Take a Hike

Winter Panorama - A Mount Rainier Snow Hike

L. Lisa Lawrence L. Lisa Lawrence is a local freelance photographer and writer and an avid hiker, backpacker, skier, cyclist and snowshoer. She has worked in the outdoor field for more than 20 years as a park ranger, river guide, ski instructor and an environmental educator and often field tests gear and apparel.

Fresh snow frosted the ridges and treetops and blanketed the forest floor, crunching under snowshoes. As you enter a clearing where the sun gleams off millions of diamond-like snow crystals, you stop to catch your breath and experience a magical silence that can only be heard during winter. Your quiet pause is soon broken by the sound of a chirping bird and wind in the trees. Clouds shrouding the mountains clear, revealing Mount Rainier’s full glory against the stunning blue winter sky.

Not only does the mountain play host to world-class hiking, climbing, backpacking and sightseeing in summer with its panoramic views and spectacular waterfalls, but it offers unique experiences and breathtaking views in the winter, and often is less crowded.

Less than a three-hour drive from Bellevue will transport you to a winter wonderland and all the snowy fun and adventure your heart could desire. Snowshoe treks up Rampart and Mazama Ridge or along the river toward Cougar Rock provide peace and spiritual renewal. Backcountry skiing and snow camping offer challenges for the more experienced and adventurous, while ranger led snowshoe trips provide fun and adventure for beginners and families. Everywhere you turn there’s something wonderful to take a picture of.

The only road in the park that’s open in winter is on the Nisqually (south) side just past the town of Ashford. It’s plowed and well-maintained from Highway 706 to Longmire where you can get maps and information for a backcountry adventure, rent cross-country skis or snowshoes and gear or enroll in lessons. 

The lower levels of the Wonderland Trail, across the road to the Trail of the Shadows Nature Trail, is a great snowshoe hike for beginners and those with young children — a loop from the parking area at Longmire and back is less than one mile. The more adventurous can continue up Rampart Ridge for a great workout and stunning views of Mount Rainier and Eagle Peak, if avalanche conditions allow. This 4.6-mile loop trail is steep in spots with an elevation gain of 1,800 feet, which feels like a lot more when trudging through snow.

For those who want a longer trip but not a steep climb, the trail along the Nisqually River to Cougar Rock campground is safe in all but the most extreme avalanche conditions and provides beautiful views of Eagle Peak and the river. This tour is a little more than three miles round trip, with a mere 106 feet of elevation gain. The campground is a great place to stop for lunch, which you will want to watch carefully, or cheeky stellar and gray jays may try to make off with it.

Those who want a steep and challenging workout can hike up the Eagle Peak Trail, stopping before the saddle where constant avalanche danger makes travel unwise in winter.

Park staff at Longmire Ranger Station will give you a winter recreation map and let you know which trails are safe and which to avoid. Don’t forget to take a peek in the museum while you’re there.

Snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals as well as guided ski touring trips are available at Longmire, as is lodging, a restaurant and gift shop at the National Park Inn which is the only lodging available inside the park during winter.

When the gate above Longmire is open — often late morning or early afternoon so that it can be plowed — there are several trails that can be accessed from the Narada Falls Comfort Station (which has heated bathrooms) and a wealth of trails, snow play, sightseeing and other opportunities further up the road at Paradise.

There is something for all who enjoy winter scenery and recreation at Mount Rainier.

Directions
From Bellevue — Take Highway 167 toward Puyallup and exit toward Eatonville, continuing to Longmire on South Meridian to Highway 107. The 90-mile journey takes less than three hours. 

Helpful Tips
•  Always carry tire chains, a shovel, extra clothing, blankets, food and water, as conditions can change rapidly.
•  Stop at the ranger station to check avalanche danger and learn which routes are safe for travel.
• Weather conditions can change in an instant. Call the park at 360.569.2211 for current conditions.

Plan Your Visit Now!
NPS information on winter recreation at Mount Rainier, nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit or National Park Inn at Longmire, rainier.guestservices.com

Get There
Year-round access to the park is available on Highway 706 to the Nisqually entrance in the southwest corner of the park. The road from the entrance to Longmire remains open throughout winter except during extreme weather. The road from Longmire to Paradise closes nightly from Nov. 1 through winter. It reopens the following morning pending snow removal. Even though roads will be open, some facilities may not be available.

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