On November 29, Mount Rainier National Park announced that the Longmire to Paradise Road “will be closed to public access during the week.”

This was a shock to the Pacific Northwest winter recreation community.

Paradise, at 5,400’, is the highest elevation access point for winter-time recreation in Washington State. It is a full 1,000’ higher than Stevens Pass, Mount Baker ski area, and Crystal Mountain ski area and 800’ higher than White Pass ski area. This increased elevation was important in the past 2 winters when relatively high freezing and snow levels often meant it was raining at these other locations. 

Stopping weekday access will only increase crowds and traffic congestion on weekends. The Park’s 2015 Foundation Document planning report identifies the need to mitigate congestion: “The park is experiencing severe congestion in key locations as all visitors want to do the same thing, at the same time, at the same place.” This decision conflicts with the Park’s own goals. 

Most importantly, winter in Paradise provides a wilderness experience, without the infrastructure and traffic of the major ski areas and highway passes. This is even more the case during winter weekdays, for those who choose to avoid weekend crowds. The decision also appears archaic, given today’s changed and flexible working environment. Restricting access to weekends denies those who work weekends the opportunity for winter recreation. For others, “days off” might be any day of the week. With a consistent and reliable weekday opening schedule, the Park could host many more users. 
The undersigned request the administration of Mount Rainier National Park provide explanations and documentation to the community:

·       What was the decision-making process which led to stop public access during weekdays and at what administrative level did it occur?
·       What policies and objectives were considered during the decision making process?
·      What were the criteria and information used to make the decision, including budgetary issues and visitor demand? What trade-offs were involved in aligning policy objectives?
·      Were public stakeholders involved in assessing the potential outcomes of this decision?
·       Since this is a change from previous practice, did the agency take into account the impact of this closure on the winter recreation community?
·       Were cost-sharing opportunities with winter user-groups evaluated prior to the decision being issued?

Paradise has a 110 year history as the centerpiece of northwest winter recreation. The following article describes the long history of skiing at Paradise on Mt Rainier: [http://www.alpenglow.org/nwmj/09/091_ParadiseSki2.html
In 1922, the first successful winter climb  to the summit of Rainier occurred. On a weekday! 
Film footage here:
https://digitalcollections.lib.washington.edu/digital/collection/filmarch/id/499/rec/1

Eliminating public access for 70% of the winter days is a mistake. The undersigned respectfully request that the decision be reconsidered; this time with public input. 

Sincerely, 
Steve Price