This weekend through Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, admission will be free to Mount Rainier and all national parks.
At Mount Rainier, the Paradise snowplay area will be open, with limited runs until additional snow accumulates.
Ranger-led snowshoe walks will be offered daily during the holiday weekend. Walks start at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and cover approximately 1.5 miles in 2
hours.
Walks are limited to 25 people, 8 years old or older, on a first-come, first-served basis. Park visitors may sign up at the Jackson Visitor Center information desk one hour before each walk.
Snowshoes are provided by the park only for those going on the ranger-guided snowshoe walks, and only for the duration of the walk. A donation of $4.00 per person is requested for use of the snowshoes.
There also are snowshoes for rent through the park concessioner, and visitors should check at the Longmire General Store or the Jackson Visitor Center for availability and rental rates.
Visitors are recommended to wear warm clothing and a coat, hat, mittens and suitable boots on the snowshoe walks. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also advised.
All vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park during the winter season (Nov. 1 to May 1). This requirement applies to all vehicles, including four-wheel drive.
Motorists should travel with a full tank of gas and bring extra food and vehicle fuel in case they have to stay out an extra night. Gas is not available in the park.
The National Park Inn is open daily throughout the winter offering overnight lodging, dining room and gift shop. For reservations, call 360-569-2400 or visit their website.
At Paradise, the Jackson Visitor Center will be open during the three-day weekend providing visitor information, food, and gift shop.
For additional information, visit the park’s website or call 360-569-2211.
Additional free admission days will be offered at national parks throughout the year: National Park Week (April 21-29), Get Outdoors Day (June 9), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 29), and the weekend of Veterans Day (Nov. 10-12).
