National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent’s Office 55210 238th Avenue E. Ashford, WA 98304-9751 360-569-2211 phone 360-569-2169 fax Mount Rainier National Park News Release May 1, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SPRING OPENING UPDATES Mount Rainier Superintendent Randy King advises that this year’s low snowpack has made early access to some park areas possible. The White River Road to the White River Campground opened to the public today. This access is popular with climbers attempting early season summit climbs on the east side. In 2014 this road opened on May 23. The road between White River and Sunrise remains closed as snow removal operations continue and facilities are de-winterized for opening June 5. Under “normal” snow years the Sunrise Road opens by the July 4 holiday. The Stevens Canyon Road opened today to Snow Lake, from the junction with the Nisqually to Paradise Road. No access beyond Snow Lake due to road construction activity (slide damage repair). On the east end of Stevens Canyon, the road is open to the Grove of the Patriarchs. Targeted date for full opening is May 22. Ricksecker Point below Paradise is open. Mowich Lake Road opening is scheduled for May 22. The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, snack bar and gift shop begins daily operations tomorrow May 2. The visitor center opens at 10:00 a.m. The National Park Inn at Longmire is open daily providing food service, lodging and a gift shop. It’s a great weekend to visit Mount Rainier!! -NPS- EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICA The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.