PACIFIC NORTHWEST | WASHINGTON
Much of Mt. Rainier National Park still closed after winter rains
Six months after 18 inches of rain fell in 36 hours on Washington's Mt. Rainier National Park, www.nps.gov/mora, many trails, campgrounds, roadways and bridges remain closed or damaged — putting a damper on the summer's backcountry season. The winter flooding also has taken its toll on Olympic National Park, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and other parts of the Cascade mountain range.
"We have one ranger district where 70% of the trails are inaccessible this summer," said Lauren Braden of the Washington Trails Assn.
Hikers and backpackers can check out a storm damage map and database compiled by the Washington Trails Assn. at www.wta.org, or call (206) 625-1367. (Climbing access to Mt. Rainier is unaffected.)
If you want to help repair trails, or with with the cleanup (no experience required), the association is hosting work trips throughout the summer in Mt. Rainier National Park.
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