"Mount Rainier" by NPS/Emily Brouwer Photo , public domain
![]() | Mount Rainier GuideSpring 2019 |
Visitor Guide for Mount Rainier National Park in Washington. Published by the National Park Service (NPS).
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Mount Rainier
National
Park | OfficialPark
Newspaper
Mount
Rainier
National
The Tahoma News
Spring 2019 | May -June
Keep in Touch!
Mount Rainier National Park
www.nps.gov/mora
North Coast and Cascades Science
& Learning Network
http://nwparkscience.org/
@MountRainierNPS
Road status updates on Twitter
Photo ©Cavenphoto/Korsmo
Signs of Spring
Spring comes slowly to the mountain. The sound of
falling water marks the warmer days, although snow
flurries in May and June may have you questioning
the season. Yet in time, spring does arrive. You will
see signs of spring while traveling through the park.
Make time to let Mother Nature entertain you and
you will be richly rewarded. For example, this is
perhaps the best time of year to view waterfalls as
they brim water fed by melting winter snow. Green
leaves burst from their buds, mushrooms carpet the
forest floor, and birds arrive back at the mountain.
Welcome to Mount Rainier National
Park, a crown jewel of the Pacific
Northwest and of the National Park
System.
We are proud to reopen the Paradise Inn
Annex on May 17th after rehabilitation
of this National Historic Landmark. We
celebrate the efforts of all involved in the
specialized work required to rehabilitate
this important part of our heritage.
The renovation of the Paradise Inn
represents the kind of major investments
the National Park Service is doing across
the country to preserve our heritage
while simultaneously reducing deferred
maintenance. This work is funded
through a combination of concession
franchise fees, park entrance fees, and
congressional appropriations. As a result
of these wise investments the Paradise
Inn, which so many hold dear in their
hearts, will be a part of memories of
generations of visitors to come.
Lowland flowers, clockwise from upper left: coltsfoot,
skunk cabbage, trillium, calypso orchid (fairy slipper)
Don’t overlook the forest wildflowers that bloom
much earlier than their subalpine counterparts.
You’ll find white coltsfoot and three-petaled trillium
blossoms in lowland forests, and yellow skunk
cabbage blooming in marshy areas. Look carefully
for the elusive fairy slipper or calypso orchid
(Calypso bulbosa), a great springtime discovery;
they grace us with their presence for only a few
short weeks.
We invite you to stop by the Paradise Inn
for a night, a meal, or to find a memento
in the gift shop. If nothing else, wander
through the lobby, or sit for a while and
soak in the ambiance and rich history of
this rustic landmark.
Spring is a time of new birth. You may find wildlife
with their young offspring in tow around the Trail
of the Shadows at Longmire. Geese and goslings
glide quietly on beaver ponds and black-tailed deer
browse the meadow with their spotted fawns, while
the chorus of frogs and songbirds fill the air.
What springtime treasures does the mountain have
waiting for you to discover?
Photos ©Cavenphoto/Korsmo
Chip Jenkins
Superintendent
JD Hascup photo
Visiting Your Park
Mount Rainier National Park was established in
1899 to preserve natural and cultural resources and
to provide for public benefit and enjoyment. The
following information will help you protect yourself
and your park.
Have You Seen a Fisher?
The park is tracking recently reintroduced
Pacific fishers by aircraft through signals emitted from
implanted transmitters. You can help by reporting
fisher sightings to a ranger. Remember that fisher,
marten, and mink are very similar looking species.
Even the experts can get them confused and photos
(even fuzzy ones) are very helpful. One thing to look
for is a long, bushy tail (a third of the total length) that
is bushy all the way to the base. Marten and mink tails
are tapered at the base. Fisher’s ears are also much
smaller in profile compared to marten and mink.
Camping
Camp in designated campsites only. Sleeping
in vehicles outside of campgrounds is not
permitted.
Fires in the Park
Make fires only in established fire grills. Collecting
firewood is prohibited.
Marijuana is Illegal
While limited recreational use of marijuana is now
legal in Washington State, possession of any amount
of marijuana or other illegal drugs remains illegal in
Mount Rainier National Park, surrounding national
forests, and all federal lands.
Wilderness Camping
Mount Rainier National Park offers outstanding
wilderness hiking and camping opportunities.
Wilderness camping permits are required for all
overnight stays in the park’s backcountry yearround. Permits and backcountry information are
available at all wilderness information centers and
most visitor centers. Although permits are free,
there is an optional, fee-based reservation system
for campers and climbers in effect May through
September.
Backcountry reservations are $20 per party (1-12
people) for 1 to 14 consecutive nights. Seventy
percent of all backcountry sites and zones are
available for reservation. The remaining 30 percent
are issued on a first-come, first-served basis the day
of or one day before the trip begins. Wilderness
permits must be obtained in person at the Longmire
Wilderness Information Center, White River
Wilderness Information Center, or the Carbon
River Ranger Station. See page 4 for hours.
Mount Rainier: An Active Volcano
Active steam vents, periodic earth tremors, and
historic eruptions provide evidence that Mount
Rainier is sleeping, not dead. Seismic monitoring
stations around the mountain should provide
days or weeks of advance warning of impending
eruptions. Other geologic hazards, however, can
occur with little warning. These include debris
flows and rockfalls.
Mercury in Park Lakes
Research studies have shown mercury is present
in some trout in a few park lakes. Check the
Washington Department of Health website
http://www.doh.wa.gov/ for information on fish
consumption.
Tree Hazards
Keep a lookout for dead, diseased, or leaning trees
that could fall or drop branches. Avoid stopping or
picnicking near these hazardous trees. On windy
days be especially careful, strong winds and gusts
can do great damage even to healthy trees—as well
as anything in range of falling debris.
No Drone Zone!
Launching, landing, or
operating an unmanned
aircraft (drone) within
the boundaries of Mount
Rainier National Park is
prohibited.
Become A Mount Rainier Steward
Turn your passion for Mount Rainier into action
that will benefit visitors today and tomorrow!
Consider joining our team as a park volunteer. Your
contribution of time and energy will protect the
magnificent natural and cultural areas entrusted
to us, and you’ll go home with a sense of pride
at having participated in something worthwhile.
Volunteer in the park for a day, a summer, or on
weekends as your schedule permits. Learn more at
http://www.nps.gov/mora/getinvolved/volunteer.
htm.
Washington’s National Park Fund serves as the
park’s official philanthropic partner. The Fund, a
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, accepts charitable
gifts that are then given back to the park for projects
focusing on these four main areas:
•
•
•
•
Improving Visitors’ Experiences by maintaining
trails, supporting the park’s Search and Rescue
program, and improving campgrounds.
Bringing more Youth and Families––many of
whom might otherwise never visit––into the
park.
Funding necessary Science and Research on
glaciers, rivers, flora, and fauna.
Strengthening Mount Rainier’s Volunteerism
and Stewardship activities.
The Fund provides support
for nearly 2,000 volunteers
whose efforts are valued at
$1.8 million! Whether you
adopt a trail mile, include Mount Rainier in your
will, or purchase a Washington National Parks
license plate for your vehicle, they all add up and
have a major impact on this beloved place. Please
consider giving back to Mount Rainier National
Park through Washington’s National Park Fund.
For more information please go to the Fund’s
website wnpf.org or email them at fund@wnpf.org.
If you are near a river and notice a rapid rise in
water level, feel a prolonged shaking of the ground,
and/or hear a roaring sound coming from upvalley––
often described as the sound made by a fast–moving
freight train––move quickly to higher ground––200
feet above river level should be safe.
Detailed information is available at park visitor
centers or from scientists at the U.S.G.S. Cascades
Volcano Observatory, 1300 SE Cardinal Court,
Building 10, Suite 100, Vancouver, WA 98661,
vulcan.wr.usgs.gov.
Mount Rainier National Park
Superintendent
Chip Jenkins
Park Headquarters
(360) 569-2211
Lost and Found
(360) 569-6608
Park Partners
Washington’s
National Park
Fund
wnpf.org
Mount Rainier
National Park
Volunteers
www.nps.gov/
mora/getinvolved/
volunteer.htm
Washington
Trails
Association
www.wta.org
Discover Your
Northwest
www.discovernw.org
2 | Mount Rainier National Park | Tahoma News | May-June 2019
Visit Rainier
visitrainier.com
Mount Rainier
National Park
Associates
www.mrnpa.org
Mount Rainier
Institute
www.packforest.org/
mtrainierinstitute/
Know Before You Go
Hazards of the Season
Many early season hikers are not prepared for
challenges encountered by changing conditions and
a snowpack that lingers late on the mountain.
Route-Finding Challenges
Trails may be snow-free at lower elevations but
anticipate and prepare for snow at higher elevations.
Conditions change rapidly during the day and
footprints in the snow quickly disappear. This
has left many day hikers disoriented upon their
return trip, expecting to simply follow their own
tracks back to the snow-free trail. This results in
many lost individuals, injuries, and fatalities. When
route-finding, note important landmarks. If the trail
becomes difficult to follow, stop and find where you
are on the map before continuing.
Be Prepared
If at any point you feel uncomfortable or
unprepared, turn around. If you plan on retracing
your route back to the trailhead consider using
wands on snow-covered trails. Always carry a good
map and compass, and actively use them on snowcovered trails. Also consider supplementing your
map and compass with an external antenna GPS
for best coverage beneath a forest canopy. Consider
the steep snow slopes, melt holes, thinning snow
bridges, and other early season hazards that you
may encounter, and be honest with yourself in
assessing your skills and experience. Watch for
streams flowing underneath snow.
Snow Avalanches are Common in Spring
The greatest danger is an avalanche that you trigger
by skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or climbing.
Be prepared for travel in avalanche terrain. Carry a
transceiver, probe, and shovel and know how to use
them. Determine if the location you are traveling is
avalanche prone. If in doubt, ask questions or don’t
go. Unstable snow may slide at any time . . . not just
in winter! Even small avalanches can be deadly.
Mountain Weather Changes Rapidly
A pleasant outing can quickly transform into a
survival ordeal. Proper gear (adequate boots, ice
axe, the ten essentials, etc.) is a must. Navigation in
spring storms can be extremely difficult. If you’re
ascending and clouds or fog start rolling in, turn
around and head back to the trailhead. If that’s not
possible, stop, dig in, and wait for better weather.
Cross Streams Safely
Many hikers underestimate the power of moving
water and some consider their former successful
stream crossings as a ticket to the other side. This
may not be true. Use these pointers in making wise
decisions when crossing streams.
• Early morning when river levels are generally at
their lowest is the best time to cross.
• Look for an area with a smooth bottom and
slow moving water below knee height.
• Before crossing, scout downstream for log
jams, waterfalls and other hazards that could
trap you. Locate a point where you can exit if
you fall in.
• Use a sturdy stick to maintain two points of
contact with the ground at all times.
• Unfasten the belt of your pack so you can easily
discard it if necessary.
• Staring down at moving water can make you
dizzy. Look forward as much as possible.
Plan Ahead
•
•
•
•
•
•
Protect yourself by wearing appropriate
outdoor clothing including footwear.
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Carry the ten essentials even on a short
sightseeing hike.
Always tell someone of your travel plans so
they can notify the park if you fail to return.
Do not travel alone.
If visibility is poor, do not travel at all.
Most importantly, plan your route ahead of time
and have a backup plan.
Climbing
Each year, approximately 10,000 people attempt
to climb Mount Rainier. Nearly half reach the
14,410-foot summit. Climbing permits are required
for travel above 10,000 feet and/or on glaciers.
Climbing information–including fees, routes, and
conditions–is available on the park website and
at Wilderness Information Centers at Longmire,
White River, and Paradise. See page 4 for hours.
Pay your annual climbing fee through pay.gov; keep
your receipt and print or save it on your phone to
serve as proof of payment; and bring a picture ID.
Guided climbs and seminars are available through:
Alpine Ascents International (206) 378-1927
International Mountain Guides (360) 569-2609
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. (888) 892-5462
Classic Backcountry Practices
Leave No Trace
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Plan ahead & prepare
Travel & camp on durable
surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts*
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others
*Fires are for emergency use only;
they are not allowed in Mount
Rainier’s Wilderness
Carry the 10 Essentials
and know how to use them!
1. Map and compass
2. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat
3. Extra clothing (warm!) and rain gear
4. Flashlight or head lamp (extra
batteries)
5. First aid supplies
6. Waterproof matches or lighter
7. Repair kit and tools (for gear)
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Emergency shelter
You Can Help Protect Mount Rainier
Keep Wildlife Wild
Human food puts animals at risk and
some die as a result. Birds like jays or
ravens are effective nest predators––
eating the eggs or young of other birds.
By feeding birds, visitors concentrate
these nest predators near roads and
trails and inadvertently contribute to
the death of songbirds in the same
area.
Before you step off the trail...
... consider this: each step into a
meadow crushes an average of 20
plants!
When exploring Mount Rainier’s fragile
meadows hike only on maintained trails
or thick patches of snow.
•
•
•
•
Please do not feed the wildlife.
Store your food in an animalproof container, or inside your car.
Do not leave food, beverages, pet
food, or toiletries unattended for
any length of time.
Clean up picnic areas after you
eat.
Please drive carefully and watch for
wildlife.
Mount Rainier National Park | Tahoma News | May-June 2019 | 3
Information, Facilities, and Services
In An Emergency
Dial 9-1-1
from any phone
located in the park.
Spring Programs
Longmire Museum
(360) 569-6575
Ranger programs, exhibits,
information, books
May 1 - May 27
9:00 am - 4:30 pm daily
May 28 - June 11
Closed
June 12 - June 30
9:00 am - 4:30 pm daily
Longmire Wilderness
Information Center
(360) 569-6650
Wilderness camping & climbing
permits, general information
May 24 - June 30
7:30 am - 5:00 pm daily
National Park Inn
at Longmire
Open year-round
Lodging, dining room
Front Desk: 7:00 am - 10:00 pm
daily
Longmire General Store
Open year-round
Lodging, dining room
May 1 - June 7
10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
June 8 - September 1
9:00 am - 8:00 pm daily
Carbon River Ranger
Station (360) 829-9639
Located on the Carbon River
Road 5.5 miles east of the
Mowich Lake (SR165) junction.
Wilderness camping &
northside climbing permits,
general information
Call for hous in May
June 1 - September 30
7:30 am - 5:00 pm daily
Paradise Henry M. Jackson
Visitor Center
(360) 569-6571
Ranger programs, exhibits,
information, theater, books, food,
gifts
May 1 - May 3
Closed
May 4 - June 14
10:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
June 15 - June 30
10:00 am - 7:00 pm daily
Paradise Jackson Visitor
Center Snack Bar & Gift
Shop
Food, gifts, books
May 1 - May 3
Closed
May 4 - June 14
10:00 am - 4:45 pm daily
June 15 - September 1
10:00 am - 6:45 pm daily
Ranger-led Programs
Food & Lodging
Join a park ranger or volunteer for a talk,
guided walk, or evening program. These
free programs explore the park’s natural and
cultural history.
For in-park lodging
reservations, contact
Rainier Guest Services
(360) 569-2275
mtrainierguestservices.com
Evening Programs
Cougar Rock Campground, June 21-22 and
June 28-29 at 8:30 pm
Ohanapecosh Campground, June 21-22 and
June 28-29 at 8:30 pm
Ohanapecosh Visitor
Center
(360) 569-6581
Ranger programs, exhibits,
information, books
May 24 - June 30
9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
Junior Ranger Programs
Paradise, starting June 21, drop in stations,
12:30-3:30 pm daily
Cougar Rock Campground, starting June 21,
45-minute programs, 5:00 pm daily
Ohanapecosh, June 21-23 and June 28-30,
10:00 am
White River Wilderness
Information Center
(360) 569-6670
Wilderness camping and
eastside climbing permits,
general information
May 24 - June 30
7:30 am - 5:00 pm daily
Paradise Wilderness
Information Center
(Guide House)
(360) 569-6641
Wilderness camping and
climbing permits, exhibits,
general information
May 3 - 19
7:00 am - 4:00 pm weekends
Self-registration only Mon-Thurs
May 24 - June 30
7:00 am - 4:00 pm daily
Paradise Inn
Lodging, dining room, cafe,
gift shop
Open May 17 - September 30
Front Desk open 24 hours daily
Citizen Ranger Quests
Has your inner Junior Ranger never really gone
away? Try out a Quest! They are designed
for older children (12 and up) and adults.
Information on Quests is available at visitor
centers.
Sunrise Visitor Center
(360) 663-2425
Exhibits, information, books
Proposed opening June 28
10:00 am - 6:00 pm daily
Junior Ranger Books
Hey Kids! Ask for a Junior
Ranger Activity Book. It’s FREE
at all park visitor centers.
Complete it to learn lots of
cool stuff about your park
and earn a badge and
certificate.
Sunrise Day Lodge
Snack Bar & Gift Shop
Food and gifts. Day use only, no
overnight lodging
June 29 - September 8
10:00 am - 7:00 pm daily
Services Outside Mount Rainier National Park
Gasoline, lodging, dining, recreation equipment rentals, and religious and other
services are available in local communities.
GAS IS NOT AVAILABLE IN THE PARK.
Road Opening Schedule
Estimated Dates (subject to change)
Nisqually to Paradise
Open
Westside Road to Dry Creek
Open
Paradise Valley Road
June 28
Stevens Canyon Road
May 24
State Route 410/Chinook Pass
Memorial
Day
Weekend
Cayuse Pass via SRs 410 & 123
White River Road to White River
Campground Parking Lot
May 17
Sunrise Road
June 28
Mowich Lake Road
June 28
Please use caution while driving.
Drive-in Campgrounds
Campground
Open Dates
Elev.
Sites
Group
Sites
Toilets
Dump
Station
Maximum
RV/Trailer Length
Cougar Rock*
May 24 - Oct. 14
3,180’
173
5
Flush
Yes
RV 35’/Trailer 27’
Ohanapecosh*
May 24 - Oct. 14
1,914’
188
2
Flush
No
RV 32’/Trailer 27’
White River
June 21 - Sept. 30
4,232’
112
0
Flush
No
RV 27’/Trailer 18’
Mowich Lake
Primitive walk-in campground, tents only. 10 sites. No fee (must self-register at campground kiosk). Vault toilets, no potable
water. No fires allowed. Elevation 4,929’; generally open July through early October, depending on road and weather conditions.
Call 360-829-9639 for information.
*Advance reservations are recommended for individual sites at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Campgrounds from June 22 through the night of
September 1. These can be made up to six months in advance. Reservations for group sites are recommended and are available throughout the season.
These can be made up to one year in advance. To make a reservation online, go to www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
4 | Mount Rainier National Park | Tahoma News | May-June 2019