With additional snow forecast for the Cascades this weekend, many roads in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will become increasingly hazardous or impassable, particularly at higher elevations.
Sno-Parks throughout the forest are now operating. Roads leading to the Sno-Parks are maintained during the winter.
Yes there is an Olympic National Park ornament too. Here’s a look at the ornament painted by Jack Galloway, the park’s landscape architect. We’ll let you know when we get a pick from North Cascade N.P.
Photos courtesy of Olympic National Park.
The theme for this year’s White House Christmas tree is “Holiday in the National Parks.” Mount Rainier National Park is being recognized with a handmade ornament. The tree is in the White House’s blue room.
There are 347 ornaments on the tree. To see one from each state, check out the White House website.
Here are some photos of the ornament courtesy of MRNP.
FRONT:
BACK:
Click below to read the announcement from Mount Rainier National Park and the Park Service.
As promised in today’s Adventure
Section, here are 10 more ways to camp a little greener.
Click here to read the first 10.
11. When nature calls be kind to the environment. Dig a hole to bury your business. (Note: This doesn’t work on snow. The snow melts leaving hiker in deep poop the next summer.) Either wipe with something natural like moss, leaves or snow or pack out your toilet paper.
12. Buy a down sleeping
…Here’s a preview of Thursday’s Adventure section:
Green camping: We’ve got tips for reducing your footprint in the woods.
Olympics update: Craig Hill writes about the latest Winter Olympic news, including the announcement of the mascots for the 2010 Games.
Cabela’s reaction: Jeffrey P. Mayor talks to competitors about the opening of Cabela’s.
Paradise: Construction is causing changes in parking and permits at Paradise this winter.
Just got this notice from Mount Rainier National Park:
The Washington State Department of Transportation advises they have closed State Routes 123 and 410 within Mount Rainier National Park due to hazardous driving conditions and avalanche concerns. This closure will remain in effect until conditions improve.
The Westside Road on the southwest side of Mount Rainier National Park has been closed effective this afternoon. The closure is necessary for park staff to repair flood damage at Milepost 3.1 that occurred during the historic floods last November.
The repair project is expected to take approximately three weeks, depending on weather conditions.
The closure covers all public access, including driving, hiking and cycling.
For previous coverage of the Floods of 2006, go to www.thenewstribune.com/rainier.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife will begin accepting applications Dec. 1 from individuals and groups seeking financial support for volunteer projects that benefit fish and wildlife.
Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account grants provide cost reimbursement for volunteer projects that support fish, wildlife and their habitats, improve access to the outdoors, collect and disseminate fish and wildlife science and educate the public about resource conservation.
The grants will be awarded for projects undertaken between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.
Applications must be received by Feb. 28. Application materials are available at