The road to the paradise area, which is popular with tourists because you can see the magnificent view of snow-capped Mount Rainier briefly, is operated on a limited basis this winter.
The Mount Rainier National Park Management Office announced that it had restricted vehicle access to the Paradise area for the 2022-2023 winter season from the 29th due to problems such as lack of staff and wintering equipment. As a result, from this weekend, general vehicle access is prohibited on weekdays and only allowed on Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition, the sledding range in the Paradise area is also closed, and the campground is only allowed on Saturday nights. Sledding is not permitted anywhere else in Rainier National Park other than Paradise.
The park added, “During the week, staff will keep the 12-mile road from the park entrance to Paradise clear of snow, and on the weekends, it will be maintained for safe public access.”
However, the park added that once the staff shortage issue is resolved, it may reconsider opening the Paradise Area Corridor on weekdays.
“This decision was not taken lightly by the park,” said Greg Dudgeon, director of the park’s management office. During the week, the road is closed and closed to vehicles, but access is possible using existing trails on foot.
The park also said the Longmire area is open seven days a week during the winter season, including the National Park Inn and Longmire Store, weather permitting.
Visitors on snowmobiles can access the White River Campground on the east side of the park using SR Route 410 and White River Road. Parking is also available in the recently renovated Carbon River area on the northwest side of the park.