25 guests rooms, a cozy
fireside room for guests to enjoy, full service restaurant, general store
and gift shop.
Both inns are operated by Guest Services, Incorporated. Reservations can
be made on line at www.mtrainierguestservices.com or by telephone at
360-569-2275.
Gateway communities surrounding the park are open daily also providing
lodging, meals, gifts, equipment rentals, horseback riding, fishing,
special events and a variety of other needs to park visitors. Information
on these businesses is available on the internet at www.visitrainier.com,
www.mt-rainier.com, www.staycrystal.com,
www.destinationpackwood.com or www.minerallake.com.
CURRENT STATUS AND PROJECTED OPENING DATES OF OTHER PARK FACILITIES (by
area): Note: Some dates may change due to snow conditions and accessibility
ROADS:
Stevens Canyon Road Open Friday, May 27 @ 8:00 a.m.
SR 410 to SR 123 over Cayuse Pass Open Thursday, May 26
Sunrise Road Open Friday, June 24 @ 8:00 a.m.
Mowich Lake Road Open Friday, July 1 @ 8:00 a.m.
Skate Creek Road (USFS Road 52) Opened Thursday, May 19
Longmire:
Longmire Museum Open daily - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Longmire Wilderness Information Center Open daily - 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
National Park Inn Open daily year round
Cougar Rock:
Cougar Rock Campground Opening delayed until June 3 8:00 a.m. due to snow.
Cougar Rock Picnic Area Same as Cougar Rock Campground
Paradise:
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center Open daily -10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. (starting May 20)
Paradise Inn Open daily beginning May 20
Box Canyon:
Box Canyon Picnic Area & Restrooms Open May 27
Ohanapecosh:
Ohanapecosh Campground Open May 27 – 8:00 a.m.
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center Open May 27–30 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., then weekends only until June 11. June 11-September 4 - open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Grove of the Patriarchs Open 5/27
White River:
White River Road to WR Campground May 27 (Projected-subject to snow
conditions)
White River Campground Open June 24 - 8:00 a.m.
Sunrise:
Sunrise Lodge (snack bar & gift shop) Open June 24
Sunrise Visitor Center July 1 (10 am - 6 pm)
Carbon River:
Ranger Station open year round Call for hours - 360-829-9639
For additional information visit the park’s website at www.nps.gov/mora or
call 360-569-2211
SPRING/SUMMER OPENING SCHEDULEParadise Inn Opens - On Friday, May 20, the historic Paradise Inn opens its
doors once again to greet visitors for the 2011 season. Constructed in
1916, the Inn showcases a beautiful lobby and dining room featuring hand
painted hanging lamps depicting park wildflowers, three huge stone
fireplaces to welcome guests, 118 guest rooms, a café, and gift shop with
authentic Native American arts and crafts. A full service dining room
offers Northwest cuisine. The Inn is listed as a National Historic
Landmark.
In addition to the Paradise Inn, the National Park Inn at Longmire is also
open for visitors. The National Park Inn offers 25 guests rooms, a cozy
fireside room for guests to enjoy, full service restaurant, general store
and gift shop.
Both inns are operated by Guest Services, Incorporated. Reservations can
be made on line at www.mtrainierguestservices.com or by telephone at
360-569-2275.
Gateway communities surrounding the park are open daily also providing
lodging, meals, gifts, equipment rentals, horseback riding, fishing,
special events and a variety of other needs to park visitors. Information
on these businesses is available on the internet at www.visitrainier.com,
www.mt-rainier.com, www.staycrystal.com,
www.destinationpackwood.com or www.minerallake.com.
CURRENT STATUS AND PROJECTED OPENING DATES OF OTHER PARK FACILITIES (by
area): Note: Some dates may change due to snow conditions and accessibility
ROADS:
Stevens Canyon Road Open Friday, May 27 @ 8:00 a.m.
SR 410 to SR 123 over Cayuse Pass Open Thursday, May 26
Sunrise Road Open Friday, June 24 @ 8:00 a.m.
Mowich Lake Road Open Friday, July 1 @ 8:00 a.m.
Skate Creek Road (USFS Road 52) Opened Thursday, May 19
Longmire:
Longmire Museum Open daily - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Longmire Wilderness Information Center Open daily - 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
National Park Inn Open daily year round
Cougar Rock:
Cougar Rock Campground Opening delayed until June 3 8:00 a.m. due to snow.
Cougar Rock Picnic Area Same as Cougar Rock Campground
Paradise:
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center Open daily -10:00 a.m. - 6 p.m. (starting May 20)
Paradise Inn Open daily beginning May 20
Box Canyon:
Box Canyon Picnic Area & Restrooms Open May 27
Ohanapecosh:
Ohanapecosh Campground Open May 27 – 8:00 a.m.
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center Open May 27–30 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., then weekends only until June 11. June 11-September 4 - open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Grove of the Patriarchs Open 5/27
White River:
White River Road to WR Campground May 27 (Projected-subject to snow
conditions)
White River Campground Open June 24 - 8:00 a.m.
Sunrise:
Sunrise Lodge (snack bar & gift shop) Open June 24
Sunrise Visitor Center July 1 (10 am - 6 pm)
Carbon River:
Ranger Station open year round Call for hours - 360-829-9639
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Snowshoe Walks for School Groups
Contact: Fawn Bauer, Education Specialist 360-569-6037
With these recent storms that have hit the Cascades, the Education Staff at
Mount Rainier National Park is offering additional curriculum-based
snowshoe education programs for school groups. If you are a teacher
looking to bring your students on a field trip to Mount Rainier during the
school week, don’t miss this opportunity. These programs are available at
no charge to school groups and are tailored to the teacher’s identified
learning objectives.
Through a “Connecting Kids to Parks” grant from Washington’s National Park
Fund, several mini-grants are available to help subsidize the
transportation costs for schools to bring students to the park during this
spring 2011 school year. These mini-grants are intended to be cost-share
subsidies for bus transportation, so that the maximum amount of students
can benefit. Number and size of grants will vary, with most grants being in
the $100-$250 range. These mini-grants are made possible in an effort to
increase the accessibility of park experiences for youth who may not
otherwise have an opportunity to visit a national park.
For more information about these school snowshoe education walks and the
bus subsidy grant, please contact Fawn Bauer at 360-569-6037.
Please check the Mount Rainier National Park website at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/forteachers/index.htm for more information about
field trips and teacher workshops.
Please remember that roads in the park may be closed at any time due to
hazardous conditions. General park information is available at
www.nps.gov/mora or by calling 360-569-2211.
-NPS-
With these recent storms that have hit the Cascades, the Education Staff at
Mount Rainier National Park is offering additional curriculum-based
snowshoe education programs for school groups. If you are a teacher
looking to bring your students on a field trip to Mount Rainier during the
school week, don’t miss this opportunity. These programs are available at
no charge to school groups and are tailored to the teacher’s identified
learning objectives.
Through a “Connecting Kids to Parks” grant from Washington’s National Park
Fund, several mini-grants are available to help subsidize the
transportation costs for schools to bring students to the park during this
spring 2011 school year. These mini-grants are intended to be cost-share
subsidies for bus transportation, so that the maximum amount of students
can benefit. Number and size of grants will vary, with most grants being in
the $100-$250 range. These mini-grants are made possible in an effort to
increase the accessibility of park experiences for youth who may not
otherwise have an opportunity to visit a national park.
For more information about these school snowshoe education walks and the
bus subsidy grant, please contact Fawn Bauer at 360-569-6037.
Please check the Mount Rainier National Park website at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/forteachers/index.htm for more information about
field trips and teacher workshops.
Please remember that roads in the park may be closed at any time due to
hazardous conditions. General park information is available at
www.nps.gov/mora or by calling 360-569-2211.
-NPS-
Friday, March 18, 2011
Mount Rainier Press Release - Spring Opening Beginning
March 18, 2011
2011 SPRING OPENING BEGINNING
The calendar may say it’s almost the first day of Spring, but at Mount
Rainier National Park Spring is still a long way off. But, despite the
fact that Paradise currently has 203” of snow on the ground (121% above
normal) staff at Mount Rainier is once again beginning the annual spring
opening. This process, which begins at the lower elevations of the park
such as Longmire and Ohanapecosh and moves up the mountain to the higher
elevations of White River and Sunrise as the snow melts or is plowed away,
is like bringing a small community back to life every year. Roads that
have been completely snowed in since last fall are blown out with snow
equipment; removal of slides, boulders and rocks and fallen trees from
these roads, cleaning ditches of debris and repairing any damage; shoveling
snow from park buildings; reactivating water, sewer and heating systems
that have been shut down since fall; repairing damage from winter’s harsh
conditions and many other maintenance activities associated with getting
the park’s public facilities ready for another season of visitation.
SNOW PLAY AND SNOWSHOE WALKS ENDING MARCH 27
The public snow play area at Paradise will be staffed and groomed through
Sunday, March 27. After that date the snow play runs will not be
maintained and sledding will not be permitted due to safety concerns.
The ranger-led snow shoe walks will also end that same date - March 27.
The new Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is open weekends only, 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 7 when it will begin 7-day a week operation.
The Paradise Inn is scheduled to open for the 2011 season on Friday, May
20. Reservations can be made by phone – 360-569-2275, or on line at
www.mtrainierguestservices.com
While snow play activities will be ending, great opportunities still exist
for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Paradise area. Before
heading out, visitors are advised to check with park staff for current
weather and avalanche conditions. Spring can be a wonderful time to
experience the park, but dangerous conditions can exist.
For current road and weather information, visit the park’s web page at
www.nps.gov/mora, or call 360-569-2211 for recorded updates. For local
business information web sites visit: www.visitrainier.com,
www.mt-rainier.com, www.staycrystal.com, www.minerallake.com,
www.destinationpackwood.com, or www.mtrainierguestservices.com
-NPS-
2011 SPRING OPENING BEGINNING
The calendar may say it’s almost the first day of Spring, but at Mount
Rainier National Park Spring is still a long way off. But, despite the
fact that Paradise currently has 203” of snow on the ground (121% above
normal) staff at Mount Rainier is once again beginning the annual spring
opening. This process, which begins at the lower elevations of the park
such as Longmire and Ohanapecosh and moves up the mountain to the higher
elevations of White River and Sunrise as the snow melts or is plowed away,
is like bringing a small community back to life every year. Roads that
have been completely snowed in since last fall are blown out with snow
equipment; removal of slides, boulders and rocks and fallen trees from
these roads, cleaning ditches of debris and repairing any damage; shoveling
snow from park buildings; reactivating water, sewer and heating systems
that have been shut down since fall; repairing damage from winter’s harsh
conditions and many other maintenance activities associated with getting
the park’s public facilities ready for another season of visitation.
SNOW PLAY AND SNOWSHOE WALKS ENDING MARCH 27
The public snow play area at Paradise will be staffed and groomed through
Sunday, March 27. After that date the snow play runs will not be
maintained and sledding will not be permitted due to safety concerns.
The ranger-led snow shoe walks will also end that same date - March 27.
The new Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is open weekends only, 10
a.m. to 5 p.m. until May 7 when it will begin 7-day a week operation.
The Paradise Inn is scheduled to open for the 2011 season on Friday, May
20. Reservations can be made by phone – 360-569-2275, or on line at
www.mtrainierguestservices.com
While snow play activities will be ending, great opportunities still exist
for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the Paradise area. Before
heading out, visitors are advised to check with park staff for current
weather and avalanche conditions. Spring can be a wonderful time to
experience the park, but dangerous conditions can exist.
For current road and weather information, visit the park’s web page at
www.nps.gov/mora, or call 360-569-2211 for recorded updates. For local
business information web sites visit: www.visitrainier.com,
www.mt-rainier.com, www.staycrystal.com, www.minerallake.com,
www.destinationpackwood.com, or www.mtrainierguestservices.com
-NPS-
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
CLIMBING FEES CHANGING AT MOUNT RAINIER
Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga announces that the
proposed increase in climbing fees at Mount Rainier has been approved by
Pacific West Regional Director Christine Lehnertz, and is effective
immediately.
Climbers will now be charged $43 for an annual climbing pass which is good
through December 31 of the year it is purchased. This is a $13 increase
from the previous fee of $30 which has been in effect since May, 2003.
In addition, the park is implementing a new $30 “youth” climbing pass for
climbers 24 years old and younger, in support of National Park Service and
Department of Interior initiatives, and in response to comments made during
public meetings the park held in November and December of 2010. It is
estimated that 5-10% of the total climber volume is in this age group.
The public comment process involved three public meetings held in Seattle,
Tacoma and Ashford in November and December as well as one additional
meeting held in early February in Bellevue. Attendees included
mountaineering groups, professional guides, rangers, independent climbers
from broad backgrounds, non-climbing public and mountain rescue groups. An
Executive Summary, a Frequently Asked Questions document, and a Climbing
Program Cost Analysis were produced and posted on the Mount Rainier web
page (www.nps.gov/mora) and widely distributed.
After a thorough analysis of all of the comments submitted, the park staff
decided on the above fee structure for implementation.
Climbing fees, in addition to other park funding sources are used to
support climber services and management of climbing activities on Mount
Rainier. These services and programs include: registering approximately
11,000 climbers each year; providing up-to-date climbing route and safety
information; updating weather, climbing, route, and climbing related
information on web blog; staffing ranger stations at Paradise and White
River; issuing climbing passes and providing updated information for
climbers; staffing two high camps (Camp Muir & Camp Schurman); briefing
hundreds of climbers during peak season; responding to numerous search and
rescues and emergency medical situations on the upper mountain; operating
and maintaining high camp facilities and communications systems;
maintaining toilets at the high camps and managing the “blue bag” and
“Leave No Trace programs; hauling several thousand pounds of human waste
off the upper mountain to processing facilities. In addition, the revenue
from these fees allows the park to provide the climbing ranger staff
training in core skills, including mountaineering, search and rescue,
emergency medical services, incident management and aviation-related
training, to be able to perform their jobs in the extreme environment in
which they work. Part of their job responsibilities also involves
monitoring the alpine wilderness areas for impacts related to visitor use
and climate change.
Superintendent Uberuaga said “I very much appreciate the ideas,
recommendations and feedback from all of the people who provided comments,
either at the public meetings or in writing. Their participation helped us
make better decisions that will guide management of the climbing program
for the next several years.”
-NPS-
proposed increase in climbing fees at Mount Rainier has been approved by
Pacific West Regional Director Christine Lehnertz, and is effective
immediately.
Climbers will now be charged $43 for an annual climbing pass which is good
through December 31 of the year it is purchased. This is a $13 increase
from the previous fee of $30 which has been in effect since May, 2003.
In addition, the park is implementing a new $30 “youth” climbing pass for
climbers 24 years old and younger, in support of National Park Service and
Department of Interior initiatives, and in response to comments made during
public meetings the park held in November and December of 2010. It is
estimated that 5-10% of the total climber volume is in this age group.
The public comment process involved three public meetings held in Seattle,
Tacoma and Ashford in November and December as well as one additional
meeting held in early February in Bellevue. Attendees included
mountaineering groups, professional guides, rangers, independent climbers
from broad backgrounds, non-climbing public and mountain rescue groups. An
Executive Summary, a Frequently Asked Questions document, and a Climbing
Program Cost Analysis were produced and posted on the Mount Rainier web
page (www.nps.gov/mora) and widely distributed.
After a thorough analysis of all of the comments submitted, the park staff
decided on the above fee structure for implementation.
Climbing fees, in addition to other park funding sources are used to
support climber services and management of climbing activities on Mount
Rainier. These services and programs include: registering approximately
11,000 climbers each year; providing up-to-date climbing route and safety
information; updating weather, climbing, route, and climbing related
information on web blog; staffing ranger stations at Paradise and White
River; issuing climbing passes and providing updated information for
climbers; staffing two high camps (Camp Muir & Camp Schurman); briefing
hundreds of climbers during peak season; responding to numerous search and
rescues and emergency medical situations on the upper mountain; operating
and maintaining high camp facilities and communications systems;
maintaining toilets at the high camps and managing the “blue bag” and
“Leave No Trace programs; hauling several thousand pounds of human waste
off the upper mountain to processing facilities. In addition, the revenue
from these fees allows the park to provide the climbing ranger staff
training in core skills, including mountaineering, search and rescue,
emergency medical services, incident management and aviation-related
training, to be able to perform their jobs in the extreme environment in
which they work. Part of their job responsibilities also involves
monitoring the alpine wilderness areas for impacts related to visitor use
and climate change.
Superintendent Uberuaga said “I very much appreciate the ideas,
recommendations and feedback from all of the people who provided comments,
either at the public meetings or in writing. Their participation helped us
make better decisions that will guide management of the climbing program
for the next several years.”
-NPS-
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