Looking forward. 1990-1999

1990

- The 100th Anniversary of Fay Fuller's climb is celebrated.

An update to the park's General Management Plan begins.

In November 14" of rain fall in five days. The West Side Road is washed out above Fish Creek.

1991

- The Nisqually Glacier Study (discontinued 1985) restarts. The glacier has been melting rapidly since 1983.

1992

- News releases encourage public participation in park planning. "Gateway" communities are invited to participate.

The park Interpretation Division is reorganized. Landscape Architect and Historical Architect positions are added to park staff.

City of Tacoma project "Train to the Mountain" starts.

1993

- An issue is raised concerning recovering mounting Search and Rescue costs from those rescued.

Sale of gasoline within the park discontinues.

Transportation Feasibility studies begin by BRW Inc., Denver.

1994

- Historic building, Sunrise Lodge, is a candidate for the wrecking ball. The Seattle Times publishes the issue and generates public support for preservation of this building.

1995

- A new park General Management Plan (including 15 year projections) is prepared. The issue of limiting vehicular transportation within the park and excluding it from certain existing roads is considered.

A Congressional budget impasse causes a brief closure of Mount Rainier and other national park areas due to lack of operating funds.

1996

- An extensive stretch of the Carbon River road is washed out during the winter. It is closed to auto traffic at the entrance station. Bicycles are allowed to transport visitors the five miles to Ipsut Creek Campground. Beyond that point, foot travel only.

The Cayuse Pass highway (Washington State Route 123) is severely damaged by winter weather. There are at least four washouts along a 600 foot stretch. One-way traffic is able to get through the damaged area during the summer.

The entrance fee to Mount Rainier National Park doubles to $10.00.

1997

- Record snow depths in the Cascade Mountains delay opening the Cayuse Pass part of the road around the mountain. Chinook Pass (Highway 410) opens June 12. The Mowich Lake Road is still closed until mid July.

Public meetings are held regarding the proposed General Management Plan for Mount Rainier National Park.

1998

- Preparation for the Centennial starts in earnest. The former gas station at Longmire is converted to a transportation history exhibit. Work begins refurbishing the "crown jewels" areas of rich human history within the park, especially in the Sunrise area. Internet Web pages are developed for access to historical and current park information.

The Carbon River road is repaired, and reopened in November from the entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground.

Within a month of opening, new flooding destroys repair work on the Carbon River Road. The road is closed.

1999

- Mount Rainier National Park officially 100 years old on March 2nd. Check the Web site for festive occasions.

On March 2nd a Centennial exhibit, "Sunrise to Paradise: The Story of Mt. Rainier National Park" opens at the State History Museum in Tacoma.