Falls is creeping down the hills and mountains of Mount Rainier National Park. At the same time, park staff is preparing to shut down a number of areas in preparation for winter.
Here is a rundown on current opertions:
Paradise: The new Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is open weekends and holidays through Dec. 31. The center will be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The visitor center offers new exhibits, park information, a new park movie, a bookstore, a gift shop and food service.
The road between Paradise and Longmire is open 24 hours. As the snow begins to build up, the road will be closed on a nightly basis. Visitors are advised to carry chains in their vehicles at this time of year and to be prepared for inclement weather.
Sunrise/White River areas: Visitors can drive as far as the White River Campground until Nov. 3. Park staff announced Wednesday they would keep that stretch of the road open until then, unless that part of the park gets a significant accumulation of snow. This will allow visitors access to some popular trailheads along the road. The stretch of road to Sunrise is closed at the campground.
Ohanapecosh: All public facilities in the Ohanapecosh area closed for the season on Monday.
Longmire: The National Park Inn and General Store at Longmire are open year-round and offer meals, lodging, gifts, ski rentals and ski instruction. For hotel reservations, call 360-569-2275. For other inquiries, call 360-569-2400.
The Longmire Museum is open year-round providing visitor information, exhibits, book sales and climbing permits. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.
Cougar Rock Campground closed on Monday.
Carbon River/Mowich Lake: The Ipsut Creek Campground is open to walk-in and bike-in access only due to flood damage. Wilderness camping permits are required for overnight stays. No fires or pets are allowed. The Mowich Lake Road will remain open to vehicles through Monday unless closed by snow.
To learn more
For more detailed information, visit Mount Rainier’s Web site at www.nps.gov/mora. For recorded information, call 360-569-2211. For information on lodging within the park, call 360-569-2275.
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