"Old Paradise" Guide House

Guide House at Jackson Visitor Area, Paradise Mount Rainier National Park, August 2009 Notice the twisted, gnarled trees at this point on the mountain. The road to Jackson is kept open only a few months a year. Combined with the mist and newer lodge building nearby I couldn't resist taking pictures of this historic still actively used lodge. Mt. Rainier climbing information is found now at the Guide House at Paradise and at least in 2009 was staffed seven days a week. From here many of the climbing patrols originate and rescues are mounted since almost 80% of climbing use on Mt. Rainier begins at Paradise. Interesting information on the 2009 climbing season including routes used, accidents and rescues can be found in a report here.