I do not know much about the history of access issues at Rainier, just what I have read or dealt with the last couple years. I mostly agree with Robie's post. That being said, I think it's rather disappointing that there is only one entrance road open in the winter. Maybe I'm nuts, but what would it take to pave the road to Mowich Lake and keep it plowed. Or just try to keep it plowed in winter. With such large population centers within 50-100 miles of the park, I find it odd that there is only one way in during the winter. IMHO, too much govt money is spent in other countries (ie 'war') that I will most likely never travel too on things that I find very insignificant for my day-to-day. Is it too much to ask, to have access to both sides of a national park as large as Mt Rainier?
As far as the Longmire gate goes, I don't think it should be closed at all when there has obviously been no new snowfall, or trace amounts reported. I also think seven day a week access in winter time is reasonable too, minus any large dumping or avi danger.
