News Release

Sunrise and White River Areas Reopen: Evacuation Drops to Level 1

Date: September 13, 2017
Contact: Patti Wold, 360-569-6563

After being closed due to fire activity outside of the park the Sunrise and White River areas reopened this morning at 8:00 am. Facilities in the area, including the White River Campground and area trails, are now also open to normal use.
 

The evacuation level for the White River and Sunrise area has dropped from a Level 2 to a Level 1, which means to "Be Alert." Fire danger still exists in the greater area and all personnel and visitors should monitor the situation. The park will provide updates in the event of a change in the evacuation status to a voluntary or mandatory evacuation.

Visitors are asked to use caution when traveling SR 410 in the park and to the north as fire equipment and personnel will be on and along the roadway. Smoke may also be heavy at times in the area. Please use caution and protect our firefighters.
 

Closures due to fire activity remain in effect east of SR 410 including:

• SR 410 from Cayuse Pass east to Chinook Pass. A detour is available via US12/White Pass and SR 123
• Trails on the east side of SR 410 from the Eastside Trail just below Cayuse Pass north, the Eastside Trail east of SR 410, and associated backcountry areas (see map)
• Tipsoo Lake, Chinook Pass, and the Naches Loop Trail
• The Pacific Crest Trail from White Pass to Snoqualmie Pass

The majority of the park is open including:

• Sunrise and White River areas have reopened. Trails from Sunrise/White River are also open to normal use
• The Sunrise Day Lodge is open weekends only. Check Hours of Operation for current times
•  White River Campground is open, however campers are recommended to pay one night at a time in case there are any changes in fire activity that could prompt a subsequent evacuation
• SR410 from the north entrance to Cayuse Pass and SR123 from Cayuse Pass south
• Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and Campground, Grove of the Patriarchs, Silver Falls, and Laughingwater Creek Trail
• West and south sides of the park including Longmire, Paradise, Stevens Canyon, Carbon River, and Mowich areas
• The Wonderland Trail is open and can be accessed from Sunrise and White River again

Updates on the fire and additional road, trail and facility closure information can be found at:

• Mount Rainier Wildland Fire Webpage
• Norse Peak Fire Info on Inciweb
•  Norse Peak Fire Info on Facebook
• Mount Rainier National Park on Facebook
• Norse Peak Fire Info on Twitter
•  Mount Rainier on Twitter
•  Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) SR410 Travel Alerts

Unhealthy air quality throughout the park due to smoke from Washington and Oregon wildfires is possible at any time. Park webcams are a great way to check on current air quality.

 

-NPS-