Road from Longmire to Paradise Closed this Weekend Due to Storm Damage

Donna Rahier - Superintendent's Office
Mount Rainier National Park
360-569-2211, x2301

Mount Rainier Acting Superintendent Randy King advises that the road between Longmire and Paradise will not open this weekend, due to damage from the storm that hit the Pacific Northwest earlier this week. Significant damage has occurred to about a 100' section of the roadway on Glacier Hill approximately 3/4 mile above Glacier Bridge. A portion of the outside edge of the road has sloughed off in this area, making it unsafe for traffic at this time. Park personnel and engineers from the Federal Highway Administration will be assessing the stability of the existing roadway next week and discussing repair options. This damaged area receives heavy snow during the winter and the steep hillside is susceptible to avalanches.

The park will be open to Longmire and the National Park Inn will be open for business, providing overnight accommodations, dining, a gift shop and ski and snowshoe rental. Ranger-led snowshoe walks, normally done at Paradise, will be conducted at Longmire during the weekend. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing can be enjoyed in the Longmire area, but no sledding is allowed. Paradise is the only sledding area in the park. The Longmire Museum is open daily.

Visitors are reminded to be prepared for winter road conditions when driving in the park and to carry tire chains in vehicles. Watch for compact snow and ice and possible falling branches or trees during windy periods.

Businesses outside the park in the gateway communities of Ashford, Elbe and Eatonville are also open for business.