Due to staffing limitations at Mount Rainier National Park (Washington), Paradise road will be closed to public access during weekdays.
In a press release, Mount Rainier National Park announced changes to its winter 2022-2023 recreational access, including changes to the Paradise access schedule.
As per the release, starting last Tuesday, November 29, the park is allowing public vehicle access to Paradise on weekends but will close public access during the week.
The Longmire area will also continue to be open daily, barring any major storm events.
Park Superintendent Greg Dudgeon said the decision to open Paradise on weekends when most visitations are at their peak is made with the intention to prioritize the safety of staff and park visitors.
The release highlighted that daily snowplowing would continue between the Nisqually Entrance and Longmire. According to the park, while the continuous effort of snowplowing will allow park employees with appropriate equipment to access the area in emergencies, minimal weekday plowing and staffing levels will not be sufficient to allow safe public access.
Winter camping at Paradise will be available Saturday nights only, conditions permitting.
The release indicated that winter recreation access on the east side of the park remains unchanged. The east side of the park will be open for parkgoers throughout the winter, including overnight winter camping with a valid permit.
Mount Rainier, the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S.A. andspawning five major rivers, offers recreation activities, including hiking and wilderness camping.
Cougar Rock Campground, Ohanapecosh Campground, and White River Campground are closed for the season.
Winter activities at Mount Rainier include exploring the Longmire Historic District, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and exploring the Carbon River.
Sledding runs at Paradise will not open this year, and sledding will not be allowed elsewhere in the park. However, State Route 410 from the north park boundary and White River Road are open to snowmobiles up to the White River Campground.
For more information, visit Mount Rainier National Park.