+---------------------------+--------------------+---+-------------------+
| National Park Service     | Mount Rainier      |   | Tahoma Woods,     |
|                           | National Park      |   | Star Route        |
| U.S. Department of the    |                    |   |                   |
| Interior                  |                    |   | Ashford, WA       |
|                           |                    |   | 98304-9751        |
|                           |                    |   |                   |
|                           |                    |   | 360-569-2211      |
|                           |                    |   | phone             |
|                           |                    |   |                   |
|                           |                    |   | 360-569-2170 fax  |
+---------------------------+--------------------+---+-------------------+

![](media/image1.png){width="0.5597222222222222in"
height="0.7201388888888889in"}

**Mount Rainier National Park** News Release

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October 13, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Donna Rahier, 360-569-2211, ext. 2301

2006 FALL SCHEDULES

With the arrival of Fall, Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent
Dave Uberuaga advises visitors of the current status of park facilities
and access. Fall is a great time of year for visitors to come to the
park and enjoy warm, sunny days, fall colors and smaller crowds or to
see the first snows of the season. However, Fall is also the time of
year that park staff must begin shutting down areas to prepare for the
winter season. Visitors are reminded that weather conditions can change
rapidly at this time of year, and should come prepared for possible
inclement weather.

**Paradise Area:** Two major construction projects underway in the
Paradise area will continue into late 2008. Work is progressing at a
good pace and the contractor is working diligently to complete as much
exterior work as possible before winter snows blanket the area. The
construction activities in the interior of the Paradise Inn are expected
to continue through the winter which, in addition to the space taken up
by the new visitor center, will reduce the availability of parking in
the Paradise area. Starting October 23 parking will be limited to the
Jackson Visitor Center parking lot and Paradise picnic area.

Effective October 10, the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is
open weekends and holidays only until the Spring of 2007. Visitor center
operating hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During the Thanksgiving
period it will be open November 23 - 26 and during Christmas break
period from December 23 -- January 1, 2007. The Grill and Gift Shop are
open from 11: a.m. to 4:45 p.m. when the visitor center is open. The
visitor center offers exhibits, information, movies, book sales, and
showers as well as food service and gifts.

**Stevens Canyon Road** will close for the season as of November 1, at
which time night closure of the Longmire gate on the Nisqually to
Paradise Road will commence.

**Sunrise Area:** As of October 10, the Sunrise area is closed for the
season and is gated at the White River/State Route 410 junction. Hikers
and bicyclists may still access the road, but no restrooms or other
public facilities are available.

**White River Area:** All public facilities in the White River area
closed for the season October 10. The road is gated at the junction with
State Route 410. Hikers and bicyclists may still access the road, but no
restrooms or other public facilities are available.

Many visitor-oriented businesses outside the park in the Enumclaw,
Greenwater, and Naches areas remain open to accommodate visitors
throughout the fall and winter seasons when the east side of the park is
closed. These businesses offer food, lodging, recreational opportunities
and other amenities.

**Ohanapecosh Area:** All public facilities in the Ohanapecosh area
closed for the season October 10.

**Longmire Area:** Mount Rainier Guest Services operates the **National
Park Inn and General Store** at Longmire. These facilities are open
year-round and offer meals, lodging, gifts, firewood, ski rentals and
ski instruction. For hotel reservations call 360-569-2275. For other
inquiries call 360-569-2400.

The **Longmire Museum** is open year-round and offers visitor
information, exhibits, book sales, and climbing permits.

**Cougar Rock Campground** is closed for the season as of October 10.

**Sunshine Point Campground**, located six miles west of Longmire, just
inside the Nisqually Entrance, is open year-round. It has 18 campsites.
The camping fee is \$10 per night.

**Westside Road:** The Westside Road will close to vehicle access as of
November 1.

**Carbon River/Mowich Lake Areas:** Ipsut Creek Campground is open to
the public year-round. There is no potable water at the campground.
Visitors are advised the Carbon River Road between the entrance and
Ipsut Creek Campground is susceptible to flooding during periods of
heavy rain.

The Mowich Lake Road will remain open to vehicles through October 15,
unless closed by snow prior to that date.

For more detailed information visit the park's website at
[www.nps.gov/mora](http://www.nps.gov/mora) or for recorded information
call 360-569-2211. For information on lodging within the park, call
360-569-2275.

Numerous businesses in the gateway communities surrounding the park are
open daily to accommodate park visitors. Information on these businesses
is available on the internet at
[www.visitrainier.com](http://www.visitrainier.com/) or
[www.mt-rainier.com](http://www.mt-rainier.com/).

For recorded park information call 360-569-2211 and follow the menu
choices or visit the Mount Rainier web page at
[www.nps.gov/mora](http://www.nps.gov/mora)

-NPS-