Spring Road Openings for Mt. Rainier National Park

We love springtime at Mt. Rainier.  The lower elevation trails are melted out, and it seems you hear the sounds of running water almost everywhere you walk.  All the vegetation is beautiful and lush, and since you’re before the summer crowds, it often feels like you have the trails and the mountain to yourself.

Of course, if you want to visit the snow, you can do that too!  As the elevation increases, so does the snow.  In fact, right now, at the top of Cayuse Pass, you’ll find walls of snow surrounding the road.  Chinook Pass still has lots of snow, and soon, you’ll be able to go up there for snowshoeing, sledding and snow play.  Conditions permitting, Crystal Mountain even plans to open Green Valley for spring skiing on weekends starting Memorial Day weekend.

CAYUSE PASS IS NOW OPEN — allowing you to visit Mt. Rainier from “our” side.  Hike and snowshoe up to Crystal Lakes.  Visit waterfalls along the Lower Eastside Trail.  Marvel at 1000 year old trees in the Grove of the Patriarchs, or walk to Silver Falls and gasp at the Park’s largest volume waterfall.

Other roads in the Park open soon — and most roads will be open by Memorial Day weekend, if not sooner:

The Sunrise Road to the White River Campground is scheduled to open May 16.
The Stevens Canyon Road (to the Paradise area) is scheduled to open May 27.
Chinook Pass is scheduled to open May 27.
The road to the top of Sunrise is scheduled to open July 1, but the snow is melting rapidly, so we’re hopeful for an early opening.
Alta Crystal Resort is open now for Mt. Rainier lodging, and other lodging properties on this side will open for the summer season on June 24. You’ll find great Mt. Rainier lodging options for any budget, and you can choose from cozy hotels, suites and condominiums — and even a romantic Honeymoon Cabin for 2.

See you soon