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The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. Mount Rainier National Park is a source ofinspiration, providing boundless opportunitiesfor exploration, solitude, and contemplation. Welcome to Your National Park! Whether you are looking/or wilderness solitude or historical architecture, spectacular drives or challenging hikes, Mount Rainier National Park has something Welcome! for you. This issue includes information that will help you plan your activities and have a safe and enjoyable visit. .. to Mount Rainier National Park, the nation's fifth oldest Discovering Rainier - Off The Beaten Path national park and one of 388 national multitude of recreation opportunities! Use thephoto treasures cared for Superintendent map at the top ofpage 2 and your park map to choose and held in trust for Dave Ub a place to visit and the best route to get there. the American people eruaga by the National Park Service. National Parks are Interested in Old Growth Forests? Visit preserved and protected for the enjoyment of Ohanapecosh (SE) to explore lush old growth present and future generations. Many special forests of Douglas fir and western redcedar. There is people work here at Mount Rainier, caring for the also a self-guided nature trail behind the visitor park so that visitors from both near and far may center that leads past hot springs and the site of an enjoy it. The ranger staff, road crew, food services, ~ early resort. and many others are here to help make your visit :;: enjoyable. ~ How about Subalpine Meadows and Lakes? For § an outstanding wildflower meadow experience During your visit you will find limitless highlighted by beautiful lakes, try Reflection Lakes opportunities for recreation, exploration, and (SW), Mowich Lake (NW), or Tipsoo Lake (NE). In discovery. The base of the mountain covers about mid-summer the meadows should be bursting with 100 square miles with the summit towering The Ohanape<:osh River runs past the Grove of the Patriarchs, through the Ohanapecosh Campground and cascades down Silver Falls. color providing a great backdrop for these tranquil 14,410 feet above. The snow and ice covered lakes set in glacially carved basins. volcano supports 26 major glaciers, the largest single mountain glacial system in the lower 48 IF YOU ARE IN THE PARK ON A BUSY DAY YOU MAY WANT TO Is Geology Your Interest? Then drive 3 miles to the states. Take time to experience the spectacular explore less-visited areas to escape the biggest end of the Westside Road (SW) near the Nisqually subalpine wildflower meadows, visit the lowland crowds. In taking the extra time to seek out these Entrance to view the dramatic results of flooding old growth forests, and view dramatic glacial and special places, you can immerse yourself in an old and rockfall. You may even see a mountain goat geological features. The wildlife, historic buildings, growth forest, reflect next to a cascading waterfall, gazing down at you from a cliff face high above! For cultural history, 260 miles of trails, and natural hike in virtual solitude, or just relax, take in the view, great views of lava layers, glaciers, and a glacially resources are all here for you to enjoy. and reconnect with nature. No matter where you go carved canyon stop at one of the first pullouts on in the park you will find spectacular scenery and a Ricksecker Road (SW). (continued on page 2.) John Muir wrote, "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and cheer and give strength to Historic Paradise Guide House Rehabilitation body and soul." Our magnificent National Parks offer safe havens from the often disturbing events On a ridge near Paradise Inn, the Paradise Guide installed a temporary water treatment plant of modern life. As you drive the historic roads, House has served as a climbing center and a (replacing the existing plant in the basement of the hike the trails, climb the mountain, or dormitory since its construction in Guide House), completed associated contemplate the view, find comfort and solace in 1920. The Guide House is listed on the trenching and piping work, and the beauty and peace of nature. National Register of Historic Places as salvaged all viable plants from the part of the Paradise Historic District construction area. This summer the Dave Uberuaga, Superintendent Mount Rainier National Park and as part of the Mount Rainier contractor is working on the National Historic Landmark District. foundation. This work involves lifting This historic building is an important the building and excavating part of the park's history and the early underneath. The construction will history of the National Park Service. affect your visit to Paradise as part of In Case of the upper parking lot is cordoned off Emergency While visiting Paradise, you'll see evidence of the for construction use and the traffic pattern is extensive repairs needed to maintain this historic altered. Parking in the upper loop (Loop A) of the Di 911 building, including replacing the existing masonry Paradise Picnic Area will also be limited. Please From any phone located in the park. stone foundation. Last fall and this spring, we drive with extra caution. 3 Wild Encounters 3 Naturalist Programs 8 Park Information Staying Safe ... 3 What would you do if you came face When and where do interpretive walks, Where are the visitor centers? When to face with a bear or a mountain lion evening campfire programs, and Junior are they open? Where can I get Interpretive Activities ... 4 - 5 or encountered bad weather on the Ranger programs start? What something to eat? Which campground Muir Snowfield? Find out how to programs are offered? Look on page 3 is right for me? How do I get a Park Partners ... 6 prepare for an encounter with the to get the details. Wilderness Permit? It's all on the back wilder side of Mount Rainier. page! Special Programs & Day Hikes ... 7 -----------------------------------------------® What You Need To Know -, One-way Driving How Far Is It· Times & Distances NW NE Road Distance Time Longmire to Paradise 12 miles 25 minutes Paradise to Ohanapecosh 23 miles 45 minutes Ohanapecosh to the Sunrise/White River turnoff 17 miles 30 minutes The Sunrise/White River turnoff to Sunrise 14 miles 45 minutes Seattle to Paradise via Highway 706 99 miles 2.5 hours Seattle to Paradise via Highway 410 and Enumclaw 109 miles 3 hours Yakima to Paradise 99 miles 2 hours SE Discovering Rainier - Off The Beaten Path You're Invited to Attend (continued from page 1) Special Summer Events at Wild for Waterfalls? Then the east side (State Mount Rainier! Routes 123 and 410) of the park is the place to go. The powerful Silver Falls near Ohanapecosh is only What You Need To Know••• Mountain Lives: People of the a 0.3 mile hike from Route 123 or you can take the 1.3 Past. Summer Speaker Series, mile trail from Ohanapecosh Campground. For those who like to hike, take the East Side Trail to one • There are five major visitor areas: And More or all of the many waterfalls dotting the route. Start Longmire (southwest corner) off of Route 123 - park at a small pullout 0.5 mile Paradise (south side) See Page 7 for more information. south of Deer Creek - or at Grove of the Patriarchs Ohanapecosh (southeast corner) on Stevens Canyon Road. Sunrise/White River (northeast corner) Carbon River/Mowich Lake (northwest Did You Bring a Picnic? If so there are many corner). smaller picnic areas scattered around the park. • Parking can be difficult or impossible to find on From Nisqually Entrance (SW) stop at Sunshine sunny summer weekends at Paradise, Sunrise, Point for a picnic with a view of Nisqually River or Grove of the Patriarchs, and at trailheads at Kautz Creek where you can take a short walk to between Longmire and Paradise. Try to visit view the aftermath of the 1947 Kautz Creek these areas on weekdays, arrive early in the day, mudflow. At Ohanapecosh (SE) stop at the picnic or carpool to the park or visit one of the areas area adjacent to the campground for a picnic set in "off the beaten path" ! deep green old growth forest. West of Ohanapecosh • Park roads are winding, road shoulders are Mount Rainier you can stop at the Box Canyon Picnic Area just east narrow, and the speed limit is 35 m.p.h. in most is a place of of the Box Canyon Interpretive Site. Be sure to stop areas. Watch for pedestrians, sightseers, and at the latter for a look at the Cowlitz River, 180 feet wildlife. Use pull-outs to allow faster drivers to great beauty below, as it cuts a narrow deep slot into the pass you safely. and inspiration. bedrock. From the Tipsoo Lake picnic area (NE) you'll have a great view of the meadows How Much Will It Cost? surrounding the lake. Picnic at Mowich Lake (NW) Entrance fees are $10 per single non You may be inspired to take a picture or to and admire the fragile wildflower meadows commercial vehicle (good for 7 days). Admission get a close-up look at a wildflower. But stop surrounding the deepest and largest lake in the park. is free if you have a Golden Age, Golden and consider your actions before you step Access, Golden Eagle, Annual, or National Parks off the trail. Are You a History Buff? If so, then Longmire (SW) Pass. is the place to visit. The Longmire Museum is the With each step you take onto a meadow, starting point for the Longmire Historic District You can pack a picnic lunch or eat at the an average of 20 plants are impacted! Walking Tour.