New Mt. Rainier Policy

This is frustrating to read as my recent opinion on crowding in the backcountry, whether it's increased ski/split traffic competing for parking with ski area users at the Heather Meadows parking lot or the ongoing debate over snow machines in the Hwy 20 corridor, is leading me to the conclusion that spreading the crowd out via more maintained access to 5000 foot parking lots is a good thing. At the same time that crowding is becoming an issue we also deal with more closures of access points.

I selfishly see this as a bad thing for me because it will inevitably push more people from Seattle to drive north for access to ski touring.

Alternatively, maybe it will be a boom for the guiding business down there as they can offer guided day tours where the only point to the guide will be to access the mountain and should be figured into the cost of getting up there to tour.

Indeed.

Shhh, just don't tell anyone that the Baker lot is above 4K and is about the same drive time for many puget sounders as going to paradise...

It's too late, the parking lot at Baker is always full to capacity on the weekends. We're getting invaded from Vancouver and Seattle to the point that I've been hearing rumors that the ski area management is getting frustrated with backcountry skiers using the lot when they aren't contributing anything to the revenue of the ski area.

On top of the parking issues it rains here a lot and the locals are a bunch of jerks who will shred your pow turns while you're ripping skins and then steal your girlfriend.

That upper lot at baker needs a restroom.

It's too late, the parking lot at Baker is always full to capacity on the weekends.  We're getting invaded from Vancouver and Seattle to the point that I've been hearing rumors that the ski area management is getting frustrated with backcountry skiers using the lot when they aren't contributing anything to the revenue of the ski area.

On top of the parking issues it rains here a lot and the locals are a bunch of jerks who will shred your pow turns while you're ripping skins and then steal your girlfriend. 

... and steal the wheels off your car ...