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Snowshoeing inside Mt. Rainier National Park
Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks at Paradise
- Distance and Time: The walks cover approximately 1.5 miles in two hours. This is a good opportunity for beginners to try the sport.
- Group Size: Snowshoe walks are limited to 25 people, 8 years old or older, on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center information desk at Paradise beginning one hour before the start time.
- Equipment: You will need snowshoes. They can be borrowed from the park for a $4 per-pair donation, which defrays the cost of snowshoe maintenance and replacement, or you can use your own snowshoes. Participants also need to bring a hat, mittens or gloves, suitable boots (because you will sink into the snow even wearing snowshoes), sunscreen and sunglasses.
- When: Guided public snowshoe walks are presented twice a day (12:30 PM and 2:30 PM) at Paradise beginning December 21st, 2012 (snow permitting) through January 1, 2013. After January 1st through the end of March, the walks will be conducted on weekends and holidays only.
- Organized Groups: Snowshoe walks are available to organized groups of 13-25 people by reservation only. Group snowshoe walks begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
- For more info: Call (360) 569-6575. Or, visit the Longmire Museum or Jackson Visitor Center (open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Weekends and Holidays including December 19-January 3).
Ranger-Led Snowshoe Walks
Photo: Courtesy Judy Bell
Other Snowshoeing inside the park
Snowshoeing Trip Reports - NEW: Get Tips on Snowshoeing
| Snowshoe Name | Distance | Time | Gain | Starting Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alta Vista Snowshoe | 1 mile, RT | 1.5 hours | 550 ft | Paradise |
| Eagle Peak Snowshoe | 4.0 miles, RT | 3-4 hrs | 1,220 ft | Longmire |
| Glacier Vista Snowshoe | 3 miles, RT | 3 hrs | 1,000 ft | Paradise |
| Golden Gate Snowshoe | 2.25 miles, RT | 1.5 hrs | 650 ft | Paradise |
| Kautz Creek Snowshoe | 2.25 miles, RT | 1.5 hrs | 210 ft | Near Longmire |
| Longmire to Cougar Rock Snowshoe | 3.9 miles, RT | 2-3 hrs | 400 ft | Longmire |
| Mazama Ridge Snowshoe | 3 miles, RT | 3 hrs | 900 ft | Paradise |
| Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes | 3.75 miles, RT | 4 hrs | 516 ft | Narada Falls |
| Rampart Ridge Trail Snowshoe | 4.5 mile loop | 4 hrs | 1,400 ft | Longmire |
| Reflection Lakes Loop Snowshoe | 6 miles, RT | 5-6 hrs | 1,100 ft | Paradise |
| Snowshoe Trails of Paradise: An Overview | Depends on route | Up to 1 day | Up to 1,700 ft | Paradise |
| West Side Road Snowshoe | 8 miles, RT | 3-4 hrs | 1,000 ft | West Side Road |
More Information
- RENTAL EQUIPMENT is available at the National Park Inn General Store at Longmire. No reservations necessary. Get Rate Information Here. In Ashford, rentals are available at Whittaker Mountaineering
- The PARADISE VALLEY ROAD is a popular snowshoe trail that begins in the Paradise parking lot and follows the Paradise Valley Road/Stevens Canyon Road (closed in winter to cars and snowmobiles) for 3.5 miles to Reflection Lakes. The trail is "groomed" by the dozens of skiers/snowshoers who travel its length and offers great views of the Tatoosh and Rainier.
- View the Paradise Area Winter Recreation Map and Longmire Winter Trails Map for a clear look at the snowshoeing routes in the Paradise and Longmire areas.
- For a detailed listing of other winter snowshoeing trails, visit mt-rainier.com.
Snowshoeing and Winter Camping
Consider snowshoeing to a winter camping destination within the park, an activity that is popular with the Boy Scouts and various youth groups. The park publishes this brochure about winter camping.
Winter Camping in the the Park