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It is most definitely NOT OK during spring/summer to camp just above Paradise, stay w/your original plan and stay at Cougar Rock.

If you're asking about the actual campground, it won't be open until near the end of June, normal. The road into the campground is dependent on a couple of things, Chinook getting open that the DOT site says no sooner than June 6, and Cayuse getting open that the DOT site says 5/24 at EARLIEST. Latest I heard from numerous phone calls was that the WR Campground road had only been cleared so far to the Owyhigh Lks trailhead, its still several miles to the campground.

Rainier website says the road into WR Campground is hopefully opening just before Memorial Day weekend, still 5-8 feet of snow on the road. Carbon side is open, but haven't seen any reports from anyone going in that side yet, its a LONG approach now with the road closed into Ipsut. Call Carbon ranger station, White River ranger station doesn't open until at least Memorial Day weekend.

3rd-4th week in June.

If its after October 7th, the road to White River will be closed for the season making Paradise the viable option, unless you want to add about 8-9 miles each way from Mather "Y" on 410.

All routes on Rainier have suffered badly this year from tons of warm temps and excessive melt. This has exposed LARGE areas above 10,0000 of black, old, glacier ice that many have reported and I've experienced as somewhat bulletproof to pro. The Mowich is melted out with large amounts of exposed 50 degree+ loose scree, rock extremely prone to fall and virtually impossible to protect and the upper section hard exposed ice. This would make climbing it an effort in becoming a human bowling project with you being the pins. Last I checked with the climbing ranger staff there had been no recorded summits of the route this season and if correct no attempts given the status since at least mid July. Add to this the road closures, extended distances of approach, trail damage, and few to no potential rescuers left this late in the season, and hence the view that it might be risky to the point of ridiculous. Try calling the climbing ranger team left there and ask directly about any other advice or updates.

About the Carbon road, the park's website as of 9/26 says, "GOOD NEWS! the road reopens on Saturday, September 22 at 8:00 a.m. to hikers and bicyclists", but at least we know a supply of body bags should be on hand for the attempt. skull

Mowich road closes Oct 8th, Carbon only accessible by hike or bike, planning on a long walk are you?

Followed your web link and got the following: This domain, www.beyondclothing.com., does not yet have a site constructed. Please check back again.

Nickwax makes a tech wash that worked for me with a tent moldy from same circumstance. Last time loaning gear!

The bridge is reopen, cleared by the engineers and work completed by MRNP crews.

Leave em home, conditions are great and compacted with little to no postholing, Interglacier is in good shape with a good track, Emmons has several options with much success.

Park's web site says its due to open May 5th, same as road to Paradise/Nisqually entrance.

Appears the Glacier Basin trail is now also in deep trouble maybe another year would be a good consideration? http://mountrainierconditions.blogspot.com/ on the newest trail damage discovered this last weekend.

Everyone take a breath, news report today says main park road/nisqually entrance to open May 1 even while additional re-construction is taking place. In the meantime, the eastside is accessible for the hardy, and any wishing to do a westside route ought to simply consider taking a week's expedition via the westside road.