The days will be longer soon at Mount Rainier National Park, and not just because Daylight Savings Time starts this Sunday. Starting Saturday, the road between Longmire and Paradise will be open longer, as will the visitor center at Paradise. That adds up to more time for recreation and visits. As weather and conditions allow, the Longmire-Paradise road will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the uphill gate closing at 8 p.m. On weekdays, the road will be open from 9 to 6 and the gate will close at 5. The new schedule will be in effect until evening gate closures end, typically in mid-April, according to park superintendent Randy King. The schedule is subject to changes based on weather and avalanche conditions. At Paradise, the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center is open weekends only, but with extended hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For recreation seekers, here's the latest: " Winter backcountry camping is available in areas with at least five feet of snow at Paradise and a minimum of two feet in other areas of the park. Permits are required for overnight stays and can be obtained by calling 360-569-6575 between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. " In addition to snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowboarding within the park, Mount Rainier's designated snow play area near the upper parking lots at Paradise is scheduled to remain open through March 27. Sledding and tubing are permitted only in that location. Hard toboggans and sleds with runners aren't permitted because of the increased potential for injuries, officials said. " Ranger-guided snowshoe walks at Paradise are offered on weekends through March 27. Each walk lasts two hours, departing at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from the visitor center. Sign-ups are on a first-come, first-served basis, starting one hour before each walk. " Visitors are required to have tire chains in their vehicles and ready for use through May 1.
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