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11-29-2007, 09:42 AM
This is the first winter that construction at Paradise will be an issue. The park was closed last winter.
by JEFFREY P. MAYOR
The News Tribune
Published: November 29th, 2007 01:00 AM
Construction at Paradise has forced Mount Rainier National Park officials to make operation changes that affect overnight visitors. The lack of parking spaces may mean some winter visitors will have to do a shuttle if they plan to go to the Paradise area.
“Last winter we weren’t open, so this is the first year we have to deal with the construction,” said park spokeswoman Lee Taylor.
“We’re trying to keep as many spaces open for day visitors. To do that, we have to limit the overnight parking,” she added.
Construction of the new visitor center and the rehabilitation of Paradise Inn means much of the upper parking lot is closed off. That will be an issue on busy winter days, when both parking lots are typically full.
Parking: There will be only 18 overnight parking spots available at Paradise. Nine of those spots are designated for campers staying in the group area at Deadhorse Creek. Groups will be allowed one parking spot for every 10 campers. That means groups will likely have to shuttle campers to Paradise, Taylor said.
The remaining spots are available for other overnight visitors.
Also, the upper lot will be closed Mondays through Fridays, except for some holidays.
Mike Gauthier, supervisory climbing ranger, strongly recommends that climbers in particular car pool and arrive early.
One option, especially for winter campers, is to park at Narada Falls, Taylor said.
Permits: All climbers, backpackers, skiers and any other overnight visitors must obtain a wilderness permit from either the Longmire Museum or the Jackson Visitor Center. There will be no opportunities for self-registration this winter.
Snow play area: Those parking at the Jackson visitor center will need to walk up to the play area with their sleds. The area is not close to being open yet. Thanks to 13 inches of snow falling overnight Monday and Tuesday, the snow at Paradise is 20 inches deep. But it won’t open until there is at least 5 feet of snow on the ground to protect the vegetation.
from: http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/216021.html
by JEFFREY P. MAYOR
The News Tribune
Published: November 29th, 2007 01:00 AM
Construction at Paradise has forced Mount Rainier National Park officials to make operation changes that affect overnight visitors. The lack of parking spaces may mean some winter visitors will have to do a shuttle if they plan to go to the Paradise area.
“Last winter we weren’t open, so this is the first year we have to deal with the construction,” said park spokeswoman Lee Taylor.
“We’re trying to keep as many spaces open for day visitors. To do that, we have to limit the overnight parking,” she added.
Construction of the new visitor center and the rehabilitation of Paradise Inn means much of the upper parking lot is closed off. That will be an issue on busy winter days, when both parking lots are typically full.
Parking: There will be only 18 overnight parking spots available at Paradise. Nine of those spots are designated for campers staying in the group area at Deadhorse Creek. Groups will be allowed one parking spot for every 10 campers. That means groups will likely have to shuttle campers to Paradise, Taylor said.
The remaining spots are available for other overnight visitors.
Also, the upper lot will be closed Mondays through Fridays, except for some holidays.
Mike Gauthier, supervisory climbing ranger, strongly recommends that climbers in particular car pool and arrive early.
One option, especially for winter campers, is to park at Narada Falls, Taylor said.
Permits: All climbers, backpackers, skiers and any other overnight visitors must obtain a wilderness permit from either the Longmire Museum or the Jackson Visitor Center. There will be no opportunities for self-registration this winter.
Snow play area: Those parking at the Jackson visitor center will need to walk up to the play area with their sleds. The area is not close to being open yet. Thanks to 13 inches of snow falling overnight Monday and Tuesday, the snow at Paradise is 20 inches deep. But it won’t open until there is at least 5 feet of snow on the ground to protect the vegetation.
from: http://www.thenewstribune.com/adventure/story/216021.html