Park Construction

 

Mount Rainier National Park is actively improving roads, buildings, and campgrounds through a series of construction projects aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and overall visitor experience. Due to heavy winter snowfall, most of this essential work is limited to the short summer season.

We appreciate visitors' patience as we work to make improvements to park infrastructure. These efforts will improve safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience. Please examine the schedule below to plan ahead.

Last Updated: October 19, 2026

 

Road Status Map

For the best viewing experience, click on the "View full screen" link in the lower left corner of the map. Click on any section of road or notification symbol for more information.

 

Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project

Fryingpan Creek Bridge is along the White River Road in the northeast corner of the park and is used by visitors traveling to the White River Campground and Sunrise. This project will replace the aging Fryingpan Creek Bridge and improve the Summerland Trailhead area adjacent to the bridge. The bridge, built in 1931, has exceeded its life expectancy and the riverbed has changed, requiring the construction of a newly designed structure. Replacement and improvements will ensure a future of reliable long-term access to the Sunrise Developed Area, White River Campground, and surrounding trails while maintaining the historic feel of the roadway.

Dates

Work

Impact

September 27, 2026 - October 31, 2026 (weather dependent)
  • Starting September 27, 2026, crews begin preparations to replace Fryingpan Creek Bridge. Work includes:
    • Tree clearing and salvaging
    • Existing masonry removal
  • Work occurs from 6 am - 6 pm.
  • White River Road is closed for the winter season as of 10/19/26.
  • Summerland Trailhead is CLOSED. No parking on either side of the bridge. No trail access from Summerland Trailhead. Wonderland Trail remains open with nearest trailhead at White River Campground.
  • No pedestrians are allowed on White River Road through the closure zone past Fryingpan Creek Bridge. Bicyclists may travel the closed road but must follow all signage & instructions from construction crews.
Winter Season
November 2026 - April 2027
  • No work; regular seasonal closure of roads.
  • No impacts; regular winter season closures and recreational access.
2027-2029 Expect travel and trailhead impacts during the years of active construction (estimated 2027-2029). We appreciate your patience as we work to preserve access to these beloved destinations.
 

Grove of the Patriarchs Bridge Replacement & Trail Construction Project

Severe flooding in November 2021 caused major structural failure of the 1961 suspension bridge to the Grove of the Patriarchs, forcing the closure and removal of the bridge for safety. This project will construct a new bridge and trail route to reach the Grove of the Patriarchs.

Dates

Work

Visitor Impacts

October 16-26, 2026
  • Geotechnical drilling and other preparation work for the replacement bridge has been completed.
  • Grove of the Patriarchs remains closed to all recreation.
  • Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot has reopened for Silver Falls/Eastside Trail access.
October 26, 2026 - Winter 2026
  • Normal winter season closures.
  • Grove of the Patriarchs remains closed to all recreation.
  • Stevens Canyon Road will close to all visitor traffic at 7 am October 26 for the winter season.
Spring 2027
  • Construction activities and schedules are still being determined.
  • Expect travel and trailhead impacts during this period of active construction. We appreciate your patience as we work to preserve access to this beloved destination.
  • Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Ohanapecosh Campground Construction Project

Ohanapecosh is a developed area in the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park. Work includes the rehabilitation of 185 campsites and nine restroom buildings, replacing the wastewater collection system, upgrading electrical and water systems, road repairs, and accessibility improvements.

Dates

Ohanapecosh Closures

Impact

October 2026 - February 2027
  • The entire Ohanapecosh Developed Area is CLOSED for the duration of the construction project, including all campsites, group camping sites, Cowlitz Indian Tribe Designated Use Area, visitor center, restrooms, auditorium, Ohanapecosh river access, picnic area and parking facilities.
  • No vehicle access.
  • No pedestrian access, including with pets, to any part of Ohanapecosh, including roads, trails, visitor center, auditorium, day use areas, & campground.
  • No recreational access, including bicycling and camping.
  • No visitor center services, including permits.
  • No public WiFi.
  • No restrooms.
  • No water fountains/potable water.
  • The Silver Falls Trailhead located in the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed.
  • No access to the Silver Falls Trail from the Ohanapecosh Campground.
  • Silver Falls can be accessed from the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot via the Eastside Trail. There is additional access to Silver Falls from the Cowlitz Divide Trailhead along Stevens Canyon Road.
  • NOTE: The portion of the trail connecting to the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed and the Silver Falls Trail cannot be hiked as a loop. The two sides of the trail on either bank of the Ohanapecosh River can be hiked as out-and-back routes only starting from the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead.
 
A visitor center with a flag pole in front and surrounded by tall trees.
Find detailed information about park construction projects that are underway or upcoming in Mount Rainier National Park.

Last updated: October 19, 2026

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

Phone:

360 569-2211

Contact Us