Access and Roads

Sunrise Road

2011-05-15T09:30:00.001-07:00

Open for the season.

White River Road to Campground

2011-05-15T09:26:00.000-07:00

The road to White River Campground and Trail Head is OPEN! Thanks to the road crew for all the hard work! (Note White River Campground is still CLOSED)

Stevens Canyon Road

2011-05-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Open!

Nisqually Entrance to Paradise

2009-11-05T15:44:00.000-08:00

OPEN FOR THE 2011 SEASON!

Winter Regulations:

Highway 706 from Nisqually Entrance to Longmire is open year around, usually 24-hours a day. However during severe snow events or other extreme conditions, sometimes tire chains are required all the way from Nisqually Entrance. It is wise to throw the chains in the car, even you plan to go no farther than Longmire!

In the winter, November through May, the road from Longmire to Paradise opens and closes on a daily basis.

OPENING:
Each morning the road opens based on road conditions and snowplow operations. Here are some general rules to follow.

If there is 0-5" of new snow at Paradise, expect a 9:00 to 10:00 o'clock opening.
If there is 5-10" of new snow at Paradise, expect a 11:00-13:00 o'clock opening.
If there is over 10-15" or more of new snow at Paradise, consider that the road may not open at all.

Many factors effect how quickly the plow drivers can remove the snow from the road.

1. The snow level. Do they have to start at Nisqually Entrance or only 2 miles from Paradise?
2. The snow density. 25" inches of wet and heavy snow many only be able to be removed by a very slow moving snow blower. 10" of fresh powder can be removed fast than 5" of sloppy wet snow.
3. Trees down. Trees must be cut and cleared by using a chainsaw. This can slow the process down considerably.
4. Snowplow equipment breaks down frequently.
5. Snowplow drivers get sick and injured, too.

CLOSING:
The uphill gate closes roughly 1/2 hour before sunset and there is a complete closure about 1/2 hour after sunset. This last month it has been closing around 8:00 pm.

Overnight Parking

2008-06-18T14:10:00.001-07:00

Overnight parking in Paradise is allowed in the lower lot (where the old JVC used to be). Please park next to the other overnight parkers to consolidate space. Check out a map when you register at the ranger station!

Overnight parking is NOT allowed in the upper lot or along the Paradise Valley road.

Westside Road

2006-05-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

The Westside Road is OPEN to Dry Creek.

Chinook and Cayuse Passes (Hwy 410 and 123)

2006-05-18T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hwy 123 is OPEN over Cayuse Pass.

HWY 410 - Chinook Pass is OPEN!

Carbon River Road

2006-05-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

The Carbon River Road is closed to vehicle traffic at the park boundary. Plan on hiking if you intend to reach Ipsut Creek and beyond. Climbers can register at the Carbon River Ranger station.

Mowich Lake Road, HWY 165

2006-02-15T14:13:00.000-08:00

The road to Mowich Lake is open.