Mount Rainier National Park restores historic cabin

Last month, Mount Rainier National Park staff rededicated a historic cabin, which will now be used as a Search and Rescue (SAR) housing facility.

This particular cabin is located in the park's Longmire National Historic Landmark District (NHLD).

The rededication and restoration of the cabin were made possible by donations and grants earmarked for historic preservation — particularly a campaign — called Historic Preservation’s Partners in Preservation: National Parks — ran by American Express and the National Trust.

"The cabin selected in the park’s Longmire area was constructed by the CCC in the 1930s, and had fallen into disrepair," states a news release from Mount Rainier National Park. "This project restored it for use as a (SAR) volunteer bunkhouse."

These SAR individuals are employed by Mount Rainier National Park to help keep the 2 million annual visitors safe, or get them to safety should the need arise.

Annually, SAR personnel respond to more than 50 incidents at just Mount Rainier National Park.

"This cabin will improve the park’s ability to house volunteer staff to support an intense workload, and improve conditions for staff as well as outcomes for visitors who may require medical or SAR support," the news release states.

In addition, Laurie Ward, Washington National Parks Fund (WNPF) executive director, states in the news release that SAR workers need to be adequately supported.

“Mount Rainier National Park’s Search and Rescue rangers do so much with so little," Ward states in the news release. "During their missions, they often rely on volunteers from local Mountain Rescue teams to assist. This project will have a direct impact on those who serve injured or lost visitors.”