While fog has been a daily hassle in the lowlands, clear skies, sunshine and warm temperatures have been the daily norm at Mount Rainier with Fall colors still vibrant.  Mount Rainier Superintendent Randy King encourages visitors to take advantage of this opportunity to come to the mountain before conditions change.

Most areas of the park, such as Longmire, Paradise, Carbon River, Ohanapecosh and White River still remain open to public access.  Superintendent King notes that the White River Road will remain open to vehicles through the upcoming weekend for visitors to enjoy, but will close at the end of day on October 27 to vehicle access.  Bicyclists and hikers may still access the area, including the Sunrise Road, but all facilities are closed.  Other closures include the Mowich Lake Road which has snow, and Paradise Inn which closed for the season October 1.  The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center has changed to its winter schedule, operating weekends and holidays only.  Some snow is on the ground in the Paradise area from the early October storm, but trails are accessible.

State Routes 410 and 123 on the east side of the park remain open with tentative closing dates scheduled for December 2 (dependent on weather/snow conditions).  The Stevens Canyon Road within the park will remain open through October 31 and then closed to vehicular traffic for the season.

At Longmire, the National Park Inn is open seven days a week and offers lodging, a full restaurant and gift shop.  Fall is a great time for a quiet weekend getaway at the mountain.  For reservations, call 360-569-2275.

Trying to recover from the impact of the two-week government shutdown, businesses surrounding the park are open and anxious to greet park visitors once again, especially with the beautiful fall weather.  Soon the winter snows will arrive, and these businesses will prepare for slower times.  For information on what’s available at businesses on the east and west side of the park visit the following websites:

www.visitrainier.com,  www.mt-rainier.com,  www.staycrystal.com,  www.destinationpackwood.com, www.minerallake.com, or www.mtrainierguestservices.com

For current information check the park’s web page at www.nps.gov/mora.  Webcams showing current conditions at Paradise and Longmire are located at this site along with information for planning your trip.  Information can also be obtained through the Mount Rainier Facebook and Twitter sites, or by calling the park directly at 360-569-2211.