Changes at Mt Rainier -- road closed Tues, Weds

I was up at MRNP both days this weekend. There was a social media organized group camp in the Edith Creek Basin of over 150 people. MRNP Law Enforcement rangers had their hands full keeping tabs on that group and ensuring that they hauled out all their beer cans and camping equipment (they were hauling in cases of beer using sleds).

Law Enforcement rangers were too busy to visit a campsite on top of Mazama ridge where another large group was cutting down trees with an axe and had a bonfire overnight.

I was up at MRNP both days this weekend.  There was a social media organized group camp in the Edith Creek Basin of over 150 people.  MRNP Law Enforcement rangers had their hands full keeping tabs on that group and ensuring that they hauled out all their beer cans and camping equipment (they were hauling in cases of beer using sleds). 

Law Enforcement rangers were too busy to visit a campsite on top of Mazama ridge where another large group was cutting down trees with an axe and had a bonfire overnight.

Saw that and more too! Paradise is getting very crowded on weekends and there now seems to be 3 separate group camping areas within ½ mile of the parking lot; these areas IMHE get to be quite messy and trashy--now attracting flies? On Friday I was in the pl and in came a series of 4WD with lound mufflers driving at hi speed across the lot to park near the Inn--unusual behavior IMHE. I thought, these guys looked like they belonged more at the ORV course on DNR lands near Ashford than in a National Park; so next up is shooting up the park signage?

IDK, another thing I learned this weekend is that the limit for winter group camping around Paradise is 900 people per night! This seems like an amazing number -- I'm not sure how they would even fit cars for that many snow campers in the Paradise lot or whether the comfort station could handle that much poop.

I recall back in the '70s that the Mounties would run climbing classes of 150 or so -- but I believe those days are gone now due to "twelve heartbeats" rule in wilderness areas.

Would be a lovely powder day at Paradise tomorrow... instead I'm going to Baker because I simply don't trust the NPS to have it open on time, as the Saturday opening was delayed due to "insufficient staffing to ensure safety". I used to feel good about buying an annual pass... alas, no more.

Would be a lovely powder day at Paradise tomorrow... instead I'm going to Baker because I simply don't trust the NPS to have it open on time, as the Saturday opening was delayed due to "insufficient staffing to ensure safety". I used to feel good about buying an annual pass... alas, no more.

Wise man, from Twitter at 7:30: The gate to Paradise at Longmire will be delayed this morning due to weather-related road conditions. - tks With 13 inches of new in the last 24 hr and 5 ins more expected and a winter storm advisory, if they do open this morning it will belie much of their claims of the winter.

I hope those two vehicles on cam this morning in the main lot are overnighters who parked in the wrong place.

Yesterday, while road opening was "delayed due to insufficent staff", eight skiers could be seen on cam gearing up at two government vehicles...