Wonderland Challenges

Access to Mt. Rainier’s Mowich Lake area completely unavailable this year:

On Monday, April 14, WSDOT closed the bridge as a safety precaution after a recent inspection revealed new deterioration of steel supports across the bridge. Follow-up inspections prompted the agency to permanently close the 103-year-old bridge. 

…

The bridge provided access to Mount Rainier National Park’s Mowich Lake Entrance, Carbon River Ranger Station and other outdoor recreation areas. Due to the closure of the bridge, there is no public access from SR 165 to these areas.

“Closing the bridge was our last option. We fully understand the magnitude of this decision for everyone who relies on this bridge,” Roark added.

There could be lots of proverbial ink spilled on government management of public infrastructure in the age of Trump, but I spare myself. What I do want to point out is that if you’re planning on running the Wonderland this year there will be a LONG stretch you’ll be flying solo without access for any support crew at Carbon River/Mowich Lake. Be prepared, or run a guided trip with Aspire, they will have this figured out.