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Contact: Mount Rainier Press Information Line, 360-569-6510
ASHFORD, Wash. — The National Park Service and the Washington State Department of Transportation are seeking public input on a proposed project to reduce flooding and erosion risks to a section of State Route 410 adjacent to the White River in Mount Rainier National Park.
WSDOT proposes installing two engineered log structures in the White River floodplain to help prevent the river from shifting into the SR 410 corridor and damaging the roadway. The project area is within designated wilderness adjacent to the highway.
The National Park Service has prepared an environmental assessment to evaluate the potential impacts of the proposal. The analysis considers effects on wilderness character, natural and cultural resources, and visitor experience.
“Providing sustainable public access to and through Mount Rainier National Park is a shared priority,” said Superintendent Greg Dudgeon. “We encourage the public to review the environmental assessment and share input to help inform our decision.”
State Route 410 serves as a key access route to the park’s east side, including Sunrise, White River Campground, and several popular trailheads. The roadway runs along the White River, a glacier-fed system that drains the Emmons Glacier. Past flooding events have damaged portions of the highway, and continued erosion poses an increasing risk to the corridor.
If approved, construction could begin as early as 2027. The work would take place over approximately three weeks in late summer. Visitors may experience delays of up to 30 minutes during limited helicopter operations, but no road closures are planned.
The environmental assessment is available online at:
https://parkplanning.nps.gov/%20SR410FloodRiskReduction
The public comment period is open through May 29, 2026.
For more information about Mount Rainier National Park, visit www.nps.gov/mora.
www.nps.gov
About the National Park Service: Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at www.nps.gov
Last updated: April 30, 2026