The snow play area at Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park is open for winter fun-lovers. Sledding at the popular recreation area is allowed with flexible plastic sleds, inner tubes and plastic saucers. Hard toboggans and sleds with runners aren't permitted because of the increased potential for injuries, park officials said. There are more snow activities at Paradise. Ranger-guided snowshoe walks are offered on weekends and holidays through March 27. Each walk lasts two hours, departing at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Signups are on a first-come, first-served basis at the Jackson Visitor Center information desk. Snowshoe walkers should dress in warm layers with hats and gloves, and wear footwear suitable for snowshoes. Sunglasses, sunscreen and water are also advised by park officials. All vehicles entering the park, including those with four-wheel drive, are required to have tire chains with them on any day up until May 1. Road conditions can deteriorate quickly at any time due to winter weather, and mandatory chain use may be required by park rangers. Tire chains can be rented outside the park in Ashford and in the park at the National Park Inn at Longmire. The main gate at the southwest (Nisqually) entrance to the park remains open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, unless hazardous conditions require temporary closure. The gate on the road from Longmire to Paradise is closed nightly at 5 p.m. to ensure visitor safety. Entrance to the park costs $20 per vehicle. Entrance fee-free days in 2016 are scheduled for April 16-24, Aug. 25-28, Sept. 24 and Nov. 11 in conjunction with holidays or special observances. The most recent free day was Jan. 18 to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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