The blog for the Mt Rainier Institute of Photography and the blog for Adam Angel Photography are moving to Kalakora.com. The Kalākora Gallery will serve as the umbrella for both. Thanks for visiting!
~Adam
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Shadows of the Past Living History Program, Mount Rainier National Park.
Saturday Evening August 18 at Longmire!
Contact: Park Ranger Curt Jacquot, (360) 569-6577
On Saturday August 18, Mount Rainier National Park will present Shadows of the Past, a “living history” program. Volunteers and staff in costumes will portray important individuals from the park’s past. The early story of Mount Rainier and the National Park Service from 1883 through 1916 will be told. Lead Rangers will guide groups along the Trail of the Shadows in Longmire. Historical figures will emerge from the darkness while volunteers with lanterns illuminate the scene!
The free program lasts about 80 minutes. Admission to the park is $15 for private vehicles.
Longmire is six miles east of the park’s southwest Nisqually Entrance. Walks will leave (rain or shine) from in front of the National Park Inn at Longmire at 8:30 PM, 8:50 PM, 9:10 PM, and 9:30 PM. Those attending should bring warm clothing, sturdy footwear, insect repellant, and a flashlight.
– NPS –
Contact: Park Ranger Curt Jacquot, (360) 569-6577
On Saturday August 18, Mount Rainier National Park will present Shadows of the Past, a “living history” program. Volunteers and staff in costumes will portray important individuals from the park’s past. The early story of Mount Rainier and the National Park Service from 1883 through 1916 will be told. Lead Rangers will guide groups along the Trail of the Shadows in Longmire. Historical figures will emerge from the darkness while volunteers with lanterns illuminate the scene!
The free program lasts about 80 minutes. Admission to the park is $15 for private vehicles.
Longmire is six miles east of the park’s southwest Nisqually Entrance. Walks will leave (rain or shine) from in front of the National Park Inn at Longmire at 8:30 PM, 8:50 PM, 9:10 PM, and 9:30 PM. Those attending should bring warm clothing, sturdy footwear, insect repellant, and a flashlight.
– NPS –
Thursday, July 19, 2012
UPDATE: Rehabilitation of 10 miles of Stevens Canyon Road in 2012 and 2013 Phase 2 Effort
Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Randy King and Federal Highway Administration, Western Federal Lands Highway Division officials announced last May that Phase 2 of the planned rehabilitation of 10 miles of Stevens Canyon Road was awarded to Tucci and Sons, Inc. of Tacoma, WA for $8,910,093.23 with a Notice to Proceed issued for project start on May 29, 2012 and a contract completion date of September 17, 2013.
Work is progressing well and involves resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of the Stevens Canyon Road and other related facilities, including bridges, tunnels, culverts, guard walls, retaining walls, turnouts and the short Wonderland Trail section adjacent to Reflection Lake. The improvements will occur along two segments of the road, totaling 10.09 miles of the 19 mile road.
Stevens Canyon Road connects the east and west sides of the park, extending for 19 miles from SR 123 at the east end to intersection with the Nisqually to Paradise Road at the west end, two miles south of Paradise. During the 2012 closure period, visitors are encouraged to access the Paradise area from the southwest via the Nisqually Entrance at the east end of SR 706. Visitors traveling from the east via SR 410, SR 123, and/or US 12 who wish to visit the Paradise area are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
While the construction and associated closures and traffic delays present an inconvenience, the rehabilitation work will not only improve the driving surface of the roadway, but ensure its longevity.
Updated information on this project may be obtained by calling Mount Rainier National Park at 360-569-2166. Information on this project, as well as general park information, is also available on Mount Rainier National Park’s website www.nps.gov/mora/parknews/newsreleases.htm.
###
NOTE: Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most cell phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that manages 4.6 million calls each year. Plan to call prior driving to the park, as cell phone coverage is minimal within the park. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass conditions, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
Work is progressing well and involves resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of the Stevens Canyon Road and other related facilities, including bridges, tunnels, culverts, guard walls, retaining walls, turnouts and the short Wonderland Trail section adjacent to Reflection Lake. The improvements will occur along two segments of the road, totaling 10.09 miles of the 19 mile road.
- Up until September 4, visitors should anticipate 20-minute delays, Monday – Friday, through each of two segments of roadwork on Stevens Canyon Road.
- Beginning the week of July 16 and until mid-September while rehabilitating the Ohanapecosh and Falls Creek Bridges, located on the east end of the project (Segment 4), one-lane alternating traffic will be implemented as the contractor performs repair work. A traffic control light system will be in place at both bridge sites to regulate alternating traffic during non-work hours. During work hours (7am to 5pm Mondays – Fridays) and peak traffic weekend periods (10am to 5pm), active traffic control flagging will be implemented to facilitate traffic flow.
- Bicyclists and motorcyclists are particularly encouraged to travel cautiously through the construction zones where gravel surfaces will periodically be encountered.
- From September 4, 2012 until winter closure, Stevens Canyon Road will be closed to through traffic (for both vehicles and bicycles) from just east of the intersection with the Paradise Valley Road to the east end of the tunnel at Box Canyon.
- Visitors will be able to access Backbone Ridge, Box Canyon and adjacent trailheads via the East Entrance near State Route 123 during the 2012 closure. Wonderland Trail hikers as well as day hikers will be permitted to hike through the construction zone to access adjacent trails.
- Stevens Canyon roadwork is scheduled to extend until mid September 2013, although no closures are anticipated during the 2013 season.
Stevens Canyon Road connects the east and west sides of the park, extending for 19 miles from SR 123 at the east end to intersection with the Nisqually to Paradise Road at the west end, two miles south of Paradise. During the 2012 closure period, visitors are encouraged to access the Paradise area from the southwest via the Nisqually Entrance at the east end of SR 706. Visitors traveling from the east via SR 410, SR 123, and/or US 12 who wish to visit the Paradise area are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
While the construction and associated closures and traffic delays present an inconvenience, the rehabilitation work will not only improve the driving surface of the roadway, but ensure its longevity.
Updated information on this project may be obtained by calling Mount Rainier National Park at 360-569-2166. Information on this project, as well as general park information, is also available on Mount Rainier National Park’s website www.nps.gov/mora/parknews/newsreleases.htm.
###
NOTE: Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most cell phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that manages 4.6 million calls each year. Plan to call prior driving to the park, as cell phone coverage is minimal within the park. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass conditions, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
New Closure Posted for Comet Falls Trail
Visitors to Mount Rainier National Park are advised that a new closure is in effect on the Comet Falls Trail from approximately ¼ mile below Comet Falls to the River crossing above Comet Falls in Van Trump Park. This closure is due to an abundant amount of avalanche debris in the Van Trump drainage, making the trail dangerous and creating extremely hazardous river crossings. A fall through hidden pockets in the snow could be fatal (see photo).
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
'Wildflower Watch 2012' Begins!
Mt.Rainier, WA.- Why should the first flakes of snow or the first shipments of Copper River salmon get all the attention around here? The Mt. Rainier area was just voted "Best Wildflower Spot in The United States" and Visit Rainier is making it as easy as possible for folks to enjoy them. Let "Wildflower Watch 2012" begin!
"It is an exciting honor to have the number one wildflower site in America right here in our own backyard," said Mary Kay Nelson, Executive Director of Visit Rainier. "Now that the webcams at Sunrise are operating, there is yet another way to enjoy the beauty of wildflower season."
The designation was awarded by Bob Gibbons, author of "Wildflower Wonders: The 50 Best Wildflower Sites in the World". Princeton University Press, $27.95.
The Wildflower and Wildlife section on Visit Rainier's website provides links to wildflower status reports, telling folks what is blooming and where; it provides a list of the Top 10 wildflower hikes around the mountain; it offers an online wildflower identification guide, and it links to 12 webcams around the mountain.
In addition, Visit Rainier Tweets and posts wildflower viewing information to Facebook regularly, so visitors know where to go to take great pictures.
"Wildflower season is so exciting because different flowers bloom at different elevations around the mountain at different times," said Nelson. "A person could make several trips throughout the season, from July till snow falls again in October, and see something new every time. The wildflower growing period is a speedy process at the high elevations. Flowers emerge, grow, bloom and go to seed in rapid succession, all in an effort to perpetuate their existence."
While many think of mesmerizing images on trails such as the Skyline Trail at Paradise or Summerland on the route to Sunrise, there are also several spots folks can experience acres of wildflowers without even having to leave the car. The meadows around Tipsoo Lake at the top of Chinook Pass are easy to view from the road, as are the meadows surrounding the Sunrise and Paradise areas on Mt.Rainier. Crystal Mountain Resort's Mt.Rainier gondola can whisk visitors up to 6,872 feet and put them in the heart of wildflower meadows. Any of these sites are a good option for folks of all ages, and physical abilities.
For more information on all there is to see and do at Mt. Rainier and its surrounding communities, visit www.visitrainier.com.
Visit Rainier is a not-for-profit, non-membership destination marketing organization that promotes tourism in the gateway communities around Mt. Rainier.
"It is an exciting honor to have the number one wildflower site in America right here in our own backyard," said Mary Kay Nelson, Executive Director of Visit Rainier. "Now that the webcams at Sunrise are operating, there is yet another way to enjoy the beauty of wildflower season."
The designation was awarded by Bob Gibbons, author of "Wildflower Wonders: The 50 Best Wildflower Sites in the World". Princeton University Press, $27.95.
The Wildflower and Wildlife section on Visit Rainier's website provides links to wildflower status reports, telling folks what is blooming and where; it provides a list of the Top 10 wildflower hikes around the mountain; it offers an online wildflower identification guide, and it links to 12 webcams around the mountain.
In addition, Visit Rainier Tweets and posts wildflower viewing information to Facebook regularly, so visitors know where to go to take great pictures.
"Wildflower season is so exciting because different flowers bloom at different elevations around the mountain at different times," said Nelson. "A person could make several trips throughout the season, from July till snow falls again in October, and see something new every time. The wildflower growing period is a speedy process at the high elevations. Flowers emerge, grow, bloom and go to seed in rapid succession, all in an effort to perpetuate their existence."
While many think of mesmerizing images on trails such as the Skyline Trail at Paradise or Summerland on the route to Sunrise, there are also several spots folks can experience acres of wildflowers without even having to leave the car. The meadows around Tipsoo Lake at the top of Chinook Pass are easy to view from the road, as are the meadows surrounding the Sunrise and Paradise areas on Mt.Rainier. Crystal Mountain Resort's Mt.Rainier gondola can whisk visitors up to 6,872 feet and put them in the heart of wildflower meadows. Any of these sites are a good option for folks of all ages, and physical abilities.
For more information on all there is to see and do at Mt. Rainier and its surrounding communities, visit www.visitrainier.com.
Visit Rainier is a not-for-profit, non-membership destination marketing organization that promotes tourism in the gateway communities around Mt. Rainier.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
VISITOR SHUTTLE SERVICE TO BEGIN FRIDAY JUNE 29, 2012
Mount Rainier Acting Superintendent Randy King advises that park visitors will once again be able to utilize the free visitor shuttle for transportation into the park from Ashford, Longmire and Paradise during the 2012 summer season running for 10 weekends beginning Friday June 29 through Sunday September 2. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays the shuttle will run daily between Longmire and Paradise with stops at Cougar Rock and Narada Falls on the uphill run, and stopping at Comet Falls (pending status of the damaged and currently closed trail) and Cougar Rock on the downhill run. At Longmire, visitors will board the shuttle at the historic Longmire Gas Station. On Saturdays and Sundays only, visitors can board the shuttle in Ashford at Whittaker’s Summit Haus (on SR706), connecting with the Paradise Shuttle in Longmire. An additional shuttle will transport visitors to and
from the Paradise Valley Road, where overflow parking will be directed, and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center during periods of peak demand.
For shuttle schedules and other park information, check the park’s web page
at www.nps.gov/mora.
-NPS-
from the Paradise Valley Road, where overflow parking will be directed, and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center during periods of peak demand.
For shuttle schedules and other park information, check the park’s web page
at www.nps.gov/mora.
-NPS-
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Comet Falls Trail Section Closed Temporarily Due to Hazardous Trail Condition
Superintendent Randy King has announced that the Comet Falls Trail has been temporarily closed to public use 1 mile beyond the trailhead, due to an extremely hazardous condition on the trail. A substantial washout, approximately 10 ft. across and 30 ft. deep, made worse with the recent rains over the past several weeks, has created unstable conditions which has undermined the trail approximately 1 mile in from the trailhead. Snow and ice in the area of the washout adds to the hazard, especially if a
hiker were to attempt to walk around the washout. It should also be noted that snow and ice conditions all along the trail are hazardous to travel even before getting to the washout area. Next week, it is anticipated that the park trail crew will access this area to begin building a safe route around the washout. Public notice will be given when the trail is again open for hiking.
Hikers in Mount Rainier should be aware that late snow and ice from the winter still persists on trails at the park’s higher elevations. Hikers need to use caution and good judgment as steep slopes covered with snow and ice will be very slippery or unstable, and streams and rivers are running fast and high as runoff is occurring at its maximum levels. Also, as the winter snow melts back, trail damage, washed out bridges, or other unknown hazards may be uncovered before park crews can repair them.
Trail conditions are continuously being updated on the park’s website at:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm
hiker were to attempt to walk around the washout. It should also be noted that snow and ice conditions all along the trail are hazardous to travel even before getting to the washout area. Next week, it is anticipated that the park trail crew will access this area to begin building a safe route around the washout. Public notice will be given when the trail is again open for hiking.
Hikers in Mount Rainier should be aware that late snow and ice from the winter still persists on trails at the park’s higher elevations. Hikers need to use caution and good judgment as steep slopes covered with snow and ice will be very slippery or unstable, and streams and rivers are running fast and high as runoff is occurring at its maximum levels. Also, as the winter snow melts back, trail damage, washed out bridges, or other unknown hazards may be uncovered before park crews can repair them.
Trail conditions are continuously being updated on the park’s website at:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Mount Rainier National Park Offers Free Admission this Saturday
Ashford, WA: Get a head start on your summer fun with free admission to Mount Rainier National Park this Saturday, June 9. In celebration of National Get Outdoors Day, all 397 national parks, including Mount Rainier National Park will waive entrance fees.
“Outdoor physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and Mount Rainier is a great place to get out and enjoy snow-free areas such as the Trail of the Shadows at Longmire or the Carbon River and Ohanapecosh areas” stated Park Superintendent Randy King.
Park roads currently open include Nisqually Entrance to Paradise, Westside Road, Stevens Canyon, State Routes 123 and 410 and the White River Road to the White River Campground. Park Road Crews are in the process of removing the winter snowpack from the Sunrise Road in anticipation of having the road open to the public by June 22 (conditions permitting). Sunrise Visitor Center and Sunrise Lodge Snack Bar & Gift Shop are scheduled to open for the season June 29. The free public shuttle between Longmire and Paradise will begin operation on June 22 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and from Ashford (Saturday, Sunday only).
National Get Outdoors Day, now in its fifth year, encourages Americans, especially youth, to participate in outdoor activities while enjoying the beauty of public lands such as national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Nationwide, hundreds of organizations and businesses will partner with Federal, state, and local agencies to provide fun and healthy events at sites throughout the country.
President Barack Obama has proclaimed the month of June as Great Outdoors Month and encourages all Americans to share in the natural splendor of which we are all proud inheritors.
At Mount Rainier visitors are invited to join a volunteer project: (1) a campground opening project for all ages at Longmire at 9:30 a.m. (for details, see http:/ tinyurl.com/cnktf74); or (2) a trail maintenance project on the Comet Falls Trails with the Washington Trails Association (http://vols.wta.org/ web/web.pl?s +19541+WP). Or, go for a hike on one of our many lower elevation trails, complete a Jr. Ranger booklet at one of our visitor centers, or play in more than 10 feet of snow that still blankets the subalpine meadows at Paradise (www.nps.gov/mora)!
Mount Rainier National Park will waive its $15 entrance fee on four more days in 2012 – September 29 (National Public Lands Day) and November 10 to 12 (Veterans Day weekend).
If you are planning a trip that includes multiple national parks, you might consider the $80 annual pass that provides entrance to all national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and many other Federal lands – more than 2,000 in all. This America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is offered free to all active duty military members and their dependents. Information on these and other pass options is available online. Mount Rainier National Park also offers an annual pass for the park for $30.
"You can connect to Mount Rainier National Park through our social media pages. 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 you own photos of Mount Rainier with other visitors in the Mount Rainier Flickr group."
Links used:
http://facebook.com/MountRainierNPS
http://twitter.com/MountRainierNPS
http://youtube.com/MountRainierNPS
http://flickr.com/groups/MountRainierNPS
www.nps.gov
“Outdoor physical activity is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and Mount Rainier is a great place to get out and enjoy snow-free areas such as the Trail of the Shadows at Longmire or the Carbon River and Ohanapecosh areas” stated Park Superintendent Randy King.
Park roads currently open include Nisqually Entrance to Paradise, Westside Road, Stevens Canyon, State Routes 123 and 410 and the White River Road to the White River Campground. Park Road Crews are in the process of removing the winter snowpack from the Sunrise Road in anticipation of having the road open to the public by June 22 (conditions permitting). Sunrise Visitor Center and Sunrise Lodge Snack Bar & Gift Shop are scheduled to open for the season June 29. The free public shuttle between Longmire and Paradise will begin operation on June 22 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and from Ashford (Saturday, Sunday only).
National Get Outdoors Day, now in its fifth year, encourages Americans, especially youth, to participate in outdoor activities while enjoying the beauty of public lands such as national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Nationwide, hundreds of organizations and businesses will partner with Federal, state, and local agencies to provide fun and healthy events at sites throughout the country.
President Barack Obama has proclaimed the month of June as Great Outdoors Month and encourages all Americans to share in the natural splendor of which we are all proud inheritors.
At Mount Rainier visitors are invited to join a volunteer project: (1) a campground opening project for all ages at Longmire at 9:30 a.m. (for details, see http:/ tinyurl.com/cnktf74); or (2) a trail maintenance project on the Comet Falls Trails with the Washington Trails Association (http://vols.wta.org/ web/web.pl?s +19541+WP). Or, go for a hike on one of our many lower elevation trails, complete a Jr. Ranger booklet at one of our visitor centers, or play in more than 10 feet of snow that still blankets the subalpine meadows at Paradise (www.nps.gov/mora)!
Mount Rainier National Park will waive its $15 entrance fee on four more days in 2012 – September 29 (National Public Lands Day) and November 10 to 12 (Veterans Day weekend).
If you are planning a trip that includes multiple national parks, you might consider the $80 annual pass that provides entrance to all national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, and many other Federal lands – more than 2,000 in all. This America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is offered free to all active duty military members and their dependents. Information on these and other pass options is available online. Mount Rainier National Park also offers an annual pass for the park for $30.
"You can connect to Mount Rainier National Park through our social media pages. 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 you own photos of Mount Rainier with other visitors in the Mount Rainier Flickr group."
Links used:
http://facebook.com/MountRainierNPS
http://twitter.com/MountRainierNPS
http://youtube.com/MountRainierNPS
http://flickr.com/groups/MountRainierNPS
www.nps.gov
Friday, May 25, 2012
Rehabilitation of 10 miles of Stevens Canyon Road Planned in 2012 and 2013 Phase 2 Effort
Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Randy King and Federal Highway Administration, Western Federal Lands Highway Division officials announce that Phase 2 of the planned rehabilitation of 10 miles of Stevens Canyon Road was awarded to Tucci and Sons, Inc. of Tacoma, WA for $8,910,093.23 with a Notice to Proceed issued for project start on May 29, 2012 and a contract completion date of September 17, 2013.
The National Park Service prepared an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), which was approved by the Pacific West Regional Director on July 1, 2010. The FONSI calls for the resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of the Stevens Canyon Road and other related facilities, including bridges, tunnels, culverts, guard walls, retaining walls, turnouts and the short Wonderland Trail section adjacent to Reflection Lake. The improvements will occur along two segments of the road, totaling 10.09 miles of the 19 mile road.
Starting in early June until September 4th, visitors should anticipate 20-minute delays, Monday – Friday, through each of two segments of roadwork on Stevens Canyon Road.
From September 4, 2012 until winter closure, Stevens Canyon Road will be closed to through traffic (for both vehicles and bicycles) from just east of the intersection with the Paradise Valley Road to the east end of the tunnel at Box Canyon.
Visitors will be able to access Backbone Ridge, Box Canyon and adjacent trailheads via the East Entrance near State Route 123 during the 2012 closure. Wonderland Trail hikers as well as day hikers will be permitted to hike through the construction zone to access adjacent trails.
Forty-five sites have been identified as needing subsurface stabilization to halt roadway embankment creep that has resulted in surface tension cracks and appreciable horizontal and vertical displacement. Two sites require full roadway embankment replacement down to 22 foot depth and retaining/guard wall replacements. Most of the sites require either ¾- width or full road embankment replacement down to 5 foot depth, some of which also require retaining/guard wall replacements, were stabilized during Phase 1 work completed in late October 2011. The contractor will also be repairing the tunnel walls at milepost 6.9 and 8.5 during the closure period.
Stevens Canyon roadwork is scheduled to extend until mid September 2013, although no closures are anticipated during the 2013 season.
During the 2013 season, the contractor will focus on drainage improvements, repair/stabilization and reconstruction of historic rock retaining walls, milling/recycling the asphalt surface as road base; and resurfacing with new hot-mix asphalt which will be accomplished while the roadway is open to the public. At this time visitors should again anticipate maximum 20 minute delays through each segment Mondays through Fridays until project completion on September 17, 2013. No closures are anticipated in 2013.
Stevens Canyon Road connects the east and west side of the park, extending for 19 miles from SR 123 at the east end to intersection with the Nisqually to Paradise Road at the west end, two miles south of Paradise. During the 2012 closure period, visitors are encouraged to access the Paradise area from the southwest via the Nisqually Entrance at east end of SR 706. Visitors traveling from the east via SR 410, SR 123, and/or US 12 who wish to visit the Paradise area are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
While the construction and associated closures and traffic delays present an inconvenience, the rehabilitation work will not only improve the driving surface of the roadway, but ensure its longevity.
Updated information on this project may be obtained by calling Mount Rainier National Park at 360-569-2166. Information on this project, as well as general park information, is also available on Mount Rainier National Park’s website www.nps.gov/mora/parknews/newsreleases.htm.
###
NOTE: Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most cell phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that manages 4.6 million calls each year. Plan to call prior driving to the park, as cell phone coverage is minimal within the park. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass conditions, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
The National Park Service prepared an Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), which was approved by the Pacific West Regional Director on July 1, 2010. The FONSI calls for the resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of the Stevens Canyon Road and other related facilities, including bridges, tunnels, culverts, guard walls, retaining walls, turnouts and the short Wonderland Trail section adjacent to Reflection Lake. The improvements will occur along two segments of the road, totaling 10.09 miles of the 19 mile road.
Starting in early June until September 4th, visitors should anticipate 20-minute delays, Monday – Friday, through each of two segments of roadwork on Stevens Canyon Road.
From September 4, 2012 until winter closure, Stevens Canyon Road will be closed to through traffic (for both vehicles and bicycles) from just east of the intersection with the Paradise Valley Road to the east end of the tunnel at Box Canyon.
Visitors will be able to access Backbone Ridge, Box Canyon and adjacent trailheads via the East Entrance near State Route 123 during the 2012 closure. Wonderland Trail hikers as well as day hikers will be permitted to hike through the construction zone to access adjacent trails.
Forty-five sites have been identified as needing subsurface stabilization to halt roadway embankment creep that has resulted in surface tension cracks and appreciable horizontal and vertical displacement. Two sites require full roadway embankment replacement down to 22 foot depth and retaining/guard wall replacements. Most of the sites require either ¾- width or full road embankment replacement down to 5 foot depth, some of which also require retaining/guard wall replacements, were stabilized during Phase 1 work completed in late October 2011. The contractor will also be repairing the tunnel walls at milepost 6.9 and 8.5 during the closure period.
Stevens Canyon roadwork is scheduled to extend until mid September 2013, although no closures are anticipated during the 2013 season.
During the 2013 season, the contractor will focus on drainage improvements, repair/stabilization and reconstruction of historic rock retaining walls, milling/recycling the asphalt surface as road base; and resurfacing with new hot-mix asphalt which will be accomplished while the roadway is open to the public. At this time visitors should again anticipate maximum 20 minute delays through each segment Mondays through Fridays until project completion on September 17, 2013. No closures are anticipated in 2013.
Stevens Canyon Road connects the east and west side of the park, extending for 19 miles from SR 123 at the east end to intersection with the Nisqually to Paradise Road at the west end, two miles south of Paradise. During the 2012 closure period, visitors are encouraged to access the Paradise area from the southwest via the Nisqually Entrance at east end of SR 706. Visitors traveling from the east via SR 410, SR 123, and/or US 12 who wish to visit the Paradise area are encouraged to seek alternate routes.
While the construction and associated closures and traffic delays present an inconvenience, the rehabilitation work will not only improve the driving surface of the roadway, but ensure its longevity.
Updated information on this project may be obtained by calling Mount Rainier National Park at 360-569-2166. Information on this project, as well as general park information, is also available on Mount Rainier National Park’s website www.nps.gov/mora/parknews/newsreleases.htm.
###
NOTE: Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most cell phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that manages 4.6 million calls each year. Plan to call prior driving to the park, as cell phone coverage is minimal within the park. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass conditions, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
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