Rainier attractions ready for public

Published 5:24 pm Monday, March 29, 2010

Throughout Mount Rainier National Park, the annual process of spring opening is beginning. This involves opening up roads that have been completely snowed in since the fall; removal of slides, boulders and rocks and fallen trees from these roads, cleaning ditches of debris and repairing any damage; shoveling snow from park buildings; reactivating water, sewer and heating systems that have been shut down since fall; repairing damage from winter’s harsh conditions and many other maintenance activities associated with getting the park’s public facilities ready for another season of visitation.

The Washington State Depart-ment of Transportation also has their spring opening underway on state routes 123 and 410 through the park. Motorists are advised to visit the state Department of Transportation Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes for updates on road conditions.

The following projected openings have been listed by Mount Rainier National Park staff.

• White River Road to campground parking lot, May 21

• White River Camp-ground, June 25

• Sunrise Road, June 25

• Mowich Lake Road, July 2

• Sunrise Lodge, July 2

• Sunrise Visitor Center, July 2

These dates are projected based on current conditions and schedules, but are subject to change.

Park staff advise visitors to check the park’s Web site, www.nps.gov/mora, for current conditions and closures before traveling to the park, or call 360-569-2211 for recorded information.

Businesses in the gateway communities surrounding the park are open daily.