With the continuing days of warm sunshine, the snow on the meadows at Mount Rainier is rapidly receding and the wildflowers are making their appearance for the season. Visitors can see many wildflowers along park roadsides, tucked into the rock crevices and hillside cliffs, especially at Sunrise and along Stevens Canyon.

In the Sunrise area – a not-too-distant drive from Enumclaw east on state Route 410 – the snow has melted more rapidly than at Paradise, and the meadows are a lush green and wildflowers are abundant. Other specific areas where wildflowers are prevalent are on the Snow Lake Trail, Crystal Lake Trail and Shriner Peak Trail.

Trail conditions in the subalpine zone have improved notably with the warmer weather. Hikers are accessing the Wonderland Trail and most park trails are completely snow free. Updates on trail conditions are posted on the Mount Rainier webpage, www.nps.gov/mora. Under Quicklinks click on

Some snow patches still exist, however, and visitors should use caution where trails are still snow covered. Park visitors are reminded to avoid walking or sliding on the thin snow patches in the meadows, as it can cause irreparable damage to the fragile flowers and meadows, which struggle to survive in the harsh environment. All park roads are open and visitor operations are in full swing inside the park. Construction/repair work is occurring on the Stevens Canyon Road, with minor delays through Labor Day.

Guided interpretive walks and programs as well as Junior Ranger programs are being conducted daily at Sunrise, as well as Longmire, Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh and Paradise. Check the Mount Rainier web page, www.nps.gov/mora or at a visitor center for current schedules and program topics.

Webcams showing current views of park areas can also be found on the Mount Rainier web page.

The Sunrise Visitor Center and Sunrise Day Lodge are also open providing visitor information, new exhibits, a snack bar and gift shop.