Visitors considering viewing the Perseid meteor shower from Mount Rainier National Park’s grounds should plan ahead, be prepared to pack out trash and stay on park trails to avoid trampling fragile high elevation subalpine meadows, the park stated in a news release Thursday.
Subalpine meadows such as those at Paradise and Sunrise are fragile and easily damaged by careless visitors, the park stated.
Visitors are asked to stay in the parking lots or on a trail and to not spread blankets or set up chairs in park meadows. Damage caused to subalpine meadow plants by visitors traveling off-trail can take years to recover, the park stated.
The park offers exceptional night viewing in clear weather, and visitors can promote a safe and positive experience for all by following all guidelines.
According to the news release from Mount Rainier National Park, visitors are strongly encouraged to wear layers and consider bringing a coat or blanket to stay warm.
Visitors are also encouraged to pack out trash and recyclables after their visit.
Large numbers of visitors can overwhelm trash receptacles overnight. Leaving trash on the ground is not only illegal but also dangerous to wild animals that can be attracted by the smell, and that may become sick or used to human food. Visitors can protect the park’s wild creatures by disposing of trash properly or by taking their trash home with them, the park stated.
Visitors will not be allowed to camp or stay overnight in a vehicle in parking lots or pull-offs. Visitors are asked to exit the park after having their fill of the night sky.
Pets are not permitted on the park’s trails.
Drones are also not permitted within the park.
Visitors are encouraged to turn off lights and electronic devices to allow their eyes to adjust to the dark and improve their night vision. If using a light is absolutely necessary, visitors should put a red filter over the light to maintain their night vision and the night vision of others, the park stated.
“Mount Rainier’s dark night skies are a wonderful resource for all to enjoy. However, we ask visitors to do their part to protect the park’s fragile meadows by staying on trails, and packing out their trash as they head home,” Superintendent Greg Dudgeon said.
Rangers at the Paradise area of the park will host night sky programs from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m. on Friday night, Aug. 9, Saturday night, Aug. 10, and Sunday night, Aug. 11.
The Sunrise area of the park will close to visitors at the White River entrance once the Sunrise parking lot is full.
Timed entry reservations for the Paradise Corridor and Sunrise Corridor are in effect daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Sept.
A valid entry pass is required for all visitors to the park.
For general information on Mount Rainier National Park, visit the park website at https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm.
Read more on the Perseid meteor shower here: https://tinyurl.com/4zp3yzdk
