November Reports

All the latest news, access and monthly reports for November have been updated and are now available  on the Mt. Rainier NP photo guide, which includes updates from the recent additions for November. November already has significant snow in the mid and upper elevations, down to 4,000 feet.

It's hard to know if the snow will last in the mid-elevations as winter storms can easily melt it and reduce the higher elevations snowpack, but it's fair to say snow has come early to the NP and will likely stay until the permanent seasonal snow in December.

I will be updating the Web pages which has the seasonal information for winter conditions. I'll post the announcement when these are available at the same photo guide. For now consider the NP in early winter conditions.

As for access, only the southwest entrance is open, all the others are now closed at the NP boundary, including highways 410 in the northeast and 123 in the southeast. Full winter activites won't begin until December, such as snowmobiles on the roads and the snowplay area at Paradise.

That's it for now. Enjoy your visit. Remember to have chains in your vehicle as it's been necessary to use them with 2-wheel drive cars already. Take extra food and water along with some blankets, etc. just in case you have to sit or wait in your car.