Head up to Rainier for winter fun

Published 6:55 pm Friday, January 15, 2010

Want to head for the hills this three-day weekend The Mount Rainier Paradise Jackson visitor center will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Sunday and Monday.

Rangers will lead free 1.2-mile snowshoe walks at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. each day for those 8 years old and older. Sign up at the visitor center an hour before each walk. Snowshoes will be provided for a $4-a-pair donation. Dress for the weather in layers and wear good boots. And don’t forget sunglasses and sunscreen.

Two sledding runs have been set up at the only snow-play area in the park, north of the upper parking lot. Inner tubes, plastic sleds or saucers, and other soft devices are the only sleds allowed.

This time of year, the only road access to the park is at the southwest Nisqually Entrance using Highway 706. Bring tire chains and be aware that the road could close if the weather is severe.

You can view current weather conditions at www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm. For recorded information, call 360-569-2211 and press 1, then 2.

Herald staff