There are some benefits to hiking Mount Rainier during a government shutdown - very few people, plenty of parking, and for those of you who don't have a pass, no fee. I tried to get the day entry pass to Sunrise (the $2 one you get in addition to your National Park pass) and that system is down. You can donate or pay later, though, support our parks!
There were maybe 4-5 cars at the trailhead (on the main Sunrise Road) when I got there, 5 when I got back. Never filled. Though there are very few spots, so I imagine it's challenging in a non-shutdown weekend. I literally saw less than a dozen people all day on the trail.
Thank you to DayHiker50, the trip report right before me here, who talked about going on to Tamanos (continue on the trail and bear right, it starts climbing about 1/4 mile after the end of the lakes). I opted to just go to the saddle, and the views were really gorgeous. That said - BRUTAL. I'm not in the best possible shape, and that last 3/4 mile to the saddle is basically straight up the mountain. Took me forever, and the trail is not delightful, rocky and rooty and often in a trench. Really makes you thankful for the WTA trailmakers - the lower part up to Owyhigh lakes is gentle/medium grade, plenty of space, switchbacks, etc.
I do recommend this addition to the Owyhigh lakes hike if you're up for it - and I'm sure the last bit to the top of the mountain would be worth it too if I weren't so lazy! It's 1 mile from Owyhigh to the saddle, 4.6 miles from the trailhead to the saddle according to GAIA. I also scrambled up the little social trail up to the left as you're facing Rainier until it ended in about 150 yards. No new perspectives from there, but nice.
The lovely park people at Mount Rainier have kept the bathroom at the entrance open and stocked, which was terrific. I also drove up to Sunrise since I hadn't been up there in years (additional 13 miles or so) - just as impressive as usual. Plenty of parking, I didn't try going in anywhere so can't speak to what's open up there, if anything.
One final note, the Sunrise Road officially closed for the winter as of 10/6, but this trailhead (and the road in general up to White River Campground) is still open and accessible. Not sure about whether they keep the bathrooms open.
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