In anticipation of this weekend’s significant weather event, Mount Rainier National Park announces the winter closure of the Sunrise Road at the White River Campground intersection, the Mowich Lake Road, and the Paradise Valley Road. Due to forecasted winter weather conditions, the Stevens Canyon Road will close this evening, October 19, and remain closed through the weekend. This road is currently scheduled to close for the winter season on Monday, October 30.
“The recent rain and snow storms could make driving hazardous in the park,” said Randy King, Park Superintendent.
“Please drive carefully and watch for rocks and debris that may have fallen onto the road.”
Park visitors are reminded that it is always a good idea to carry tire traction devices when traveling in the mountains and over mountain passes. At Mount Rainier National Park all vehicles (including four-wheel drive) are required to carry tire chains or other state-approved traction devices when traveling in the park from November 1–May 1. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly at any time and mandatory chain use may be required even for four-wheel drive vehicles. Tire chains are available for sale in Ashford and at the National Park Inn in Longmire.
The Longmire area is open seven days a week, unless major storm events require closure. Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, the Longmire Museum provides general park information, backcountry permits, and Discover Your Northwest books and maps for sale. The historic National Park Inn provides lodging, food, and gifts. For reservations, call 360-569-2275 or visit mtrainierguestservices.com.
At Paradise, the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is open weekends only, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
The main gate at the southwest entrance to the park (Nisqually) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless hazardous conditions require a temporary closure. The higher elevation gate, located on the road between Longmire and Paradise is closed nightly to ensure visitor and staff safety, with uphill access currently closing at 4:30 pm to allow time for visitors and staff to exit safely. Each morning, rangers and road crew staff evaluate road, weather, and equipment conditions to determine when it is safe to open the road above Longmire. This road is now scheduled to be open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm with daily road opening and closing updates posted to Twitter, twitter.com/MountRainierNPS (Twitter account not required).
Information on current park road closures and weather conditions can be found on the park’s official website, nps.gov/mora, or by calling the park at 360-569-2211 for recorded information that is updated regularly.
Gateway community businesses also provide services. Check their websites for visitor information: www.visitrainier.com, www.mt-rainier.com, www.mtrainierguestservices.com www.staycrystal.com, www.discoverlewiscounty.com, and www.destinationpackwood.com.
