The parks closures are cramping my vacation plans but so it goes. Are the roads around the park open for travel even if the facilities are not? I'm particularly interested in the Stevens Canyon Road, State highways 706, 123, and 410. Thanks for any help.
Posted by Greg Vaughn on October 2, 2013 at 4:32 PM
Unfortunately, no one will be able to get into the park via any of those roads except perhaps to travel along the eastern border on 410 and 123. There are gated entrance stations at western end of SR-706, Stevens Canyon Road, Ohanapecosh and White River/Sunrise. The only area that might be accessible is at Tipsoo Lake near the junction of 410 and 123.
Even if the shutdown ends soon, the Stevens Canyon Road between Paradise and the eastern entrance at Ohanapecosh may be closed for the winter by the recent snows. Highways 410 and 123 also close each winter due to snow.
Oh, what rotten luck, Bill!! THis is the perfect time for Stevens Canyon, too-- fall color and new snow! I feel badly for you. Still, Hwy 410 and 123, if open, can still provide some good opportunity. There's a beautiful creek on 410 just around the bend going into the little town of Greenwater. Before that, also on 410 is Federation State Park/Forest. It is officially closed, but okay to park and walk in and around. If you're still going to the coast, you might see some great storm weather, and there's good birding on way to, and in, Tokeland. I think that's probably south of where you intended to go, but with the extra time sans Rainier, it could be a nice to see more of the coast. Alternatively, if you're craving mountains, a trip over either Stevens Pass (Hwy 2 Eastbound) or North Cascades Hwy ( Hwy 20 Eastbound) are good during Fall. I was up at Nooksack Falls on the Mt. Baker Hwy about a week ago, before the weather turned and had a great time. Look for the sign on Hwy 543; it'll be on your right. Then if you have time, there 's still the rest of the way up to Mt. Baker. This weather is a bit wretched to work in, but you can still get GREAT shots! Having a lens cloth at your finger tips, and use between shots, will help. So will extra layers under your rain gear!
If you're still here and looking for action on the weekend of Oct. 18th, a group of us will be at Mt. Adams/Trout Lake. Come join us!!
Discussion
2 repliesEven if the shutdown ends soon, the Stevens Canyon Road between Paradise and the eastern entrance at Ohanapecosh may be closed for the winter by the recent snows. Highways 410 and 123 also close each winter due to snow.
The park website is also closed, but you can get information at http://www.visitrainier.com. Here is a press release they just issued: http://visitrainier.com/media/pdfs/NewsRelease-NPS_shutdown.pdf
If you're still here and looking for action on the weekend of Oct. 18th, a group of us will be at Mt. Adams/Trout Lake. Come join us!!