Mount Rainier National Park announced it's reopening several areas of the park to visitors following the months-long closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Starting Saturday, the Nisqually to Paradise Road in the park’s southwestern corner has reopened. This expansion provides public vehicle access to the Longmire National Historic District and to Paradise.
Park officials say limited services will be available, however, including restrooms and trailheads throughout the corridor so visitors should plan ahead.
Expanded access is now available on the park’s east side near the White River and Ohanapecosh campgrounds for hiking and picnicking.
Campgrounds are open for day use only; overnight camping remains closed. The park’s visitor centers, hotel lodging, and developed campgrounds also remain closed.
Officials say recreation on the Upper Mountain above 10,500’ elevation will open on June 19. More areas of the park are expected to reopen later this summer.
Here is a closer look at what's open and closed and you can learn more information on the park's website here.
Open:
- The park backcountry is accessible for dispersed recreation such as hiking and winter recreation. Self-register for wilderness permits at park entrances.
- Open Park Roads:
- Nisqually Entrance to Longmire & Paradise
- Westside Road
- SR 123 to Cayuse Pass, including access to Ohanapecosh Campground. Campground open for day use only.
- SR 410 to Chinook Pass is open. Tipsoo Lake is accessible.
- White River Road to the White River Campground. Campground open for day use only.
- Stevens Canyon Road is open from the west to the Bench & Snow Lakes trail, with access to Reflection Lakes. Grove of the Patriarchs trail is accessible from the east.
- Campgrounds open for day use only.
- Longmire General Store providing gifts and grab-and-go food options.
- Recreation up to high camps (10,500 feet) - Camp Muir and Camp Schurman.
- Dispersed recreation at Carbon River. Self-register for wilderness permits at the Carbon River Ranger Station. NOTE: Fairfax Forest Reserve Road E. remains closed at the Forest Service Road 7810 Bridge outside of the park just before the Carbon River Entrance. Park at your own risk before the closure.
Closed:
- Park visitor centers
- The National Park Inn & Paradise Inn; visit mtrainierguestservices.com for updates on Inn operations
- Recreation above 10,500 feet closed until June 19
- Some park roads, including Sunrise and Mowich Lake Roads, normally closed this time of the year remain closed. While currently closed to motorized vehicles, park roads are open to non-motorized vehicles like bicycles unless snow plowing or otherwise posted. CHECK SIGNS on closed road gates before proceeding. During snow plowing operations or when otherwise posted, park roads are closed to all use, including hiking, skiing, snowmobiles, and bicycling.
- Stevens Canyon Road remains temporarily closed between Bench & Snow Lakes trail and Grove of the Patriarchs trail due to winter damage.