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 last week. 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.

For those traveling past Wilkeson and Carbonado, the Mowich Lake Road opening is scheduled for May 22.

The Stevens Canyon Road has been opened to Snow Lake, from the junction with the Nisqually to Paradise Road. There is 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. The targeted date for full opening is May 22.

Ricksecker Point below Paradise is open.

The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, snack bar and gift shop was slated to begin daily operations May 2. The visitor center opens at 10 a.m.

The National Park Inn at Longmire is open daily providing food service, lodging and a gift shop.