Changes at Mt Rainier -- road closed Tues, Weds

Maybe its because of the population base that goes up there.  From my absolutely unscientific surveys up there most of the people aren't real experienced driving in snow.  Some of the road bits could probably freak them out if it was less than dry pavement.  I know the same population goes to ski areas but you likely have a more snow driving experienced crowd.  But this is just my opinion and its probably way off base.

Sam, I agree with the need; but is there the will? I've attended a number of public meetings the FS had on recreational access. Motorized vehicle users (motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile) were highly represented, coming in groups, wearing group jackets, and being vociferous. Horse riders would also show up well represented. Environmental/conservation groups usually were ably represented but their focus generally was on reducing public access. Depending on the type of public meeting I've seen heavy organized representation by fishing groups, hunting groups, downhill skiers.. The Mountaineers seem to be active; they are a social organization focused on group outdoor activities.

Those, that from my perspective, don't often show up: real hikers (not tour bus strollers), backpackers, fly-fishers, bc skiers (XC-bc-telemark skiers, alpine tourers to ski mountaineers), etc.. Is it because that in general these people are less group/organization oriented, more interested in solitary our small group endeavors, appreciative of solitude, averse to densely populated events? In Meyer-Briggs terminology--many are introverts (energized by being alone, depleted by being with large numbers of others).

The results are as expected. For example, the Gifford Pinchot defined "high quality recreation" as OHV and horseback activities--that is what they heard from their public and those groups cooperated in trail maintenance and shelter construction. The GPNF also has White Pass. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie has Crystal, Stevens, and Mt. Baker. Many of the Sno-park areas are now featuring motorized activities. FWIW.

Go on facebook and respond there. (as well as all other appropriate places). Get the word out. This sucks.

Good discussion.  It would be interesting to see what the use patterns are for those days in winter, historically.  Treating access like a business (i.e., enough demand/daily fees to justify plowing), would seem to make sense. Of course, the non-plowing infrastructure costs may be dragging the whole thing down, but would still be a good place to start the analysis.  Hard to advocate keeping it open every day, if the numbers don't add up.

And, in the Park's defense, we skied it last Sunday and they had the gate open by 9 AM, with 8" of new the night before.  It was the earliest I've ever seen it open with that much new snow.  

I'd be willing to donate a considerable amount of my time and energy to establishing a voice for us but would need the help of others, particularly those who've been here longer than I, in getting the ball rolling. I'm hoping the interest is out there.

I'm in.  May need some more hands though to get from here ^ to here -> www.accessfund.org

Good discussion. ..
And, in the Park's defense, we skied it last Sunday and they had the gate open by 9 AM, with 8" of new the night before.  It was the earliest I've ever seen it open with that much new snow.  

so they CAN do it..