Park Construction

 

Mount Rainier National Park is actively improving roads, buildings, and campgrounds through a series of construction projects aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and overall visitor experience. Due to heavy winter snowfall, most of this essential work is limited to the short summer season.

We appreciate visitors' patience as we work to make improvements to park infrastructure. These efforts will improve safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience. Please examine the schedule below to plan ahead.

Last Updated: September 11, 2026

 

Road Status Map

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Fryingpan Creek Bridge Replacement Project

Fryingpan Creek Bridge is along the White River Road in the northeast corner of the park and is used by visitors traveling to the White River Campground and Sunrise. This project will replace the aging Fryingpan Creek Bridge and improve the Summerland Trailhead area adjacent to the bridge. The bridge, built in 1931, has exceeded its life expectancy and the riverbed has changed, requiring the construction of a newly designed structure. Replacement and improvements will ensure a future of reliable long-term access to the Sunrise Developed Area, White River Campground, and surrounding trails while maintaining the historic feel of the roadway.

• Project dates: The Frying Creek Bridge Replacement Project preparation work will start October 1, 2026. Construction will occur during the 2027-2029 seasons.

Dates	Work	Impact
October 1, 2026 - October 31, 2026 (weather dependent)	Starting October 1, 2026, crews begin preparations to replace Fryingpan Creek Bridge. Work includes: Tree clearing and salvage Existing masonry removal Work occurs from 6 am - 6 pm.	Expect traffic delays of up to 30 minutes on White River Road with one-lane traffic. Summerland Trailhead parking CLOSED. No parking on either side of the bridge. No trail access. Wonderland Trail remains open with parking at White River Campground to access Summerland.
Winter Season November 2026 - April 2027	No work; regular seasonal closure of roads.	No impacts; regular winter season closures and recreational access.
2027-2029	Expect travel and trailhead impacts during the years of active construction (estimated 2027-2029). We appreciate your patience as we work to preserve access to these beloved destinations.

 

Grove of the Patriarchs Bridge Replacement & Trail Construction Project

Severe flooding in November 2021 caused major structural failure of the 1961 suspension bridge to the Grove of the Patriarchs, forcing the closure and removal of the bridge for safety. This project will construct a new bridge and trail route to reach the Grove of the Patriarchs.

• Dates: Preparation work will start October 2026. Construction will occur during the 2027-2028 seasons.

Dates	Work	Visitor Impacts
October 2026 - Spring 2027	Geotechnical drilling and other preparation work for the new replacement bridge. This work will be aided by contracted helicopters.	Grove of the Patriarchs remains closed to all recreation. Limited parking at the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead.

Ohanapecosh Campground Construction Project

Ohanapecosh is a developed area in the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park. Work includes the rehabilitation of 185 campsites and nine restroom buildings, replacing the wastewater collection system, upgrading electrical and water systems, road repairs, and accessibility improvements.

• Project dates: The Ohanapecosh Campground project is expected to continue through November 2026.
• Ohanapecosh Construction FAQs

Dates	Ohanapecosh Closures	Impact
April-November 2026	The entire Ohanapecosh Developed Area is CLOSED for the duration of the construction project, including all campsites, group camping sites, Cowlitz Indian Tribe Designated Use Area, visitor center, restrooms, auditorium, Ohanapecosh river access, picnic area and parking facilities.	No vehicle access. No pedestrian access, including with pets, to any part of Ohanapecosh, including roads, trails, visitor center, auditorium, day use areas, & campground. No recreational access, including bicycling and camping. No visitor center services, including permits. No public WiFi. No restrooms. No water fountains/potable water.
	The Silver Falls Trailhead located in the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed.	No access to the Silver Falls Trail from the Ohanapecosh Campground. Silver Falls can be accessed from the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot via the Eastside Trail. There is additional access to Silver Falls from the Cowlitz Divide Trailhead along Stevens Canyon Road. NOTE: The portion of the trail connecting to the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed and the Silver Falls Trail cannot be hiked as a loop. The two sides of the trail on either bank of the Ohanapecosh River can be hiked as out-and-back routes only starting from the Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead.

 

Road Status

Find out current road conditions, including access to Paradise during the winter season.

Directions

Need directions to get to different park entrances? Also includes information on driving times to park locations.

Park Maps

Maps of Mount Rainier National Park, including the Wilderness Trip Planner Map and area trail maps.

Park Construction FAQs

Find detailed information about park construction projects that are underway or upcoming in Mount Rainier National Park.