Thanks to some help from ole Sol, two loops of the Cougar Rock Campground in Mount Rainier National Park will be open this weekend.

Acting-Superintendent Randy King says warm weather has melted out some parking pads and tent sites in loops A and C (approximately 24). That said, campsites for recreational vehicles (trailers, campers, etc.) are extremely limited. The remaining loops, including the group sites are still covered with snow.

Cougar Rock, located inside the Nisqually Entrance on the southwest side of the park, normally opens by Memorial Day weekend, but slow winter melt-out delayed this year’s opening.

Elsewhere in Rainier, four loops at Ohanapecosh Campground (Loops A, B, C, and D) on the park’s southeast side were open in time for the Memorial Day weekend. However, Loop D has no running water at this time.

White River Campground, in the park’s northwest corner, is scheduled to open on June 26.

Camping fees at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh are $12/$15* per site and at White River $12.

*Between June 25 and September 6 campsites can be reserved in advance at Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh Campgrounds. The nightly fee during the reservation period is $15 per site. For reservations, call 877-444-6777.

White River Campground is operated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Overnight lodging within the park is available at Paradise Inn and the National Park Inn. For reservations call 360-569-2275.