In this May 2013, photo, Mount Rainier in Washington is reflected in Eunice Lake.
Entrance fees to Mount Rainier National Park will be waived for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday, on Monday.
Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent Randy King said the waiver would be the first of six free days scheduled for 2015. The other days include: Presidents’ Day weekend, Feb. 14-16; the first weekend of National Park Week, April 18-19; National Publics Land Day, Sept. 26; and Veterans Day, Nov. 11.
At this time of year, the southwest entrance (Nisqually) on state Route 706 is the only entrance open to vehicles. All other park entrances are closed to vehicles. Both Longmire and Paradise areas are expected to be open, dependent on weather conditions.
All vehicles, including those with four-wheel drive, are required to carry tire chains when traveling the park during the winter months. Road conditions can change quickly and the mandatory use of chains may be required.
The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise will offer a movie, exhibits, information, gift shop and food services. Starting at the visitor center, ranger guided snowshoe walks will begin at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Those who are interested in participating need to sign up at the information desk one hour prior to the scheduled times. A donation of $5 for each participant helps offset costs for snowshoe replacement and repair.
Due to lack of snow, the Paradise snow play area remains closed. Sledding and sliding is prohibited until the snow play area opens. A minimum of 60 inches is needed to construct the runs to provide protection to the Paradise meadows from damage. Currently there is between 30 and 40 inches of snow.
For more information, like the park’s Facebook page at ‘Mount Rainier National Park.
