KUOW Hike of the Week - Mt. Rainier

Updated 1-22-2013
Going to Mt. Rainier is always a treat in the winter to play in the snow. We have two snowshoes trips, or ski if you are a good skier. The first group of photos starts at Paradise and we go to  Reflections Lakes-Lake Louise. The second group of photos takes you  from Longmire to Cougar Rock.


View towards Tatoosh Range with a lenticular cloud @ Fagin 

View of Mt. Rainier @ Fagin

Check out Green Trails Maps for directions.  269 S is the map for this hike. Click here for complete list of maps. 

Please pay attention to avalanche signs @ Fagin
 

On the way to the Lakes @ Karen Sykes
 

Reflection Lakes @ Karen Sykes
 

View of Castle (left) and Pinnacle Peaks @ Karen Sykes

Lake Louise @ Karen Sykes
The photos that follow are from the trail that starts at Longmire and goes to Cougar Rock
 

Much of the trail is in the forest near the Nisqually River @ Karen Sykes
 

Forest is always pretty @ Karen Sykes

Driving Directions: From the Nisqually Entrance of the park drive to Longmire for the Wonderland Trail hike to Cougar Rock. If are going to Reflection Lakes drive to Paradise via the Nisqually-Vista Paradise road to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center.
Trail stats: For Longmire towards Cougar Rock that is 2 miles one way and trail starts at Longmire with about minor elevation gain. For Reflection Lakes from Jackson Visitor Center. For avalanche safe route you can start at Jackson Visitor Center then drop down towards Narada Falls (see map below. Route is about 2 miles one way and 1500 feet given the ups and downs of the route. There are several ways to get there please see map. Also note that the road past Longmire is closed Tuesday and Wednesday. On other days the road opens after snow removal. "Usually" close to 9 am but you can call 360-569-2211.Check out map for winter routes at Paradise area.   Click here for safe route to Reflection Lakes. 

.Check out the Washington Ski Touring Club.   Click here  Meeting information and winter trips. 

All directions are the best estimates. Bring map and compass and GPS.