Entrance fees into Mount Rainier National Park will be waived for all visitors to the park from Saturday, Nov. 10, through Monday, Nov. 12 in honor of U.S. Veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Nov. 11 was declared Armistice Day in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to honor the soldiers who fought in World War I. The name was changed to Veterans Day on June 1, 1954 to honor all those who have served.

Entrance fee waivers on the Veterans Day holiday have been observed since 2006 and apply to all public lands managed by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture.

Facilities open within the park during this holiday include the Longmire Museum (exhibits, information and books sales) the National Park Inn (lodging and meals) and the Longmire General Store (gifts and food items). The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise will be open on Saturday and Sunday only. This visitor center offers exhibits, visitor information, food service, gift shop and book store. In addition, many businesses in the gateway communities surrounding the park remain open throughout the winter.

For more information on these businesses, check the following websites: www.visitrainier.com, www.mt-rainier.com, www.staycrystal.com, www.destinationpackwood.com, www.minerallake.com, or www.mtrainierguestservices.com

The road between Longmire and Paradise is closed nightly and reopens each morning after the road has been cleared of snow and ice and is ready for the public. The Stevens Canyon Road, connecting the west and east side of the park is closed for the season. On the east side of the park, State Routes 123 and 410 remain open, but are subject to winter closure at any time when conditions warrant. The White River/Sunrise Road is closed for the season at its junction with State Route 410.

All vehicles traveling within Mount Rainier National Park between the Nisqually Entrance and Paradise are presently required to carry tire chains. This requirement applies to all vehicles (including four-wheel drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions. Weather in the mountains can change rapidly at this time of year, and visitors are reminded to be prepared for possible sudden storms. Roads may close at any time due to weather changes.

Information on current park road and weather conditions can be obtained by calling the park at 360-569-2211 for recorded information that is updated regularly. Additional park information is available on the park’s web site www.nps.gov/mora.