Mount Rainier National Park - Trails and Backcountry Camp Conditions (U.S. National Park Service)

RETURN TO THE WILDERNESS CAMPING AND HIKING HOMEPAGE

A large blowdown on the Wonderland Trail

The Trail Crew clearing a large tree from the Wonderland Trail

Mount Rainier can receive 700 or more inches of snow each winter. When spring comes to the mountains it is a very busy time for Park Rangers. The previous fall usually brings the rainy season which causes damage to trails and camps by raging waters, high winds and falling trees. All this damage gets covered by 10-20 feet of snow, and there it sits until melt-out which often does not occur in earnest until late June or early July. The snow usually starts melting in high volumes, causing more damage to trails and camps. The Trail Crew may have to clear hundreds of trees from the trails each year. Replacing footlogs and bridges is also a major project. Footlogs are also prone to being washed out anytime there is a prolonged period of rain regardless of the season.

Wilderness Rangers and Trail Crew members are out and about early in the season trying to assess the damage. Given the vastness of the trail system and the volumes of snow, this is a large task. As we get reliable information on the status of a trail, a section of trail or a backcountry camp, that information will be posted here on the website.

Twenty feet of snow at Paradise in early April 2008

BACKCOUNTRY TRAILS AND CAMP REPORTS

A wilderness camping permit is required year around for camping or climbing in the park. Car camping does not require a wilderness permit.

GENERAL CONDITIONS UPDATE: April 1, 2008

Be prepared for winter conditions. Check avalanche and weather conditions prior to your visit to the backcountry.

NOTE: As of May 1, 2008, there is approximately 4 feet of snow on the ground at Longmire (elev. 2,757 feet) and18 feet on the ground at Paradise (elev. 5,420 feet). The park received heavy snows this winter and spring with approximately 900 inches of snow at this point. This could lead to a late-lingering snowpack that may well affect the early hiking season in that it will make navigating early season hikes quite challenging. Avalanche danger will be a concern in early season as well.

Please Note: Do not leave valuables in your car. While break-ins are infrequent they do occur.

Trails in the Carbon River Area
The Carbon River Road to Ipsut is CLOSED because of flood damage. Foot traffic is permitted. Bikes are permitted ONLY as far as Ipsut Creek Campground. All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain backcountry camping permits at the Carbon River Ranger Station.

Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		THE MOWICH LAKE ROAD IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. NOTE: Ipsut Creek Campground is being managed as a backcountry camp. A wilderness permit will be required to camp at Ipsut Creek. Fires are not permitted and pets are not permitted beyond the point where public vehicles can legally park at the park entrance.	4/1
Carbon Glacier Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Chenuis Falls	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Green Lake	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Ipsut Falls	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Northern Loop : Carbon River - Windy Gap	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Paul Peak Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Rain Forest Loop	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Spray Park	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Seattle Park	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Tolmie Peak	100	Winter conditions	4/1

Trails in the Longmire Area
The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round. All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain backcountry camping permit daily at the Longmire Museum or the Paradise Visitor Center.

Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		The Westside Road is CLOSED at Nisqually Road.	4/1
Carter Falls (from Cougar Rock Campground)	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail)	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Denman Falls Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Eagle Peak Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Goat Lake Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Kautz Creek Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Mildred Point Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Mirror Lakes Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls)	100	Winter conditions	4/1
North Puyallup River Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Rampart Ridge Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls)	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Round Pass Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Saint Andrews Creek Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
South Puyallup River Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Trail of the Shadows	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Twin Firs Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1

Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area
All area roads are CLOSED. All backcountry camping requires a permit.
Obtain permit at self-registration station at the Ohanapecosh Ranger Station.

Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary
Cowlitz Divide Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
East Side Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Laughingwater Creek Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Olallie Creek Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Pacific Crest Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Shriner Peak Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Silver Falls Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1

Trails in the Paradise Area
The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round. The Longmire to Paradise Road closes nightly. No uphill traffic after 4:30 p.m. All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain backcountry camping permit daily at the Longmire Museum, or the Paradise Visitor Center.

Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary
Alta Vista Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Dead Horse Creek Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Fourth Crossing Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Glacier Vista Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Golden Gate Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge)	100	Wnter conditions	4/1
Lakes High Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Moraine Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Nisqually Vista Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Paradise Glacier Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Pebble Creek Trail (to base of Muir Snowfield)	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Pinnacle Peak Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Skyline Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1
Stevens Creek Trail	100	Winter conditions	4/1

Trails in the White River Area
Are roads are CLOSED.
All backcountry camping requires a permit.
Obtain permits at the North Entrance by self registering.
Park Facility Hours of Operation and Road Status

Trail Name