MR Chipmunk Cabin

08/24/2024

Friendly Friday Reminder

As you head out to the Forest this weekend, remember to check out the area you will be visiting and plan accordingly as best you can. Here are a few things to keep in mind and questions you can ask yourself before heading out.

1) Do some research - What is the weather going to be like? Are there any permits or fees to be aware of? Are there any restrictions like closures or fire restrictions?

2) Transportation - do you know what kind of roads you will be driving on and where you will be going?

3) Recreate Responsibly – Do you have water, snacks, and the appropriate essentials for your trip?

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a great place to visit and explore. For more information see the Forest homepage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/giffordpinchot/

08/20/2024

08/12/2024

You don’t have to go on a long hike to enjoy subalpine wildflowers at Mount Rainier! Numerous flowers can be found blooming along roads and sidewalks in areas like Paradise and Sunrise. This patch of scarlet paintbrush (Castilleja miniata) was found right next to the Paradise lower parking lot. While there are several species of red paintbrush in the park, scarlet paintbrush can be distinguished by its lance-shaped leaves while other red paintbrush have lobed leaves. What wildflowers are you observing in the park?

Remember to always stay on trails to avoid trampling the wildflowers! There are many options for that perfect mountain + wildflower photo from the trail (or parking lot!) Help ensure wildflowers thrive so that you can enjoy them the next time you visit.

For updates on what’s blooming where visit https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflower

Unfamiliar with Mount Rainier’s wildflower species? Check out the wildflower guide at https://go.nps.gov/RainierWildflowerGuide

NPS Photo of scarlet paintbrush blooming next to the Paradise lower parking lot, 8/7/24.

08/02/2024

Firefighters are making progress in containing the Retreat Fire near Rimrock Lake, but the damage to power infrastructure is severe. U.S. Highway 12 remains closed.

07/12/2024

Jump in a lake to beat the heat! 🌞

Summer is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Lewis County has to offer. With a variety of lakes each providing unique activities, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to making the most of your summer at Mayfield Lake, Riffe Lake, Lake Sc...

07/06/2024

You can still reach snow during these hot days

06/19/2024

Are you visiting Mt Rainier this summer? Do you have your entry reservation planned?

Heads up! You will need a timed entry reservation to enter the Paradise Corridor through the Nisqually Entrance or Stevens Canyon Entrance between 7 am and 3 pm daily starting May 24! Reservations for the Sunrise Corridor to enter through the White River Entrance between 7 am and 3 pm daily starts on July 4.

Reservations can be purchased in advance on Recreation.gov.

Don’t know your travel plans yet? Additional reservations will be available at 7:00 pm PT daily for the following day during the Memorial Day through Labor Day period. Remember, you don’t need a timed entry reservation to visit before 7 am or after 3 pm.

For all details and to see a list of frequently asked questions, visit the park website at go.nps.gov/MORATimedEntry

06/03/2024

Stevens Canyon Road reopens after $43 million facelift
News Release: https://go.nps.gov/18dj33

One of Mount Rainier National Park’s most scenic roads has reopened after an extensive $43-million, two-year rehabilitation project funded by the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund. The project repaired and restored nine miles of the iconic Stevens Canyon Road, which travels through the heart of the park and offers visitors breathtaking views of the rugged alpine landscape.

05/31/2024

Hiking around HWY 12

Ready to hit the trail this summer? The Byway is loaded with hiking opportunities. Check them out: https://bit.ly/39rLtdS

05/31/2024

05/23/2024

HWY 123 is opening Memorial Day weekend! It connects Greenwater and Packwood coming down the east side of Mt Rainier. One of our nation’s most scenic roads in our opinion.

05/19/2024

Coming from Tacoma/Seattle? Skip going down to Morton and come into Packwood via Elbe-Ashford!

If you haven't yet heard, Skate Creek Road is open for the season! This beautiful roadway also makes travel much easier between Packwood and Ashford. Hooray for spring!

05/07/2024

Packwood's visitor center is open daily with lots of great local information and gifts!

04/25/2024

04/17/2024

National Park Week is just around the corner! What's National Park Week? It's like a week for national parks.

Yes, this is happening. Now that we have that out of the way, runs from April 20 to April 28. Entrance fees will be waived on Saturday, April 20, to kick off the celebration and encourage everyone to enjoy their national parks in person. (You don't all have to go to Yellowstone. We love you Yellowstone.) With over 400 national park areas, there are parks closer than you think.

Throughout the week, parks, programs, and partners will host events and activities. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm

03/27/2024

Yoga every Sunday at 11am. Namaste! 🙏 🧘‍♀️ 🍻

🌿🧘‍♂️ Join us for Yoga at Longmire Springs Brewing at 11 AM! 🧘‍♀️🌿
Don't forget to bring your mat, a towel, your water bottle and an open heart!
Suggested donation $20 but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Namaste. 🙏✨

03/22/2024

Visiting Longmire this summer? Here’s info for you.

03/13/2024

Events and Trail Map of Packwood's Skate Creek Park

03/12/2024

02/05/2024

❄ 2/2 Winter Recreation Report ❄

A PDF version of the report can be downloaded here:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/giffordpinchot/recreation/wintersports

01/18/2024

Mount Rainier National Park visitors will need a reservation to enter the park through the Nisqually, Stevens Canyon and Sunrise/White River entrance stations during peak hours during Summer 2024.

Many Mount Rainier National Park visitors will need reservations in summer 2024, News Release: https://go.nps.gov/TimedEntryNews-11724

Mount Rainier National Park visitors will need a reservation to enter the park through the Nisqually, Stevens Canyon and Sunrise/White River entrance stations during peak hours during Summer 2024.

“In recent years, it’s been too common for visitors to sit in idling cars for a couple of hours at the entrance stations and then make laps through the parking lots hoping for an empty parking space,” said Superintendent Greg Dudgeon. “We are testing a system that will spread visitation out throughout the day and season to reduce crowding.”

Park visitors will need a reservation between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.:
- Enter the Paradise Corridor from either the Nisqually Entrance via State Route 706 or Stevens Canyon Entrance via State Route 123 May 24 through Sept. 2.
- Enter the Sunrise Corridor at the White River Entrance via State Route 410 July 3 through Sept. 2.

Reservations can be made using Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. Dates through July will be available on Recreation.gov beginning Feb. 21, 2024, for the Paradise Corridor and April 1, 2024, for the Sunrise Corridor. Reservations for dates in August through Labor Day will open on May 1. In addition to the reservations available up to three months ahead, a block of reservations will be released each day through the summer at 7 p.m. for use the following day.

Each reservation is for one personal vehicle and will cost $2. The reservation will provide a two-hour entry window. For instance, visitors with a 9 a.m. reservation could enter the park between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. There is no required departure time...
Read the entire news release at link above.

NPS Graphic

01/13/2024

TUBES AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. Use of our tubes is required - tubes or sleds from home are not permitted.

01/11/2024

Know before you go into the snow.

With significant snow fall in the mountains anticipated this weekend be sure to plan ahead and think about winter recreation essentials.

12/31/2023

Sno-park info in Lewis Co!

Exploring sno-parks within Lewis County's Gifford Pinchot National Forest promises an adventure-filled getaway in a breathtaking winter wonderland. The serenity of snow-covered trails, the thrill of exploring the beautiful landscapes—time to escape to the mountains for some authentic winter fun! https://bit.ly/48u3TUr

11/27/2023

Packwood, Washington, is a small town of about 1,200 in easternmost Lewis County that doesn’t get enough credit for how beautiful it is. And located in pretty little Packwood is a park that definitely doesn’t get enough credit; Skate Creek Park features all the best parts of this lovely section ...

11/15/2023

That’s a wrap for Cayuse Pass!

11/09/2023

Ho-Ho-Ho! 🎅 🌲

Starting TODAY November 9, 2023, visitors may buy Christmas tree cutting permits in-person at Mt. Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Cowlitz Valley Ranger District offices and many local vendors. Permits cost $5.00 each, using cash, check, or credit card.

Online permits may also be purchased now at Recreation.gov. Additional administrative fees will apply to all online sales. It is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information before purchasing the permit. You will need to bring your printed permit with you onto the forest.

There is a limit of five permits per household, and permits are valid for one-time use. Christmas tree permits include a map of areas that are closed to cutting and an information sheet with special instructions for cutting your tree on the national forest.

Households with fourth graders can get a Christmas tree cutting permit for free! After earning their Every Kid Outdoors pass online, fourth graders simply need to show their valid paper voucher or Every Kid Outdoors pass at national forest office for their free Christmas tree permit. Fourth graders and their parents should visit everykidoutdoors.gov for more details and to obtain their paper voucher.

To ensure a successful trip, make sure to plan and prepare. Ranger District office and vendor hours may vary, so be sure to call ahead to check current operational hours. Be aware that winter weather in the forest can change rapidly and that most forest roads are not maintained for winter driving. Forest staff recommend bringing traction devices and a shovel, extra food, drinking water, winter clothing, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget a tool for cutting the tree and a rope or cord to secure it to your vehicle. Tree cutting and travel may take longer than anticipated, so let a friend or family member know where you are going, get an early start, and leave the woods well before dark.

For additional information and a video on successful tree harvesting please visit our website: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/treepermit

For more information on current road status and closures please visit: www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/giffordpinchot/recreation

This year visitors can purchase Christmas tree permits at the following Forest Service offices and vendor locations:

Forest Offices:

Mt. Adams Ranger District, 2455 Highway 141, Trout Lake, WA 98650; (509) 395-3400

Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument & District Office, 42218 N.E. Yale Bridge Rd., Amboy, WA 98601; (360) 449-7800

Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, 10024 US Hwy 12, Randle, WA 98377; (360) 497-1100

All Forest Service offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day Nov. 23, 2023.

Vendor Locations (Call for hours of operation and information):

Amboy, WA – Chelatchie Prairie General Store (360) 247-5529
Ashford, WA - Ashford General Store (360) 569-2377
Ashford, WA - Ashford Valley Grocery (360) 569-2560
Carson, WA – Wind River Market (509) 427-5565
Cougar, WA – Lakeside Country Store (360) 238-5202
Cougar, WA – Cougar Store (360) 238-5228
Cougar, WA – Lone Fir Resort (360) 238-5210
Elbe, WA - Elbe Mall (360) 569-2772
Home Valley, WA – Home Valley Store (509) 427-4015
Kelso, WA - Sportsman's Warehouse (360) 423-2600
Morton, WA - Qu**ky Mart/Shell Gas Station (360) 496-5553
Packwood, WA – Blanton’s Market (360) 494-6101
Randle, WA – Fischer’s Market (360) 497-5355
Stevenson, WA – Main St. Convenience Store (open 24 hours) (509) 427-5653
Trout Lake, WA – Little Mountain (True Value) Hardware (509) 395-2773
Vancouver, WA - Sportsman's Warehouse (360) 604-8000

11/02/2023

Remember, starting this Wednesday, November 1, all vehicles are required to carry tire chains when traveling in the park during the winter season (November 1 - May 1). This requirement applies to all vehicles (including four-wheel-drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions. Practice putting on tire chains (or alternate traction devices like autosocks) and be prepared to use them if required.

Tire Chain FAQ: https://go.usa.gov/x72qE

Road Status Alerts https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Winter at Mount Rainier https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/winter.htm

Webcams https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm

NPS photo taken 1/12/2017 ~pw