Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Dave Uberuaga advises that Sunrise facilities will be opening Friday, July 2, as planned. However, due to water system issues caused by the cool, late spring, some visitor services may be limited over the Fourth of July weekend.

Sunrise Ranger Station, on the ground floor of the Sunrise Day Lodge, will be used as the main visitor contact point this season while the Sunrise Visitor Center undergoes installation of new exhibits and other renovations. The renovation project, which is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is scheduled to be completed by late August. The Ranger Station will provide visitor information and sales items as well as ranger programs.

Concession facilities in Sunrise Lodge will open Saturday, July 3, and provide gift sales and limited pre-packaged food service. Once the water issue is resolved, normal food service will be available to visitors.

Mowich Lake update:

Due to continued cool temperatures and lingering snowpack, opening of the Mowich Lake road is being delayed until noon July 9. Much snow still remains at the lake and campground and the road into the lake is extremely wet and soft.

Note: Visitors are reminded that a great deal of snow remains on the ground at the higher elevations of the park (6 to 8 feet at Paradise and Sunrise) and trails remain snow covered. Lower elevation trails are relatively snow-free. Check at the nearest visitor center or ranger station for current information or visit the Mount Rainier Web page at www.nps.gov/mora and click on the “Hiking and Climbing” link for specific trail reports.