Mount Rainier National Park is ready for winter recreation, even if one of its most popular spots isn't. The park has switched to winter hours in anticipation of in anticipation of increasing demand for winter recreation during the holidays and as temperatures drop, said acting superintendent Tracy Swartout. The entire park is open during winter months, barring any unforeseen problems like flooding in November that caused a 24-hour closure to visitors. One part that won't be open for a while is the Paradise snowplay area, which last week remained closed because there wasn't enough snow on the ground. A snowpack of at least five feet 5 feet is needed to avoid damage to alpine meadows, and also for visitor safety, officials said..Sledding and other activities at Paradise are on hold until the snow is the right depth.. Access to Paradise in general, including the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, could be limited some days because of road or weather conditions. Overnight camping in the park is allowed with a valid permit. But oaccess to campgrounds may dependen on road conditions. In addition, backcountry travelers are encouraged to get updates on current and forecast snow, avalanche and weather conditions, and should be prepared to survive winter conditions in an emergency, officials said. Winter camping reservations are available at 360-569-6575 between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. As in past years, the main gate at the Nisqually entrance to the park is open daily 24 hours a day, unless closed due to hazardous hazardous conditions. The higher-elevation gate, located on the road between Longmire and Paradise, closes at 4 p.m. for visitor and park staff safety. Rangers and road crews evaluate road, weather, avalanche and staffing conditions daily when deciding whether to open the road above Longmire. The park posts gate-opening times via Twitter at 7:30 a.m. daily. State Routes 410 and 123 and Stevens Canyon and Mowich Lake roads are closed for the winter. Swartout said two snowplow operator vacancies have been filled and will help keep roads clear. But visitors must have chains in their vehicles, including four-wheel drives, at all times when in the park. Even if chains aren't required at the time a visitor enters the park, they could become mandatory if weather and road conditions deteriorate. One of the activities at Paradise is ranger-guided snowshoe walks, starting on Christmas Eve Day. The walks begin at the visitor center at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants can sign up one hour in advance at the visitor center. Walks for groups by reservation will begin Jan. 3. Information and reservations are avialable at 360-569-6575. On days when the road to Paradise is closed, snowshoe walks may start at Longmire.
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