Mount Rainier National Park Reopens Facilities To Public

SEATTLE, WA — Mount Rainier National Park has reopened many of its trails and facilities to the public. Park officials say as of Friday they've opened the Nisqually to Paradise road, allowing for a lot more access to the park's interior.

As of Friday, here's everything the park has reopened:

• On the west side:
  • The road from the Nisqually entrance in the southwest is open to Longmire and Paradise.
  • All trailheads along the entrance road that are normally accessible are also open.
  • Cougar Rock Picnic Area is open.
  • The National Park Inn's General Store is up and running, but without overnight lodging or dining.
  • The entrance near Carbon River in the northwest was damaged this winter, but visitors can park outside the entrance and walk in.
  • Westside Road is open for hikers and cyclists.
  • Stevens Canyon road was also damaged in the winter, but it is open from Paradise to the Snow Lake trailhead parking lot and from Highway 123 to the Grove of the Patriarchs Trailhead.
• On the east side:
  • Highways 123 and 410 are open across Cayuse Pass, as are all trails along that route.
  • White River Road is open up to the White River Campground. The grounds remain closed at night.
  • Similarly, the Ohanapecosh Campground area and surrounding trails are open, but only in day.
  • All park trails are open.
  • Overnight backcountry camping is allowed, but requires a permit. Permits must be acquired at least 48 hours in advance and can be found online here.

Here's what is still closed:

• The Upper Mountain. Everything above 10,500 feet remains closed until June 19.
• Overnight camping at official campgrounds. While backcountry camping is allowed, the parks campgrounds are still closed at night and the park has not said when they will reopen again.
• Sunrise, which doesn't normally open until June, but will likely open on schedule.

Because of the coronavirus, parks are still only half staffed. As a result, certain facilities may be closed and conditions are subject to change. As a result, the park is asking everyone to follow these guidelines when they visit:

• Check availability before you leave. Have backups in mind in case your favorite part of the park is full.
• Plan ahead. Bring everything you need because you might not be able to buy it there. That means packing a lunch and bringing hand sanitizer and face masks as well.
• Follow social distancing guidelines. Only visit with members of your immediate household and try to give strangers at least six feet of space. Try to pick less crowded parts of the park as well. Rangers say its a great time to expand your horizons by taking a path less traveled.
• Don't visit if you're feeling sick.
• Leave no trace. Take your garbage with you when you leave.

You can find out more at Mount Rainier National Park's Official Website here.