A Forest Adventure: Choose & Cut your Christmas Tree
A Forest Adventure: Choose & Cut Your Christmas Tree If you’re looking for a holiday tradition that combines adventure, nature, and a real forest-fresh feel, cutting your own Christmas tree in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a perfect choice. With a simple permit, families and visitors can head into the forest, pick their favorite […]
State Route 123 construction closure within Mount Rainier National Park starts Sept 2
State Route 123 construction closure at Mount Rainier National Park starts Sept 2 Sections of State Route 123 will be closed for box culvert replacement from September 2 through September 30. ASHFORD, Wash. – A portion of State Route (SR) 123 located within Mount Rainier National Park will be closed to all vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles […]
Fire Restrictions take effect July 17 on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
National Forest fire managers have issued restrictions on campfires, smoking, and other activities within the forest. These restrictions will begin July 17, 2025. Restrictions include:– Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including a charcoal fire and pellet fire, on all National Forest System lands. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating […]
High Rock Trail #266, Lookout Area, and Trailhead Closure
Beginning July 7, 2025, the High Rock Lookout and surrounding area will be closed to the public during the construction and renovation of the High Rock Lookout on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. This closure order will remain in effect through September 15, 2025, unless it is rescinded sooner. The High Rock Lookout has been […]
Bridge Repair and Summer Work on Forest Road 25
Vancouver, Wash., — Beginning May 5th, 2025, the Huffaker Bridge located on Forest Road 25 at mile 7.66 within the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, will be closed to all traffic to facilitate a full bridge replacement. The road will be closed until November 24th, 2025, however if any changes to the schedule occur the Forest […]
Mt. Rainier National Park implements new wilderness permit fee structure
ASHFORD, Wash. – Mount Rainier National Park has changed its wilderness permit fee structure from a flat $20 per trip to $10 per person per night. A $6 fee for trips reserved through Recreation.gov remains unchanged. Youth 15 and under are free. Individuals seeking walk up permits will incur the same per person, per night […]
2025 Mt. Rainier construction projects announced
Construction will temporarily close a section of State Route 123 along the park’s eastern boundary and the Ohanapecosh Campground in the southeast corner of the park ASHFORD, Wash. – Two major Mount Rainier National Park construction projects starting in 2025 will replace decades-old crumbling infrastructure in the park’s popular Ohanapecosh Campground and improve travel through […]
2024 Christmas Tree Permits Available
Christmas Tree season has arrived! You may now buy Christmas tree cutting permits in-person at Mt. Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Cowlitz Valley Ranger District offices and many local vendors. Permits cost $5.00 each, using cash, check, or credit card. Online permits may also be purchased now at Recreation.gov. Additional administrative fees will apply to […]
Mount Rainier National Park announces winter recreational access for 2024-25 season
Mount Rainier National Park announced updates today to the winter 2024 25 recreation access schedule. Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 12, the park will open vehicle access to the Paradise area four days per week, Fridays through Mondays. The road will be closed to public vehicle access Tuesdays through Thursdays. Park staff will continue to revisit the Paradise […]
Current Delays and Upcoming Closure on Skate Creek Road
(August 22, 2024)— Repair work has begun on Forest Road 52 (Skate Creek Road) on the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. This road project consists of fixing fill failures that have occurred with settling, replacing culverts, paving, removing roadside hazard trees, and replacing a gate. Due to work currently in progress, the public may experience up […]
