Two outdoor recreation programs popular among Seattle-area families are suspended due to the closure of Mount Rainier National Park. The park has closed because of the partial goverment shutdown, now reaching nearly three weeks in length.
Popular winter snow play programs — the sledding area and guided snowshoe treks — are closed.
- The Paradise snow play area, a popular sledding spot for area families, had not opened by the start of the partial goverment shutdown, but typically would have opened by this time of year. Read our sledding and tubing round-up for other places to go.
- Ranger-guided snowshoe walks in the Paradise area that typically take place on weekend days are not happening because access to the park is closed. For ideas on other places to go snowshoeing this winter, read our snowshoeing 101 guide.
National park websites are not being updated due to the shutdown. Check local news outlets or Mount Rainier's Twitter feed for updates. At least one state's parks will have access to funds to remain open during the shutdown; no word whether Washington's national parks might be eligible for similar funding.
