inds blow cooler now, and twilight comes earlier. The sky is chlorophyll (the dominant green pigment related to photosynthesis) diminishes a deep lustrous blue. The sun has moved southward and the and eventually ceases. The cessation of chlorophyll production e1llows the other seasons are changing. During autumn, elk bugle while other pigments in leaves to appear. animals and plants busily prepare for the coming winter. Weather and soil moisture are external factors which affect the leaves' color­ WSmall animals store the last of the seeds and nuts, and pack on layers of fat. producing pigments. For example, the cool nights and warm days typical of an They will need the fat to survive the winter deep beneath the many feet of "Indian summer" favor production of anthocyanin, which devel­ snow that will blanket the meadows of Paradise and Sunrise. Migrating birds ops anew in autumn leaves. Direct sunlight sometimes stimulates will launch their travel plans to spend winter in a warmer place, the formation of this red pigment so powerfully that a partly hundreds of miles to the south. Plants will complete the process shaded leaf will turn bright red on its sunlit portions but remain of preparing for winter by releasing seeds for the next generation green or yellow on its shaded parts. Since weather and soil of flowers and trees. conditions vary year to year, no two autumns are exactly Although summer officially gives way to autumn during the e1utumnal alike. Sometimes fall colors come early, sometimes late, equinox on September 22, for most of us it begins when we see green leaves sometimes hardly at all. changing to shades of red, yellow, orange, bronze, purple or brown. In the When the days of autumn shorten suffi­ forests that surround Mount Rainier, a variety of trees and shrubs produce ciently, a chemical change takes place in the beautiful fall colors, brightening hillsides and river valleys with dazzling inten- cells at the base of each leaf stalk where it ...-.~ir: sity. joins the twig. The substance binding cells Predicting exactly where and when fall color will breaks down and the leaf eventually falls to begin to peak is difficult since there are both the ground or is carried off on a gust of wind. internal and external factors to consider. Some In the forests that surround Mount Rainier, a trees and shrubs, such as cottonwoods, simply , ~ •)' ' variety of trees and shrubs produce beautiful fall produce more yellow pigment (carotenoid) in ' ~'\:\o · " colors, brightening hillsides and river valleys with daz- their leaves, while others such as blueberries . ~ zling intensity. produce more brown pigment (tannin), and .. ~;, i ·";-.. ~· An autumn drive along the Stevens Canyon Road still others such as vine maples produce more ~ . ,.. "· ~" :."\'.. Jl~~.. .~ .'. ..~ ~\" between Ohanapecosh and Paradise offers excellent red pigment (anthocyanin). Pigmentation ,\\. :.. .. \·: r '- "~~, ·~. '~: ; , .,~ ' \i 1' ~ .,. • · : \' views of colorful vine maple - covered slopes. Look for differences are examples of internal factors that · , ·•: ,, ·. ·; · · \\ bigleaf maples near Nisqually, Ohanapecosh and Carbon River entrances. influence the colors lee1ves turn during autumn. When ' Sitka mountain-ash and blueberry bushes provide color to the meadows around nights begin to lengthen in September, the production of Paradise, Tipsoo Lake and Chinook Pass .

....,..._. - - ~ r - ' - ' - ,..,. • • As Seasons Change - Keep In Mind

Protect Natural Resources • Natural features (such as rocks or pine constructed runs at Paradise open, usually cones) are to be left where they are, for in early December. •Collecting ferns and other plant future generations to enjoy. materials, such as beargrass, is prohibited. Early Winter Campers • Collecting fungi (including mushrooms) Skiers, Snow­ Snow campers must wait until two feet of is restricted. Contact a park ranger for boarders and snow covers vegetation (five feet at details. Commercial collecting is Sliders Paradise) before they set up camp. Contact prohibited. Early season skiers and a park ranger for winter camping details. See •Collecting of berries for personal pages 3 & 5 for how to obtain your permit. snowboarders should consumption is allowed in very small ski/shred in areas where quantities (one liter per day). Hunting Is Prohibited they don't cause Commercial collecting is prohibited. Hunting of any kind is NOT allowed in the damage to vegetation. park. Firearms may be transported through •Mount Rainier is famous for its Snow sliding 1s the park in vehicles, but must be unloaded, wildflowers -- do not pick them. Leave prohibited until the them for everyone to enjoy. broken down and cased. Weapons are prohibited in the backcountry.

Changing Weather Conditions - Road Closures

apidly changing weather conditions • The road between Longmire and Paradise Rrequire hikers, climbers and drivers will close nightly after mid,October when to be prepared for early closures, and/or weather conditions dictate, reopening slippery trails and icy roadways. each morning when the roadway is safe for travel. Hikers, Backpackers 6 •The Sunrise and White River Road will Climbers remain open daily as weather permits. As Sudden, severe storms punctuate the of September 11, the gate at the junction transition from fall to early winter. with the White River Campground Road Backpackers and climbers must be prepared will be locked nightly, re,opening each to survive winter conditions in any season. Road Closures morning as conditions permit. Check with Besides intermittent winter storms, the • Highways 410 and 123 over Cayuse and staff before leaving your vehicle at Sunrise upper mountain is icier and more heavily Chinook passes, the Stevens Canyon overnight. The entire White River Road crevassed, making it difficult to climb as well Road and the Paradise Valley Road will from Highway 410 will close for the season as more hazardous. close for the season at the first heavy on October 16, or earlier as conditions snowfall. dictate. ------~11~------ount Rainier is the highest mountain in Washington and boasts the largest glacial system in the 48 contiguous M states. On its slopes are spectacular meadows of subalpine flowers and a skirt of old­ growth douglas-fir forest found in few other places. Mount Rainier is the majestic center of our nation's fifth oldest national park. National parks are fundamentally different from other recreation areas including city and state parks, WA Dept. Of Natural Resources lands, or national forests. In his book, Battling for the National Parks, former National Park Service Director George B. Hartzog, Jr. wrote that national parks provide .. . Mount Rainier National Park represents a pro­ " .. .a sense of place in which to discover 'Who am park. Strategic plans have been developed to en­ found expression of our national character. As a unit hance protection and stewardship of park resources, I?'; a place that is as constant as love, as never­ of the National Park System, it is able to communi­ improve access for a diverse public, increase user changing as the cycle of the seasons, as joyous as the cate, educate and renew in us the values we share in enjoyment through education, and develop sus­ shriek of a child on Christmas morning, as exhila­ America's unsurpassed natural beauty, unique his­ tained and integrated programs of natural, cultural rating and re-creating as freedom itself. .. These tory and cultural richness. As we look toward the and social science resource management. These parklands are more than physical resources. They park centennial on March 2, 1999, and move beyond strategic management plans are now being put into are the delicate strands of nature and culture that that benchmark anniversary into the 21st Century, action. Building on over 90 years of park history and bond generation to generation. They are ... the Mount Rainier National Park managers and staff are experience, we are ready to meet the challenges of benchmarks of our heritage ... " embracing a role of proactive leadership within the the next millennium. Mount Rainier, North Cascades & Olympic Fund

lmost a century ago, citi­ The Mount Rainier, North Cascades zens nation wide recog­ & Olympic Fund is a private, inde­ nized the spectacular pendent, not-for-profit organization es­ beauty of the Puget Sound tablished to support and enhance these region,A and later established Mount three national parks. The fund works Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic with individuals like you - as well as National Parks. The goal was to perma­ businesses, foundations and allied or­ nently protect these extraordinary lands ganizations - to undertake specific pro­ and their world-renowned ecosystems. jects to improve the parks. , Today, these precious parks are in Your participation will make a differ­ jeopardy. In just the past five years, park attendance has increased dramatically. ence. Please join the Mount Rainier, North Cascades & Olympic Fund today. In 1995 alone, more than five million people will visit the three parks. For detailed information about how you can help, contact: Kim M. Evans, At the same time, federal allocations to the parks have failed to keep pace Executive Director, The Mount Rainier, North Cascades &Olympic Fund, 1221 with inflation. If the magnificence and diversity of Mount Rainier, North Second Ave., Suite 350, Seattle, WA, 98101, or call (206) 621-6565. Look for Cascades and Olympic National Parks are to endure, we must aggressively work donation boxes and envelopes at all park visitor centers and at the National Park for their restoration and protection today. Inn.

I Northwest Interpretive Association Volunteers '

ooks and maps are available for non-profit organization benefitting natu­ you would like to make a contribution to sale at all park visitor centers as ralist programs in the national parks assure that your national parks will continue well as the Hiker Information and forests of the Pacific Northwest. to be enjoyed by future generations, then con­ Centers and Longmire Mu- This "Tahoma" newspaper is an ex­ I ider becoming a VIP (Volunteer In the Park) B for the National Park Service. seum. The selection includes hand- ~~:::::=~!~ ample of these benefits. We invite books that will prove valuable in your \ you to become a member of the asso­ To receive more information on becoming a vol­ outdoor explorations, books about park ciation. For a catalog of publications unteer at Mount Rainier National Park contact a history and climbing, and maps that will en­ and to learn about the advantages of mem­ park ranger at any visitor center or ranger station; or hance your enjoyment of the park from road and bership, inquire at any visitor center; or write to the write: Clay & Dixie Gatchel, Lead VIP Coordina­ trail. Northwest Interpretive Association, 909 First Ave­ tors, P.O. Box 1344, Renton, WA 98057-1344. These outlets are operated by the Mount Rainier nue, Suite 630, Seattle, WA, 98104-1060; or phone Branch of the Northwest Interpretive Association, a (206) 220-4140. Accessibility at Mount Rainier

Most COMFORT STATIONS and BUILDINGS are ac­ WRITTEN INFORMATION and EXlllBITS are avail­ cessible or accessible with assistance. able at Longmire Museum and Hiker Information Center, Accessible OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS are Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise, Oha­ available at the Longmire National Park Inn and the Paradise napecosh Visitor Center and the White River Hiker Informa­ Inn. Phone (360)569-2275 for reservations. tion Center. Ask for LARGE PRINT SCRIPTS of audio/visual programs presented at the Jackson Visitor Center PICNIC AREAS and CAMPGROUNDS (except Sunshine Point) in the .....______, at Paradise and Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. park have accessible sites and toilets. The first half of the Trail of the Shadows, around Longmire Meadow, is WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE to the Longmire cabin on a compacted dirt For TDD service, phone (360) 569-2177. trail. A short, ACCESSIBLE BOARDWALK at Kautz Creek leads to an F•or more information or assistance, contact a park ranger at any visitor center overlook of the 194 7 debris flow and a view of the mountain. or phone (360) 569-2211. ------~11~------Facilities & Services

PARADISE INN: Lodging & Restaurant: Hotel front WHITE RIVER: 117 sites, no group sites. Site fee is $S desk open 24 hours, daily through October 1. Dining per night; on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground iJ Visitor Centers room open for breakfast 7AM - 9AM through October 2, closes September 26, or earlier as conditions dictate. LONGMIRE MUSEUM: 9AM - 5PM-daily, through for lunch 12noon - 2PM through October 1, for dinner IPSUT CREEK: 29 sites, 2 group sites. Located at the September 24 •!• then 9AM-415PM-Monday-Friday, 5:30PM - SPM through October 1 •!• Sunday Brunch: end of the Carbon River Road. Site fee is $6 per night, on 9AM -5PM- Saturday and Sunday, through winter. l lAM - 2:30PM, through September 24 •!• Glacier a first-come, first-served basis. Group sites can be reserved Lounge open 12noon -llPM-daily through October 1 PARADISE: Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Cen­ for $3 per person per night. Closes September 26. •!•Snack Baropen 9AM- 6PM-daily through September ter: 9AM - 7PM-daily, through September 24 •!• then 24 •!• Gift Shop (in lobby) SAM-SPM-daily through 9:30 AM -6PM-daily, September 25- October 9 •!• then October 1. For reservations call Mount Rainier Guest lOAM - 5PM-Saturday, Sunday and holidays, October Services (360) 569-2275. The Paradise Inn closes for the 14, through winter. fl Picnic Areas season after serving breakfast on October 2. OHANAPECOSH VISITOR CENTER: 9 AM - SUNSHINE POINT: Located 6 miles west of Longmire SUNRISE LODGE: Closed for the season. 5PM- Monday -Thursday•> 9AM-6PM -Friday - Sun­ and .25 mile east of the l;-Jisqually Entrance. day through October 1 +then 9AM-5PM-Friday, Sat­ COUGAR ROCK: Located across the road from Cougar urday, Sunday and holiday through October 15. Rock Campground. The picnic area closes October 17 or SUNRISE VISITOR CENTER: Closed for the season. "Showers earlier as conditions dictate. CARBON RIVER ENTRANCE STATION: Issues PARADISE: Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor PARADISE: Located .25 mile below the Jackson Visitor backcountry permits. Closes November 13. Center: Lower level. Available lOAM - 6PM-daily Center. Picnicking is NOT allowed on the fragile mead­ through October 9 •!• then 1 lAM - 4:45PM-Saturday, ows at Paradise. Closes October 23 or earlier as conditions Sunday and holidays, October 14 through winter. dictate. OHANAPECOSH: Located across from the Ohanape­ D Hiker Information cosh Visitor Center in Loop A of the Campground. Gasoline iJ Centers (Permits) D TIPSOO LAKE: Located near Chinook Pass on High­ Gasoline is NOT AVAILABLE in the park. Service way 410, 17 miles north of Ohanapecosh, and 11 miles LONGMIRE: SAM - 4:30PM-Sunday - Friday, stations are located in the nearby communities of Ash­ south of the White River Entrance arch. No water. 730AM -6PM-Saturday through September 30. Permits ford, Elbe, Packwood, Greenwater and American River. BOX CANYON: Located between Ohanapecosh & available for overnight trips. The Center is located in the Be prepared -check your gauge. lobby of the large log and stone building behind the Paradise on Stevens Canyon Road. Closes September 26. flagpole. Obtain permits at Longmire Museum beginning CARBON RIVER: Located at Falls Creek, 2 miles from October l. Firewood the entrance, and in lpsu t Creek Campground. No water. WHITE RIVER: SAM - 4:30PM-daily through Sep­ a tember 29, when it closes for the season. Obtain permits COUGAR ROCK CAMPGROUND: 4PM for overnight trips and hiking information in the ranger 9PM-Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, September 5- mJ Climbing l!J station at the White River Entrance. 17. THE GUIDE HOUSE ATPARADISE: 9 AM - 5 PM­ LONGMffiE GENERAL STORE: lOAM - 5PM-daily, daily through September 30. Guided summit climbs, September 5-17. climbing instruction, and equipment rentals are available. CfO Food & Lodging II OHANAPECOSH CAMPGROUND: Friday and Sat­ For those not experienced on a glaciated peak, RMI offers LONGMIRE NATIONAL PARK INN: Lodging desk urday evenings only, through October 14. a 3-day package: 1-day climbing seminars, combined with 7AM -lOPM :::.:.·aaily~ Dining room hours 7AM - 7PM­ a 2-day summit climb. Last snow school September 21 and Sunday-Thursday, 7AM - SPM-Friday, Saturday and last summit climb September 22. For more information holidays. For reservations call: Mount Rainier Guest call (360) 569-2227, through September 30, then call Services at (360) 569-2275. l! Campgrounds (206) 627-6242. SUNSHINE POINT: Open year round. lS sites. Lo­ LONGMIRE GENERAL STORE: Open lOAM - INDEPENDENT CLIMBERS: Everyone climbing cated 6 miles west of Longmire and .25 mile east of the 5PM-daily. Longer hours when ski touring equipment is above 10,000 feet is required to pay a user fee of $15/per­ Nisqually Entrance. Site fee is $6 per night on a first­ available here in December. Located on west side of the son/climb or a $25/person/annual fee. Please see page 5 come, first-served basis. No group sites available. National Park Inn. for more information on the mountaineering cost recov­ ery program. COUGAR ROCK: 200 campsites for tents and trailers, PARADISE: Jackson Grill in the Henry M. Jackson 5 group sites. Located 2.5 miles from Longmire on the Memorial Visitor Center: Open lOAM - 6PM-daily, Paradise Road. Site fee is $S per night on a first-come, September 11 - October 9 •!• then llAM -4:45PM -Sat­ first-served basis. Only group sites can be reserved and urday, Sunday and holidays, October 14, through winter. Post Offices cost $3 per night, per person. Cougar Rock Campground C:J closes October 17 or earlier as conditions dictate. PARADISE: Open S:30AM - SPM-Monday - Friday, S:30AM - 12noon-Saturday. Closes October l. OHANAPECOSH: 205 sites, no group sites. Site fee is $10 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. The LONGMIRE: Open S:30 AM - 5 PM- Monday- Friday, Ohanapecosh Campground closes October 17. S:30 AM-12 noon- Saturday.

lOAM Silver Falls: 2 hours, 2.5 miles. Ex­ Saturday plore the lowland forest enroute to Evening Programs through this breathtaking waterfall. Meet at 9/16 the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center 8PM Cougar Rock Campground Am­ flagpole. Friday & phitheater: 45 minutes. Enjoy Saturday Mount Rainier through a slide pro­ through gram presented each evening by a lOAM Ancient Forest: 1.5 hours, 1.5 miles. 9/23 park naturalist. Program titles are Sunday Enjoy a quiet walk along the Oha­ posted on the campground bulletin Walks through napecosh River to the Grove of the board. 10/1 Patriarchs. Meet at the Grove of the lOAM Carter Falls: 2 hours, 2 miles. Expe­ Patriarchs Trailhead on Stevens 8PM Ohanapecosh Campground Am­ Saturday rience the lowland forest along the Canyon Road. Friday & phitheater: 45 minutes. Explore &Sunday Paradise River enroute to Carter Saturday Mount Rainier through a slide pro­ 3PM Paradise Nisqually Vista: 1.5 hours, through Falls. Meet at the bulletin board by through gram presented by a park naturalist. the Ranger Station at Cougar Rock 1.25 miles. Discover the geology and 9/24 Saturday 9/30 Program titles are posted on area bul­ Campground. &Sunday glaciers of Mount Rainier on this easy letin boards. through walk to an excellent view of the Nis­ lOAM Paradise Alta Vista: 2 hours, 1.5 9PM Paradise Inn Lobby: 1 hour. Illus­ 9/24 qually Glacier. Meet at the Jackson Sunday miles. Explore subalpine meadow life Visitor Center flagpole. Friday & trated programs explore a variety of through on this hike to a knoll overlooking Saturday subjects on Mount Rainier. Titles are 9/24 Paradise. Meet at the Jackson Visitor through posted in the Jackson Visitor Center Center Flagpole. 9/23 and the Paradise Inn. Stay On The Trail

t was the spectacular wildflower displays which tion, our ability to re­ color the meadows during summer that first pair such damage is lim­ I prompted early settlers and explorers to visit ited. To a tremendous Paradise in the late 1800s. Now, one hundred years extent, the meadows later, the wildflower display is still spectacular. Sum­ must repair themselves. mer visitation to the Paradise meadows has grown They need protection from a few hundred people into millions and a closer from further damage inspection of the area reveals bareground tracts and they need time to where vegetation has been trampled and killed, stabilize soil in eroded where soils have been compacted and where erosion areas and restore plant gullies scar the landscape. diversity to the extent Some of this damage is the result of activities that of that present in undis­ are no longer permitted at Paradise such as tent turbed areas. camping, horseback riding, golfing and downhill ski­ For these reasons, ing. Unfortunately though, some meadow damage the National Park Serv­ still occurs today. For instance, many people don't ice requires all visitors realize the impact they have on the meadows when hiking at Paradise, Sun­ walking off the constructed trails. Each and every rise and Tipsoo Lake to off-trail step compacts soil and destroys delicate stay on constructed vegetation. trails. Show support by In 1986, Mount Rainier National Park initiated a staying on the trail. Let large scale restoration program to document and been completed, and a restoration program has been others know about meadow protection by wearing a repair human-caused damage in the Paradise mead­ implemented. "Don't Be A Meadow Stomper" button. Buttons are ows. Over the last several years all meadow damage Even though the National Park Service actively available for a 50 cent donation in the Henry M. has been documented and prioritized for restoration, attempts to rehabilitate areas damaged by concen­ Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise. a Paradise Meadow Resource Management Plan has trated use and off-trail trampling of fragile vegeta-

Meadow Alert Hikers, Watch Your Step! Tripping and falling are common accidents on , .· Every year, many of the 2 + million people who visit park walkways and trails, especially in slippery ~N~ Mount Rainier hike the meadow trails. Imagine the and icy conditions. problems created when one person, multiplied by a thousand, leaves D the constructed trail. The best possible solution is for all of us to prevent Rock climbing and scrambling continue to be damage from occurring by staying on the constructed trails. leading causes of injury and death to the unprepared and inexperienced. Routes are often more difficult than they appear and even a short fall can cause serious injury or death. Before you scramble or climb on Mount Rainier's rocks or glaciers, provide yourself with Hiking At Rainier proper equipment and training. a Beware of rocks and debris falling on trails and rolling onto roadways. Refrain from throwing Self-guiding Trails Wonderland Trail rocks over cliffs. Don't let gravity spoil your or someone else's vacation! Longmire +Historic District Tour: 1 hour - 1.25 The 93-mile Wonderland Trail completely encir­ miles. Witness firsthand some of the park's most cles Mount Rainier, passing through all the major life a architecturally significant structures. Tour maps zones in the park, from lowland forests through Stay back from streams and riverbanks and available at Longmire Museum. subalpine meadows to views of glaciers. Hikers can avoid "rock hopping." Rocks near the waters' Longmire + Trail of the Shadows: 30 minutes - find both company and solitude along the way. As edge can be dangerously slippery and have .7 mile. Experience the natural environment the summit of Mount Rainier is to a climber, so the caused fatal accidents . and see the former site of the Longmire Wonderland Trail is to a hiker - the experience of Protect Your Valuables Medical Springs Resort on this walk around a lifetime. You should allow about 10 days to Longmire meadow. 2 weeks to enjoy the trail. Camping Keep all valuables with you or lock everything along the trail is allowed only at desig­ of value in the car's trunk. Also, iock all doors Paradise + Nisqually Vista: 1 hour - 1.2 nated campsites, by permit only. For and windows. miles. Walk where the clouds go and see more detailed information on hiking the how weather shapes the landscape, No Pets on Trails Wonderland Trail, inquire at the Long- plants, and animals of these high country mire Hiker Information Center or the White Please remember, that meadows. Excellent views of Mount Rain­ River Hiker Information Center. Snow covers dogs and other pets are ier and the Nisqually Glacier may be en­ not allowed on park the Wonderland Trail by late October, most joyed on this easy walk. trails,or in buildings years. Ohanapecosh +Life Systems: 30 min­ (seeing-eye and hearing-ear dogs excepted). utes-.5 mile. Explore the forest and hot Pets must be caged or on a leash. springs of Ohanapecosh on this walk. Start at Westside Road the visitor center. You may drive 3 miles up the road to the parking Bicycles Ohanapecosh +Grove of the Patriarchs: 1.5 hours area at Dry Creek. From there, travel into the scenic Bicycles are allowed only on roadways. They - 2 miles. Walk among 1,000 year old tree giants of west side of the park is accomplished by hiking or are prohibited on all trails. the old-growth forest. See these ancient trees on an bicycling. Bicycles must remain on the roadway and island in the Ohanapecosh River. may not be taken on any trail. Hikers may explore Sunrise + Sourdough Ridge: 1 hour - .5 mile. A the many miles of trail branching off the old roadway Hunting is Prohibited moderate walk through flower fields rich in color to into the wilderness. Be sure to obtain your wilderness Hunting of any kind is NOT allowed in the a panoramic viewpoint of four volcanic peaks. permit if planning to stay overnight. Caution: parts park. Firearms may be transported through the Carbon River + Rain Forest: 20 minutes - .3 mile. of the roadway and surrounding area are subject to park in vehicles, but must be unloaded, broken down and cased. Weapons are prohibited in Rain forests seldom occur far from coastal areas, so sudden, unpredictable flooding. Use caution when the backcountry. the forest that grows in this valley is special. Explore hiking in this area; T ahoma Creek is now flowing the only true inland rain forest at Mount Rainier . down the middle of the roadway beyond Dry Creek.

...... llllilll ...... 111.:·•i.------...... Camping & Climbing Permits

at one time and thereby limit the impact Camp Muir or Camp Schurman, or to travel on the Permits for from litter, human waste, and trampling glaciers, must obtain a climbing card in lieu of a of the ground. wilderness permit. Overnights A second Hiker lnfom1ation Center For additional information, write: Backcountry offering similar services is located at the Desk, Mount Rainier National Park, Tahoma & Climbing White River Entrance Station. Carbon Woods, Star Route, Ashford, WA 98304, or call (360) 569-2211, extension 3317. If you are planning a backpack­ River Ranger Station issues permits and ing trip, be sure to stop at the Hiker offers infom1ation on the northwest sec­ Center at Longmire. Located in tion of the Park. Camping is not allowed along any park the log and stone building beside White River Hiker Center closes 9/29 road. Campgrounds are located at Sun­ the fl agpole, the Center features .a relief map of and the Longmire Hiker Center closes 9/30. Then shine Point, Cougar Rock, Ohanapecosh, Mount Rainier and info rmation on minimum impact Longmire Museum offers hiker information and per­ White River and lpsut Creek (see page 3). camping. mits, October 1 through winter. Rangers on duty will be happy to answer your Camping at all trailside camps as well as Camps ' Make fires only in a fi re grill at the questions, assist wi th trip planning, and issue free Muir and Schurman is available on a first-come, picnic areas and the campgrounds. Use a backcountry permits. T he main purpose of the per­ firs t-served basis. portable stove in the backcountry. mits is to control the number of people in one place Anyone intending to go above the high camps at

son/climb or a $25/person annual fee. These fees Recreational climbs at high Mountaineering must be paid when climbers register for a climb. elevations have increased at a The fees are used exclusively to support the rate of about 3% annually for Cost Recovery mountaineering program at Mount Rainier Na­ the last several years. The park's tional Park. The fees support: budget has not increased pro­ Program portionately, causing park man­ agers to take resources from SAFETY AND EDUCATION other park programs to support On July 16 the park initiated a "Mountaineer­ HUMAN WASTE REMOVAL .__...... ______.the mountaineering program. ing Cost Recovery Program." This program re­ This cost recovery program will insure users a quires climbers climbing above 10,000 feet or on PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION QUALITY "high elevation" climbing experience glaciers to pay a "user fee." The fee is $15/per- now and in years to come.

eeing wild animals is an important part of a Bears quickly learn to associate people with food visit to Mount Rainier National Park. As when offered handouts. Leaving food out or inten­ Snational parks are preserved for their natural tionally feeding bears can lead them to damaging values and processes we ask that you observe but do tents and vehicles, and injuring people. not feed the wildlife. Both birds and mammals are The animals in the park are wild and should affected in many ways by well-meant handouts. Birds remain that way. We must be content to observe and are sensitive to the availability of food because they appreciate them, rather than trying to intrude in must eat about the equivalent of their body weight their natural lives. each day. Small mammals such as chipmunks and golden­ mantled ground squirrels all pass the winter hiber­ nating. These animals require specific foods to fatten themselves for their long sleep. Our food does not supply the right fats and protein fo r these animals. Rodents do bite and may carry rabies and bubonic plague.

High Altitude Waste Hazards

1994, 9,220 climbers started out for the sum­ the problem, but only leaves it for others. If you plan Drink Treated mit of Mount Rainier with 4, 711 of them finally to hike to Camp Muir or climb higher on the moun­ 1tanding on the crater rim. Thousands more tain, check with rangers to be sure you know where Water Only people day-hiked to Camp Muir at 10,000 feet ele­ pit toilets and "Glacier Toilets" are located and how vation. to use blue bags for waste removal. Please drink Probably every one of these people used toilets on Upper mountain users also need to carry out all water only from the upper mountain. Human waste left on the gla­ the trash they generate while climbing. Putting trash ciers and Muir Snowfield not in toilets hinders toilet opera­ treated, piped only spoils the aesthetic tion and makes removal of climbing experience, but also trash and waste much more water systems. In poses a serious health hazard expensive. the backcountry, for clin1bers who melt snow There is no ideal solution for drinking water. Virtually to the problem of human boil your water or none of this waste will de­ waste and trash removal from use an adequate compose since extreme cold the upper mountain, but if temperatures and strong sun­ everyone does their part we filtration system. light combine to discourage will be able to continue to of­ microbial action. Putting fer the best possible climbing waste in crevasses or burying experience for all. it in the snow does not solve ------11~----~------~------to provide for public use and enjoyment. Since that ing permits, minimum impact education, designated time it has become evident that the parks' wildness campsites, limits on party size and numbers of par­ was more vulnerable than early managers thought. ties, and an impact monitoring and restoration pro­ Recreational demands, visitation patterns, and pol­ gram supported by a native plant nursery and a cadre ational parks have been called "the lution have taken their of dedicated vol- toll in many areas. unteers. best idea America ever had." The idea Looking for a few tips on your next hiking, backcountry, or of preserving special natural and cul­ To further protect climbing trip? Check out our new multi-media CD-ROM The National tural places in public ownership ran these natural land­ Wilderness Education program. This entertaining and interac­ Park Service in­ Ncontrary to the prevailing national mood during the scapes, on November vites you to not tive touch-screen program is located in the Longmire Hiker 19th century, when most Americans saw nature as 16, 1988, 228,400 acres only experience something to be subdued and history as what hap­ (97%) of Mount Rain­ Center through September 30 and offers you an audio-visual one of the world's pened in the Old World. But as the wilderness ier National Park be- wilderness planning experience. Take the wilderness challenge! most beautiful came the "Mount ...______.. ______.. receded and remnants of ancient civilization and places, but also to revolutionary landmarks were lost, some saw the Rainier Wilderness." It is now one of 30 wilderness help care for this magnificent wilderness so that it need to protect outstanding examples of the nation's areas in the state of Washington. Excluded are will provide the same benefits to your children and heritage. Camps Schurn1an and Muir, portions of the water grandchildren as those you enjoy. As you commune When Mount Rainier and other early national supplies, road systems and roadside developments. with your own natural reality at Mount Rainier, take parks were set aside as outstanding examples of our The Mount Rainier Wilderness is managed by the the concept of Wilderness to heart. country's natural landscape they were mostly wilder­ National Park Service. Use of the area is governed For more information on the Mount Rainier Wil­ ness. The intent in establishing these parks was clear: according to the goals of the Wilderness Act of 1964. derness, contact the staff at any hiker information to permanently preserve their natural features and Management techniques include mandatory camp- center, ranger station, or visitor center in the park.

ests in Northern Washington spores of mycorrhiza-forming fungi. Mycorrhize ANCIENT FORESTS and Northern California. (root - fungus association) aid trees by gathering and Many visitors remark on the transferring water and nutrients into the tree's roots. great size of the trees in the Logs also are sites for bacterial nitrogen fixation, he forests surrounding the base of old-growth forest and then begin to note the relative water and nutrient storage, and provide seed beds Mount Rainier become more valuable abundance of seemingly dead material in the forest. for new generations of trees and shrubs. Logs are each year. Sixty percent of Mount Rain­ This characteristic leads to the distinctive features critical to maintenance of physical & biological sta­ T ier National Park is covered by forest, of an old-growth forest: (1) large, live old-growth bility in headwater streams as they provide a range much of it in the old-growth Douglas-fir community. trees, (2) large standing dead trees (snags), (3) large of habitats for stream organisms. This forest community is found on the west side of logs on land, and (4) large logs in streams. As scientists began to study the forests they found the Cascade Mountains in Washington, Oregon, Large, old-growth Douglas-firs are ideal habitats the northern spotted owl most commonly in the and Northern California. for specialized vertebrates, such as the red tree vole, older Douglas-fir forests. Some scientists suggest that The tem1 "old-growth Douglas-fir forest" identi­ northern spotted owl and northern flying squirrel, as the northern spotted owl lives only in old-growth fies a stand of trees that is at least 250 years old. The well as nitrogen-fixing lichens. Large snags provide forests, while others say that the owls can live in lowland forest of Mount Rainier National Park con­ valuable nesting sites and food sciurces for a variety younger forests. tains some of the last "old-growth" in the Pacific of vertebrates and invertebrates and are a future Most species found in the old-growth Douglas-fir Northwest. Here Douglas-fir, western hemlock and source of logs. forest are also found elsewhere but many species find western redcedar are 500 to over 1,000 years in age. · Logs on the forest floor are important habitats for optimum habitats in old-growth forests. The forest's These trees were old when ships reached the North small mammals, including the western red-backed value should be measured not only by what is found Pacific coast and wagon trains brought settlers into vole and northern flying squirrel, that spread the there, but·also by the lon·gevity of its forest ecosys­ Puget Sound. tem. The management of t~e old-growth Douglas-fir Over ten years of scientific study of the forests of forest of the park is as important today as preserving Mount Rainier have identified forest community the glaciers and snow capped peak of Mount Rainier. types, detem1ined the age of the forest, and listed the There are many places in the park where you can plants and animals associated with the Douglas-firs. experience the old-growth Douglas-fir forest. The Scientists found differences in temperature, mois­ Grove of the Patriarchs nature trail, near Ohanape­ ture and associated species between old-growth for- ~~~~ cosh, is an easy 1.5 mile round trip. Several places along the road between Nisqually Entrance and Longmire offer short walks into the old-growth for­ est. The Carbon River road in the northwest corner of the park provides a liesurely drive among the old-growth giants and the Carbon River Rainforest nature trail features the species that inhabit this special place. For more information on the forests of Mount Rainier National Park inquire at any park visitor center.

~ Old females are apparently the leaders of the ier National Park. The current elk population in the -· ELK summer herds which consist of mostly cows, calves park is estimated to be about 1,500 animals. The elk and young bulls. The older bulls are not associated population moves in and out of the park depending with the cow herds and remain by themselves during on the season. In the winter elk seek lower elevations lk (Cerois canadensis) is the largest animal the summer. Mating occurs in the fall when the older where the snow pack is light enough to allow for found in Mount Rainier National Park. bulls enter the cow herds and gather harems of foraging. As the snows melt in the spring, the elk Males are larger than females and can females. In the fall the bulls advertise their presence herds reenter the park. They move progressively weigh up to 800 pounds (350 kg). Elk have with a "bugle'', a loud musical call. The bulls fight further up in elevation as the snow melts. The cycle E over the harems which can result in injury or the is reversed in the autumn with the first snows fall in course, tan colored fur with a contrasting dark mane and light tan colored rump with a short tail. Adult death of the participants. Calves are born in the higher elevations. males have large antlers with several points which the spring (usually June) after a gestation In the summer and early fall elk can be arise from the main branch of each antler. Yearling period of nine months. New calves are seen in many areas of the park. The males usually have just spikes without any points. covered with white spots which disap­ northern section of the park, especially Females do not have antlers. Antlers are grown on a pear by the end of their first summer. the Sunrise area, contains large yearly cycle. Antlers start as bony outgrowths from Very early travelers to Mount Rainier numbers of elk. The area be­ the head of the animal in the late winter. The antlers did not record sighting elk within the low Sunrise Point, near the grow throughout the summer and are covered in park. The earliest recorded sighting in the park Palisades, is a good area to "velvet". At the end of the summer the mating was made in 1903. Releases of elk, some from view and hear elk "bugling" in season nears and the antlers harden. The velvet Yellowstone National Park, were made by the the fall. The best times of day becomes loose and the males rub the antlers against state of Washington between 1912 and 1933 in are at dawn and sunset. Hear­ trees to clean them. The hardened antlers are used areas surrounding the park. The small herds of elk ing elk bugling in the subalpine to challenge other males during the rut. The antlers increased in numbers due to improved forage habitat meadows of Mount Rainier is an unforgettable ex­ remain with the animals until early winter when they outside the park because of timber harvest. The perience and one of the highlights of an autumn visit become loose at the base and fall off. herds expanded their range to include Mount Rain- to the park. VOLCANIC HAZARDS REQUIRE AWARENESS

visit to Mount Rainier provides out­ standing opportunities to observe evi­ dence of past volcanic processes that are clues to geologic hazards of the fu­ tureA. During the past one million years Mount Rain­ ier produced spectacular eruptions of lava, volcanic ash and hot ash flows that, by 6,000 years ago, had built a cone perhaps 16,000 feet in elevation. Lava flows filled its glacial valleys with hard, erosion-resis­ tant rock that survives today as ridges radiating from the mountain like spokes on a wheel. Volcanic ash is visible amid the roots of meadow wildflowers as a colorful, granular, sandy soil. Hot ash flows seared the surface of the volcano and left thick deposits of heat-fused pumice. However, the extent to which these phenomena disturbed the landscape pales in comparison to the destructive effects of volcanic landslides. During both eruptive and non-eruptive periods, giant landslides have transformed into debris flows that swept down river valleys radiating from the (1) its layers of lava have been weakened by hot average every 500 to 1,000 years - frequently enough volcano. These destructive flows of churning boul­ acid-rich ground water, (2) its cone stands 10,000 to concern geologists and public officials about un­ ders, rock debris, water and glacial ice buried every­ feet above the surrounding valleys, and (3) there are restricted growth and the placement of public struc­ thing in their path, including mature forests. many new exposures of steep, unstable rock due to tures in areas of potential inundation. Scientists at Exposures of debris flow deposits and some buried recent glacial recession. the U.S. Geological Survey are supplying land-use forests are visible today in the valleys of the White, The most recent large landslide on Mount Rainier managers with infom1ation to help them reduce the Puyallup and Nisqually Rivers. occurred 500 years ago in the Puyallup River valley. risk from debris flows in the valleys around the base Mount Rainier is susceptible to landslides because Such events have a probability of happening on of the mountain.

ount Rainier, which is the highest tial for magma-water interaction and sector collapse. and style and location of hydrothermal alteration of volcano in the Cascade Range, is des­ Debris flows (in the absence of eruption), and even the volcano. One of the results of their work will be ignated as a Decade Volcano. This the potential for eruption, pose significant threats to a revised geologic map of the volcano edifice. Tom does not necessarily mean that the the region. Sisson and Dave Zimblemann are the principal in­ Mmountain will erupt soon, but rather that scientists vestigaters for the study. They are working on the In spite of the hazard it poses, Mount Rainier has will be watching the volcano very closely to help received relatively little study. Very little is known south and west sectors of the volcano, mostly in the reduce the risk from geologic events when they do of such important topics as its petrologic and area between Sunset Crater and Camp occur. In 1989, the International Association of geochemical character, its development Muir. Other Decade Volcano re­ Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior over time, its recent history of eruptions searchers will be here periodically established a task group for the International Decade and its susceptibility to major failures. throughout the next several years. for Natural Disaster Reduction. The task group se­ With designation as a Decade Vol­ Exhibits installed recently at the Henry M. lected Mount Rainier as one of several volcanoes for cano, increased scientific atten­ Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise focused study during the 1990's. tion is focusing on Mount Rainier highlight some of the findings of this recent Criteria for designating Mount Rainier for study to try to answer some of these geologic research. These exhibits have been include: questions. developed through a partnership of staffs at Mount Rainier National Park and the ./ the volcano represents a variety of hazards The staff of Mount Rainier USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory National Park is working coop­ ./ it exhibits recent geologic activity: at Vancouver, WA. Exhibits and pub­ eratively with USGS scientists ./ it is located in a populated area: lications will be forthcoming as re- on studies to determine the eruptive search continues. For example: a new ./ it is little researched: history, and eruptive styles and display is being developed for Sunrise ./ it is readily accessible and it is well exposed for mechanisms for the vol­ study. cano, as well as the chemical Visitor Center which will fea­ ture the volcanic processes Mount Rainier is considered to be the most haz­ evolution of magma types, and hazards which Mount ardous volcano in the Cascades in terms ofits poten- structure of the volcanic edifice, Rainier poses.

We encourage you to con­ RECYCLING tinue recycling at home, in school, and at work. Of course the best way to reduce your ount Rainier is proud to offer a recy­ waste is by purchasing re-us­ cling program for visitors again this able products (and reusing year. With a growing need to protect them) that have minimal packaging. Also, try to buy re­ our natural resources while reducing PLASTICS: GLASS: METAL CANS: Menergy consumption and pollution, your cooperation cycled products to "close the will help preserve all of our national parks. loop." After the first full year of operation, Mount Rain­ Your participation here at ier recovered nearly 59 tons of recyclables. Because Mount Rainier is part of a the park was still forced to landfill over 400 tons of broad effort sponsored by the Looll tw rttydl.. coU hfn waste, we are looking for ways to improve the recy­ National Park Service and Use Trash Cans For: cling program. The Dow Chemical Company. The partnership has devel­ In order to collect more recyclables and cut pro­ • Food oped similar recycling pro­ gram costs, experiments are now being conducted to ~OD • Paper Items grams in six other national test the success of source separation. As a result, • Bottle Caps parks. some areas of the park have 3-5 separate containers • Other Wastes for recyclables, instead of just one bin for all recy­ clables. Please help our program by sorting your ~'------'~~~ waste into the proper bin. Volume 21 No. 3 Program and Activity Guide September 11 - November 30, 1995

State Route 41 O picnic area. The Mount Rainier (Mather Memorial Improvements work is scheduled National Park Parkway) Work is scheduled to begin after to be completed by late October, Road work located on SR410 Labor Day weekend for general 1995. Expect north of the park boundary. improvements to the Kautz some minor Expect delays on this road reconstruction to Creek Visitor Use area, located 3 miles east inconvenience in be about 30 minutes. of the Nisqually Entrance. The project involves construction of fully accessible the work area.

Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center Contractors will be working throughout the Rehabilitation of the visitor center roof will 1995 season to upgrade water treatment continue throughout the 1995 season. capabilities and to correct wastewater Expect some minor inconvenience in the collection system deficiencies in the building. Paradise area. Expect some inconvenience, reduced parking spaces and trail detours.

WELCOME TO MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK

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