Public offered limited access to Mount Rainier National Park during government shutdown

While many federal government workers have been furloughed or forced to work without pay during the ongoing government shutdown, local employees also continue to provide services.

National parks such as Mount Rainier National Park is accessible to the public during the government shutdown, a park news release stated.

“At Mount Rainier National Park, the park road between the Nisqually Entrance and the Longmire, trails and the National Park Inn at Longmire will remain accessible to visitors,” Chief of Interpretation and Education Kathy Steichen stated in the news release. “Emergency and rescue services will be limited.”

There will be no visitor services that are usually provided by the National Park Services at Mount Rainer National Park, including public information, trash collection or facilities and road maintenance. Some lodging, restaurants and other services may be available when provided by concessioners. The National Park Inn at Longmire will remain open with the overnight lodging, gift shop and dining room, weather dependent.

The road to Paradise will remain closed to public use, the news release stated, including vehicles and recreational use. Travel on foot, showshoes or skis is not allowed on the road behind the closed gat at Longmire. Plows may be working the road to provide access to service park facilities and utilities during the shutdown.

“Because of the federal government shutdown, National Park Service social media and websites are not being monitored or updated and may not reflect current conditions,” Steichen stated in the news release. “All park programs have been canceled, including ranger-led snowshoe walks.”

For more updates on the government shutdown, visit www.doi.ogve/shutdown.