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John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints |
It's almost like that, but more slurred ... Ruh-near with the emphasis on the second syllable or Ray-near when spoken more carefully ... still emphasis on the second syllable.My grateful thanks to Brunetta for this more accurate pronunciation.
This area is unfortunately subject to high levels of rainfall and low clouds often obscure views of the mountain. Should you be lucky enough to get a clear view of the mountain during your visit the sight is magnificent.
The highly scenic road through the park extends along its southern and eastern boundaries. In the south, the road climbs up to Paradise where there is a most impressive building which houses the Visitor Centre. In the east, a spur road runs west by a zig-zag route up to Sunrise Visitor Centre.
In June, the road up to Paradise may still be seriously affected by snow. On one visit we made the road was still closed, on another visit it was open but only just and there was extensive snow on the ground around the visitor centre, plus low cloud obscuring the views. Similarly the road to Sunrise may be closed as it was during both of our visits (hence we have yet to explore the Sunrise area).
Given good weather conditions the views from both Paradise and Sunrise are said to be spectacular.
In the summer of 1998 construction work meant that Washington State Highway 410 was closed for long periods over the Chinook Pass, east of its junction with Washington State Highway 123 (where it forms the Mather Memorial Parkway). Washington State Highway 123 and Washington State Highway 410 from north of its junction with Washington State Highway 123 were unaffected, meaning that it was still possible to travel the entire north-south route along the eastern side of the park. I would very strongly advise seeking local information regarding this road closure, however. The sign warning of the closure which has been erected at the road junction north of Ohanapecosh Visitor Centre is unfortunately none too clear in its statement. I cannot remember how long the construction work was expected to continue.
There is also a spur road leading to a separate entrance at the park's northwestern corner. This road is unpaved for most of its length within the park and is currently (1998) closed due to flood damage. We have not explored this road.
Pacific Northwest Geographical Features
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Most recently modified 17-Feb-02