NEWS: August 3, 2007 - The park is now accepting Wonderland Trail reservations.
The park experienced severe flooding in November 2006. Travel here for more information.
Mount Rainier can receive 700 or more inches of snow each winter.
When spring comes to the mountains it is a very busy time for Park
Rangers. The previous fall usually brings the rainy season which causes
damage to trails and camps by raging waters, high winds and falling
trees. All this damage gets covered by 10-20 feet of snow, and there it
sits until melt-out which often does not occur in earnest until late
June or early July. The snow usually starts melting in high volumes,
causing more damage to trails and camps. The Trail Crew may have to
clear hundreds of trees from the trails each year. Replacing footlogs
and bridges is also a major project. Footlogs are also prone to being
washed out anytime there is a prolonged period of rain regardless of
the season.
Wilderness Rangers and Trail Crew members are out and about early in
the season trying to assess the damage. Given the vastness of the trail
system and the volumes of snow, this is a large task. As we get
reliable information on the status of a trail, a section of trail or a
backcountry camp, that information will be posted here on the website.
trail signs
Trail signs like these will be a common sight around the park this summer (2007) because of flood damage.
TRAVEL HERE FOR A MAP OF KNOWN TRAIL DAMAGE (Large PDF, 1600 KB)
TRAIL ADVISORY:Throughout the summer, park trail crews will be
working to repair and rebuild sections of trail that were damaged by
the November floods. This effort may take several years. Rangers have
established temporary reroutes around damaged trail sections until the
trail has been rebuilt or repaired to trail standards. The temporary
reroutes are identified by following Yellow, 3 inch wide “Caution
Caution” flagging. Reroutes identified are generally the easiest and
shortest path around existing trail obstructions. However, these
reroutes are often very rough, involve steep side hills, and may
require extensive climbing over logs and river banks. Travel on
reroutes is not trail hiking and is identical to crosscountry travel.
These temporary routes are not for everyone. Please visit a Wilderness
Information Center for specific trail information or assistance with
planning your hike.
When hiking, be especially careful at river crossings. Many bridges
are damaged or missing. Until all bridges can be repaired, hikers will
face the additional challenge of unassisted river crossings. Some
temporary reroutes will lead hikers to existing downed logs across
rivers. These log crossings which are often used in crosscountry travel
may be hazardous and are not to be confused with footlog trail bridges
with a flattened tread and handrails. If no log or bridge crossing
exists, hikers must decide for themselves if they are able to ford the
river. Many people have underestimated the power of moving water. If
you must make a crossing, go in the early morning when river levels are
generally at their lowest. Look for a straight wide area with slow
moving water below knee height and a smooth bottom. Scout downstream
for strainer or waterfall hazards and potential exit points. Wear good
foot-ware, expect slippery rocks, utilize a stout stick to maintain two
points of contact at all times, and unbuckle your backpack waistbelt in
order to quickly shed your pack should you fall in. Most importantly
visit a Wilderness Information Center or park website for updated trail
conditions so you know what to expect before you go hiking.
BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS AND CAMP REPORTS
A wilderness camping permit is required year around for camping or
climbing in the park. Car camping does not require a wilderness permit.
GENERAL CONDITIONS UPDATE: August 26, 2007
Wildflowers are passed peak. Bugs are still biting. |