This year’s low snowpack has made early access to some areas of Mount Rainier National Park possible.
- The White River Road to the White River Campground opened to the public Friday. This access is popular with climbers doing early season climbs on the east side. In 2014 this road opened on May 23.
- The road between White River and Sunrise is still closed. Snow removal work is continuing and facilities are being prepared for opening June 5. Under “normal” snow years the Sunrise Road opens by the July 4 holiday.
- The Stevens Canyon Road opened Friday to Snow Lake, from the junction with the Nisqually to Paradise Road. There is no access beyond Snow Lake due to road construction work to repair damage from a slide. On the east end of Stevens Canyon, the road is open to the Grove of the Patriarchs. May 22 is the target gate for a full opening. Ricksecker Point below Paradise is open.
- The Mowich Lake Road opening is scheduled for May 22.
- The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, snack bar and gift shop begins daily operations Saturday. The visitor center opens at 10 a.m.
- The National Park Inn at Longmire is open daily providing food service, lodging and a gift shop.
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