Winter Road Closure at Mount Rainier: White River Road to Close October 14

The National Park Service (NPS) has officially announced that the White River Road, which leads to the White River Campground, will be closing for the winter season starting October 14. This year, the closure will be implemented earlier than in previous years due to staffing levels at Mount Rainier. The decision comes as staff from Mount Rainier National Park have been deployed to assist with recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, resulting in a change in the closure date.

Mowich Lake Road Closure and Access Updates

In addition to the White River Road, Mowich Lake Road will also close at 9 a.m. on October 14. However, visitors will still have access to State Route 123 and 410, which provide access to the east side of Mount Rainier, until mid-November. The NPS strongly advises visitors to check on road closures before traveling to Mount Rainier and to avoid relying on GPS, as it may lead them to closed gates and cause significant delays.

Monitoring Road Conditions

For those traveling through the Chinook Pass or Cayuse Pass, it is recommended to monitor road status on the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) website. Staying informed about road conditions is crucial for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey to and around Mount Rainier during this transitional period.