Bear Activity Closes Glacier Basin Backcountry Area at Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park officials announced Wednesday that the Glacier Basin backcountry site is closed until further notice due to bear activity. 

The area is accessed via the White River Campground, off of State Route 410 a few miles east of the park entrance.

Officials offer these safety tips in case you encounter a bear:

• Never feed a black bear, either intentionally or by leaving food unsecured.
• Do not approach bear cubs. An adult may be nearby to protect and defend the cubs.
• Back away from a nearby bear, even if it appears unconcerned with your presence.
• Do not run. Back away slowly. Talk loudly.
• A defensive bear will appear agitated and will often give visual and vocal warnings like swatting or stomping the ground, exhaling loudly, huffing, snapping teeth, or lowering the head with ears drawn back while facing you. This response may escalate to a charge.

If charged by a black bear:

• If the bear stops, slowly back away while talking, keeping the bear in view while leaving the area.
• If it continues, act aggressively, shouting and throwing rocks or sticks.
• If the bear attacks and you have food, distance yourself from the food.
• If the bear attacks and you do not have food, fight back aggressively. This is likely a predatory attack, and the bear is treating you as prey.

Report all bear sightings to a ranger or call park dispatch at 360-569-6600.