Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
I want to do some volunteer trail work, what do I need to do?
Visit our MRNPA Volunteering page for current information on upcoming projects and to sign up for a project.
Visit our MRNPA Volunteering page for current information on upcoming projects and to sign up for a project.
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Do I need any special gear or training to do volunteer trail work?
Safety glasses and hard hats are required. We have a few hard hats to loan but may not have enough for everyone so bring your own if you have one. Because of hygiene issues, we do not loan out safety glasses. Please purchase or borrow a pair of personal safety glasses that you will wear. The local hardware store is a good place to start shopping if you need a new pair. An adequate pair or safety glasses will cost about $15. Also, be advised that shatterproof eye glasses do not meet the requirement for safety glasses. Safety glasses all have side protection which eyeglasses do not. Volunteers attending each work project should bring work gloves, rain gear and warm layers for inclement weather, lunch, and plenty of fluids. Substantial footwear is also good idea too as some locations can require hiking in a few miles. No special training is required. Experienced volunteers and park staff will guide you. The park service will provide all the work tools needed for each project.
Safety glasses and hard hats are required. We have a few hard hats to loan but may not have enough for everyone so bring your own if you have one. Because of hygiene issues, we do not loan out safety glasses. Please purchase or borrow a pair of personal safety glasses that you will wear. The local hardware store is a good place to start shopping if you need a new pair. An adequate pair or safety glasses will cost about $15. Also, be advised that shatterproof eye glasses do not meet the requirement for safety glasses. Safety glasses all have side protection which eyeglasses do not. Volunteers attending each work project should bring work gloves, rain gear and warm layers for inclement weather, lunch, and plenty of fluids. Substantial footwear is also good idea too as some locations can require hiking in a few miles. No special training is required. Experienced volunteers and park staff will guide you. The park service will provide all the work tools needed for each project.
May I arrive late or leave early?
We make every effort to provide the Park with a full day of work in order to complete our given projects so we do ask that you commit to the full day (9AM to 3:30 PM).
We make every effort to provide the Park with a full day of work in order to complete our given projects so we do ask that you commit to the full day (9AM to 3:30 PM).
Do I need to pay the Park entrance fee?
No. Entrance into the park is free to the volunteer on the days they are volunteering. When you enter the Park simply notify the Ranger that you are participating in an MRNPA work party and your fee will be waived.
No. Entrance into the park is free to the volunteer on the days they are volunteering. When you enter the Park simply notify the Ranger that you are participating in an MRNPA work party and your fee will be waived.
Does MRNPA encourage or arrange carpooling?
While MRNPA encourages good stewardship of resources by carpooling, we do not typically arrange or coordinate carpooling.
While MRNPA encourages good stewardship of resources by carpooling, we do not typically arrange or coordinate carpooling.
Can I bring my kids to a work party?
Yes, many projects are suitable for teens and youth, although not all volunteer projects are suitable for younger children. The Park has no set policy for minimum age for volunteering, however, age limits may be set where safety is a concern due to the nature of the project. Check the project description for details. All volunteers under 18 years of age must have written approval of a parent or legal guardian before volunteering (NPS Policy); there will be a section on their Volunteer Service Agreement form (OF301a) where the parent or legal guardian will have to complete and sign. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or an adult authorized by the parent who is responsible for their supervision during work activities.
Yes, many projects are suitable for teens and youth, although not all volunteer projects are suitable for younger children. The Park has no set policy for minimum age for volunteering, however, age limits may be set where safety is a concern due to the nature of the project. Check the project description for details. All volunteers under 18 years of age must have written approval of a parent or legal guardian before volunteering (NPS Policy); there will be a section on their Volunteer Service Agreement form (OF301a) where the parent or legal guardian will have to complete and sign. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or an adult authorized by the parent who is responsible for their supervision during work activities.
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Can I bring my pet to a work party?
No, the Park does not allow pets in buildings, on trails, in the backcountry, or on snow.
No, the Park does not allow pets in buildings, on trails, in the backcountry, or on snow.
Do you have work parties even in bad weather?
Absolutely, rain or shine! While it’s important to have appropriate clothing for inclement weather and know that extra care must be taken with footing and safety with tools, we have enjoyed many rainy, snowy and windy work parties. And there have been many beautiful sunny days as well!
Absolutely, rain or shine! While it’s important to have appropriate clothing for inclement weather and know that extra care must be taken with footing and safety with tools, we have enjoyed many rainy, snowy and windy work parties. And there have been many beautiful sunny days as well!
Should I or may I bring my own tools?
The Park provides all of the necessary tools for the projects of the day so it’s not necessary to bring your own. However, if you have a favorite rake, loppers or other small tool that you love, you are welcome to bring it along.
The Park provides all of the necessary tools for the projects of the day so it’s not necessary to bring your own. However, if you have a favorite rake, loppers or other small tool that you love, you are welcome to bring it along.
Are there any perks or incentives for volunteering with MRNPA?
In addition to the satisfaction of doing good and important work, and the enjoyment of spending a fun day with great folks in a beautiful place, you can earn your own blue hard hat after participating in at least 3 trail maintenance parties in a 3-year period (does not include de-vegetation and re-vegetation parties). Also, you have the option to stay in the Longmire Stewardship Campground at no cost either the night before or the night of your volunteer service.
In addition to the satisfaction of doing good and important work, and the enjoyment of spending a fun day with great folks in a beautiful place, you can earn your own blue hard hat after participating in at least 3 trail maintenance parties in a 3-year period (does not include de-vegetation and re-vegetation parties). Also, you have the option to stay in the Longmire Stewardship Campground at no cost either the night before or the night of your volunteer service.
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Is MRNPA a part of the National Park Service?
No. The MRNPA is an independent non-profit organization committed to protecting Mt. Rainier National Park for all of us and for future generations.
No. The MRNPA is an independent non-profit organization committed to protecting Mt. Rainier National Park for all of us and for future generations.
Is MRNPA a non-profit organization registered in Washington State?
Yes. We are a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
Yes. We are a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
How would I contact the Board of MRNPA?
Please use the MRNPA Contact Us form located on the Contacts web page and fill out the feedback form or send an email message to the address listed on that page with the nature of your inquiry.
Please use the MRNPA Contact Us form located on the Contacts web page and fill out the feedback form or send an email message to the address listed on that page with the nature of your inquiry.
Who should I write to with a concern about the management of Mount Rainier National Park?
To contact the park visit their web site at their Mount Rainier National Park Contact Us report page
To contact the park visit their web site at their Mount Rainier National Park Contact Us report page
I went on a hike recently and noticed a problem on the trail, how do I let the park know about it?
You should report any observed trail problem directly to a park ranger, meadow rover, or to the park via email through their Mount Rainier National Park Contact Us report page.
You should report any observed trail problem directly to a park ranger, meadow rover, or to the park via email through their Mount Rainier National Park Contact Us report page.
I was hiking and saw wildlife. Do I need to tell the park about it?
The park is always interested in wildlife sightings. You can contribute to Mt Rainier NP knowledge of park wildlife by reporting your observations of any bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, fish, bees, bugs, butterflies or other invertebrate directly to their Mount Rainier Wildlife Observations website.
The park is always interested in wildlife sightings. You can contribute to Mt Rainier NP knowledge of park wildlife by reporting your observations of any bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, fish, bees, bugs, butterflies or other invertebrate directly to their Mount Rainier Wildlife Observations website.
I have another question not listed here. What should I do?
Please visit the Work Projects page and submit your question on the MRNPA Volunteer Form if related to volunteer activities or use the MRNPA Contact Us form located on the Contacts web page for general inquiries.
Please visit the Work Projects page and submit your question on the MRNPA Volunteer Form if related to volunteer activities or use the MRNPA Contact Us form located on the Contacts web page for general inquiries.
You have reached the end of the FAQ section. Feel free to kick back and relax on a nice warm rock - just make sure it is on the trail!
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