Mount Rainier Superintendent Randy King advises that entrance fees into Mount Rainier National Park will be waived Monday, January 21 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday.

The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday, as well as the Paradise snowplay area. Public snowshoe walks are offered at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sign-up is required an hour before the walk starts, and visitors are reminded to dress for the cold weather. The walk is 1.2 miles and lasts about two hours.

The National Park Inn at Longmire is also open daily and offers lodging, dining, a general store/gift shop, ski and snowshoe rentals and tire chain purchases.  Lodging, food, gifts and other amenities are also available in the gateway communities surrounding the park.

Other fee free days at National Park Service areas in 2013 will include: National Park Week (April 22-26); Great Outdoors Day (June 8); National Park Service Birthday (August 25); National Public Lands Day (September 28); and Veterans Day weekend (November 9-11).

Warnings and reminders

Visitors planning to come to the park should check for current weather and road conditions.  Recorded information is available by calling 360-569-2211.

Park visitors are reminded that all vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park during the winter season (Nov. 1 – May 1). This requirement applies to all vehicles (including four-wheel drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions.

If you’re planning on going into the backcountry wilderness or climbing, be aware that winter camping and climbing are much more demanding and hazardous than in summer.  Don’t venture out when storms are expected and get updates on avalanche conditions at the Northwest Avalanche Center web site before going out.