January 14, 2026
ISSUE 55
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Staff Report
W
inter at Mount Rainier National Park is not just a change in temperature. It is a full transformation. Deep snow settles over meadows and forests, familiar summer trails disappear, and the mountain takes on a quieter, more contemplative character. For visitors willing to embrace the cold, ranger-led snowshoe walks at Paradise offer one of the most rewarding ways to experience this season. Beginning January 10 and running through March, park interpreters guide visitors on weekend snowshoe walks that explore the winter landscape at an easy and welcoming pace. Each walk covers roughly 1.5 miles and lasts about two hours, focusing less on distance and more on discovery. These outings are designed to introduce participants to winter ecology, mountain weather, and the ways plants, animals, and people adapt to months of snow and cold. Walks meet at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays inside the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise, near the information desk. Participation is free with a valid park entrance pass, and snowshoes are provided by the park. This makes the program especially accessible for first-time snowshoers or families who want to try winter recreation without investing in specialized gear. Because each walk is limited to 25 participants, advance sign-ups are required on the day of the walk. Registration opens one hour before departure at the Jackson Visitor Center information desk. All members of a group must be present to sign up, and spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Rangers encourage visitors to arrive
early, as the walks often fill quickly, especially on clearweather weekends. During the walk, rangers pause frequently to point out animal tracks, discuss how snowpack influences rivers and forests, and share stories about the human history of winter travel in the Cascades. Participants might learn how small mammals tunnel beneath the snow for insulation, why trees grow the way they do in heavy snowfall, or how snowshoes have long been an essential tool for moving through deep winter terrain. Preparation is an important part of the experience. Visitors are advised to dress in warm layers and wear waterproof boots. Gloves, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also recommended, as sunlight reflecting off snow can be intense even on cold days. Rangers incorporate winter safety tips into the walk, helping participants feel confident and comfortable on the mountain. For many locals, these guided snowshoe walks serve as a reminder that Mount Rainier is not only a summer destination. Winter brings a slower pace and a different kind of beauty, one defined by silence, sweeping white landscapes, and moments of connection with the natural world. For visitors new to the area, the program provides context and insight that turn a scenic outing into a deeper understanding of the mountain. As winter continues, ranger-led snowshoe walks remain one of the most approachable and enriching ways to experience Mount Rainier during its quieter months. They invite visitors to step into the snow, follow a ranger’s lead, and see the mountain as it exists in winter, resilient, dynamic, and quietly awe-inspiring.
Lady Cruisers Bounce Back Behind Rebounding in Road Victory By Skip Smith
T
he Eatonville Lady Cruisers experienced both heartbreak and resilience over a busy two game stretch last week, falling in a tight defensive battle Friday night before bouncing back with a gritty road win less than 24 hours later. Eatonville opened the week Friday, Jan. 9, at Rainier Connect Arena with a strong start against Franklin Pierce, leaning on defensive pressure and early scoring to control the first half. The Cruisers raced out to a 6-0 run to open the game and
“Morgan Laird split a pair of free throws to put Eatonville up 39-38 with 51 seconds remaining.” held the Cardinals scoreless until the final 1:30 of the first quarter. Jordyn Green scored five early points to push Eatonville to an 8-2 lead at the end of the opening period. The defense remained disruptive in the second quarter, limiting Franklin Pierce to eight points while Eatonville added 15 of its own. Green continued her hot hand with eight more points, helping the Lady Cruisers take a 23-10 advantage into halftime. That momentum slowed in the third quarter as turnovers began to creep in. After committing few mistakes in the first half, Eatonville turned the ball over eight times in the third, all of which led to Cardinal points. Franklin Pierce opened the quarter on a 6-0 run before Sadie Mettler stopped the surge with a pair
HEATHER QUIRIE
Explore Mount Rainier at a Ranger-Led Snow Shoe Walk!
Eatonville junior Jordyn Green brings the ball up court against the Franklin Pierce Cardinals this past Friday evening. Green would finish the night with a double-double, 19 points and 10 rebounds in the Cruisers 41-39 loss. of free throws and Green knocked down a three pointer. The Cardinals closed the quarter on an 8-0 run, cutting the lead to seven. Eatonville entered the fourth quarter holding a 33-26 advantage. Franklin Pierce continued to chip away in the final frame, opening on a 6-0 run to pull within one at 33-32. A Josie Lavergne basket briefly steadied the Cruisers, but the game tightened down the stretch. The score was tied at 36 with 1:12 remaining after a Cardinal basket. Mettler gave Eatonville the lead with two free throws, but Franklin Pierce’s Boston Chang answered with a runner to knot the game at 38 with a minute left.
Morgan Laird split a pair of free throws to put Eatonville up 39-38 with 51 seconds remaining. The Cardinals’ Zamiyah Redfeather responded by drawing a foul and sinking both free throws to give Franklin Pierce a 40-39 lead with 32 seconds to play. Eatonville had multiple chances in the closing moments, but turnovers proved costly. After a missed jumper and two timeouts, travelling calls erased late opportunities. Cardinal Tea Kioa hit one free throw with 4.7 seconds left to extend the Cardinal lead to 41-39, and despite a late steal, another turnover sealed the outcome.
LADY CRUISERS, 4
Closing Out the Year with Gratitude Greetings, As we begin a new year, I want to pause and express my gratitude to the people of Pierce County for the resilience, care, and commitment you show one another, especially during moments of challenge. Last month, our region faced historic flooding that tested communities across the county. Roads closed, rivers rose rapidly, and families were forced to make difficult decisions to stay safe. In those moments, I saw Pierce County at its best: first responders rescuing neighbors from flooded homes and vehicles, county staff coordinating emergency operations around the clock, and local, Tribal, and state partners working side by side to protect lives and property. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who stepped up to support one another. That spirit of service continues this week as we recognize Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Friday, January 9. This is an opportunity to thank the deputies and law enforcement professionals who serve our communities with dedication and care, often under difficult circumstances. The Pierce County Council and Executive’s Office issued a proclamation at the January 6th council meeting recognizing their service and commitment to public safety, which you can read here. As we reflect on the year behind us, I’m also proud of the progress we made in December. From launching new tools to address the opioid crisis, to
investing in affordable housing, public safety, and behavioral health through our newly adopted biennial budget. Pierce County continues to focus on both immediate needs and long-term stability. I remain hopeful and energized by the partnerships that make this work possible—between community organizations, Tribal Nations, local governments, county staff, and most importantly, our residents. Thank you for your engagement, your compassion, and your belief in what we can accomplish when we move forward together. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, productive, and hopeful New Year. Warmly,
Ryan N. Mello Pierce County Executive LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026: PIERCE COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC SAFETY, HEALTH, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Pierce County officials are moving forward on a range of public safety, health, and community initiatives as the county transitions into 2026. County leaders briefly addressed last month’s severe weather, noting that a powerful atmospheric river caused flooding along the Puyallup, White, Carbon, and Nisqually rivers.
CLOSING OUT THE YEAR, 4