Backcountry Trails and Camp Reports
Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). A Wilderness Camping Permit is required year round for camping or climbing in the park. Always check with Park Rangers for trail conditions before heading out into the backcountry. FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED in the wilderness at Mount Rainier.
Be prepared for harsh conditions and fast-changing weather. River crossings are prone to washing out, potentially leaving you stranded on one side of the crossing. Always cross early in the day when water levels are at their lowest. Use extreme caution anytime you attempt to ford a river or creek. Expect log footbridges and other river crossings to be washed out during the fall/winter, when powerful rain events are common. These crossings are not replaced until the following spring/summer. Be prepared... mountain weather is good one minute, daunting the next. Learn more about hiking safety.
Check the Northwest Avalanche Center Report and the Mount Rainier Recreational Weather Report before heading out. Avalanche assessment and route-finding skills are needed for many winter activities in the park. Learn more about winter recreation.
Do not leave valuables in your car. While break-ins are infrequent, they do occur.
NOTE: Please note the date for reports and recognize that changes may have occurred since the report. Conditions are updated when there is new information.
Register for Permits During the Winter and Spring Season
- Climbers can self register at the Paradise Old Station.
- Permits for overnight camping in the backcountry are required year-round.
- From October 14, 2025-May 21, 2026, permits can be obtained at the Longmire Museum.
- From October 14, 2025-May 21, 2026 permits starting in the northeast (SR410) corner of the park can be obtained by self-registration at the Crystal Lakes trailhead and the White River WIC
- For trips in the southeast corner of the park permits can be obtained at the entrance archway.
- Paradise winter group permits (13 or more people) can be obtained in advance on Recreation.gov as soon as there is the required five feet of consolidated snow on the ground at Paradise. Permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person the day your trip starts or one day prior.
Climbers
- September-April climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. The Climbing Fee is required for each climber before self-registration. Details on paying the Climbing Fee online are available on the Climbing webpage.
Register for Permits During the Summer Season
- Climbers climbing out of Paradise must register at the Paradise Wilderness Information Center. Open daily 7:30am-5pm
- Permits for overnight camping in the backcountry are required year-round.
- From May 22, 2026-October 12, 2026 permits can be obtained in person at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (WIC), Paradise WIC, and White River WIC. Open daily 7:30pm-5pm
Trails in the Carbon River Area
The Carbon River Road to Ipsut Creek Campground is CLOSED at the park entrance because of 2006 flood damage. It is now a five mile hike into Ipsut Creek Campground. Bikes are permitted ONLY as far as Ipsut Creek Campground.
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
There is NO public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles and there is no alternate route.
Carbon River & Mowich Area Trails Map
|
|
07/01/2026 |
| Carbon Glacier Trail |
0 |
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Numerous bridges are out. Unsafe to attempt until bridges are installed. |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Chenuis Fall |
0 |
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Bridge is out getting to the falls. |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Green Lake |
0 |
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Few trees down, snow free. |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Ipsut Falls |
0 |
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Bridge out going into camp and to falls. |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Northern Loop: Carbon River- Windy Gap |
|
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. 150+ blowdownson the Wonderland Trail/Northern Loop between Yellowstone Cliffs and the Carbon River Suspension bridge. Lower Carbon Bridge is out and crossing is not recommended. |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Paul Peak Trail |
0 |
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Bridge out ½ mile from trailhead, should be repaired soon. All bridges on Mowich Rivers washed out. |
|
05/29/2026 |
| Rain Forest Loop |
0 |
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Trail under construction, use caution. |
|
05/29/2026 |
| Spray Park |
5 |
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Nearly snow free. 4 or 5 small patches of snow each around 50-100ft in length. Boot pack is true to the trail. |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Seattle Park |
0 |
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Tolmie Peak |
0 |
|
|
07/14/2026 |
Trails in the Longmire Area
The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round.
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
Longmire Area Trails Map |
|
| Carter Falls (from Cougar Rock Campground) |
0 |
Bridge over the Nisqually River is in. |
07/14/2026 |
| Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail) |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Denman Falls Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Eagle Peak Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Goat Lake Trail (Glacier View Wilderness) |
0 |
|
06/25/2026 |
| Kautz Creek Trail |
0 |
There is a washout about 1 mile into the trail. Use caution.
|
07/14/2026 |
| Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Mildred Point Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Mirror Lakes Trail |
0 |
|
06/25/2026 |
| Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls) |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| North Puyallup River Trail |
0 |
|
06/15/2026 |
| Rampart Ridge Loop Trail |
0 |
Snow free. |
07/14/2026 |
| Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls) |
0 |
Many downed trees. |
06/30/2026 |
| Round Pass Trail |
0 |
|
06/01/2026 |
| Saint Andrews Creek Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| South Puyallup River Trail |
0 |
|
06/01/2026 |
| Trail of the Shadows |
0 |
|
05/22/2026 |
| Twin Firs Trail |
0 |
|
05/22/2026 |
| Tahoma Creek Trail |
|
CLOSED DUE TO DEBRIS FLOW AND HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. THE TAHOMA CREEK HAS TAKEN OVER THE TRAIL. NOTE: This is an unmaintained trail in an area with high risk of geohazards such as flooding and debris flows. These events have occurred frequently in the past and are expected to occur again. There are only remnants of this trail remaining. Navigation is difficult and the route is hazardous. It is NOT recommended to hike Tahoma Creek Trail. |
06/25/2026 |
Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
Ohanapecosh Area Trails Map
|
05/24/2026 |
| Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail) |
0 |
Many downed trees. |
06/05/2026 |
| Eastside Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Grove of the Patriarchs Trail |
0 |
CLOSED: BRIDGE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND IS CLOSED. |
05/22/2026 |
| Laughingwater Creek Trail |
0 |
|
06/22/2026 |
| Pacific Crest Trail |
|
|
07/14/2025 |
| Shriner Peak Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Silver Falls Trail |
0 |
NOTE: In 2026, the Silver Falls Trailhead in the Ohanapecosh Campground is CLOSED due to the Ohanapecosh Construction Project. Please note:
- Silver Falls can be accessed from the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot via the Eastside Trail.
- The portion of the trail connecting to the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed and the Silver Falls Trail cannot be hiked as a loop. The two sides of the trail on either bank of the Ohanapecosh River can be hiked as out-and-back routes only. Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September).
|
05/22/2026 |
Trails in the Paradise Area
The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round. During winter months, the road from Longmire to Paradise closes nightly at the gate at Longmire. Check for daily road status updates (Twitter account not required to view).
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
Paradise Area Trails Map |
06/17/2026 |
| Alta Vista Trail |
|
|
07/01/2026 |
| Dead Horse Creek Trail |
0 |
|
06/17/2026 |
| Fourth Crossing Trail |
0 |
|
06/30/2026 |
| Glacier Vista Trail |
0 |
|
07/01/2026 |
| Golden Gate Trail |
0 |
|
06/30/2026 |
| High Lakes Loop Trail |
0 |
|
07/01/2026 |
| Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge) |
0 |
|
07/01/2026 |
| Moraine Trail |
0 |
|
06/17/2026 |
| Nisqually Vista Trail |
0 |
|
06/25/2026 |
| Paradise Glacier Trail |
0 |
|
06/30/2026 |
| Pebble Creek Trail (to the base of the Muir Snowfield) |
100 |
Winter travel and navigation skills required. |
10/01/2025 |
| Pinnacle Peak Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Skyline Trail |
5 |
Sturdy boots/traction and trekking poles recommended. |
07/14/2026 |
| Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Stevens Creek Trail |
0 |
|
05/22/2026 |
Trails in the White River Area
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
Sunrise Area Trails Map |
10/01/2025 |
| Burroughs Mountain Trail To First Burroughs (from Frozen Lake) |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| First Burroughs Mountain LOOP Trail |
1 |
First to Second Burroughs has two patches that are about 100-200 feet in length with some exposure. First Burroughs to Sunrise via Emmons Overlook one 200 foot patch with significant exposure. Trekking poles and/or microspikes recommended. |
07/14/2026 |
| Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Crystal Lakes Trail |
0 |
Virtually snow free to Upper Crystal Lake with some lingering patches that are easy to navigate. 20% snow coverage from Upper Crystal Lake to Sourdough Gap. Multiple small to medium trees down. |
06/02/2026 |
| Crystal Peak Trail |
0 |
One small patch left in the upper meadows avalanche path crossing. |
06/12/2026 |
| Emmons Moraine Trail |
0 |
The bridge across the Inter Fork is out. There are possible rock-hop crossings possible slightly up stream depending on the time of day and waterflow. Rock hops will place hikers on a loose, sandy, unmaintained section of trail. |
06/09/2026 |
| Glacier Basin Trail |
0 |
|
06/30/2026 |
| Grand Park Trail (via Northern Loop Trail) |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Huckleberry Creek Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2025 |
| Lake Eleanor Trail |
0 |
Forest Service Road 73 is closed due to a washout. |
07/14/2026 |
| Mt. Fremont Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Naches Peak Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap |
0 |
West Fork of the White River bridge is OUT. A high level of caution is advised if attempting to ford the river.The best place to cross currently is about 300-400' downstream of the trail where the river is more braided. Be prepared to use your own judgement and skill level to find an adequate crossing, if possible. |
07/14/2026 |
| Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road) |
0 |
Many trees down. |
06/21/2026 |
| Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from Highway 123) |
0 |
many trees down. |
06/21/2026 |
| Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) NORTH from Chinook Pass to Sourdough Gap. |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) SOUTH from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail junction |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Palisades Lakes Trail |
0 |
|
06/23/2026 |
| Silver Forest Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Sourdough Ridge Trail West (Sunrise to Frozen Lake) |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Sourdough Ridge Trail East (Sunrise to Sunrise Point) |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Sunrise Rim Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Tipsoo Lake Trail |
0 |
|
06/20/2026 |
Wonderland Trail
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
Extra caution should be used when crossing rivers in the time of high water during warm weather days. Refer to Crossing Streams Safely Please do not cross bridges or footlogs with water running over them. |
06/22/2026 |
| Longmire to Indian Henry's |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Indian Henry's to South Puyallup River |
0 |
|
06/25/2026 |
| South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park |
0 |
|
06/24/2026 |
| Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Golden Lakes to South Mowich River |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| South Mowich River to Mowich Lake |
0 |
|
06/21/2026 |
| Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground |
0 |
|
06/11/2026 |
| Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier |
0 |
Lower Carbon River bridge is out. Crossing is not recommended. Use extreme caution. |
07/14/2026 |
| Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake |
0 |
|
06/25/2026 |
| Mystic Lake to Sunrise |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| Sunrise to White River Campground |
0 |
|
07/14/2026 |
| White River Campground to Summerland |
0 |
The Fryingpan Creek crossing is IN with a railing and a new access point to the foot log. |
06/19/2026 |
| Summerland to Indian Bar |
15 |
Indian Bar to Panhandle Gap: 15% snow coverage. Navigation necessary. Panhandle Gap: steep snow slope. Microspikes and trekking poles recommended. Be cautious of melting snow bridges. Please do not blindly follow a boot pack as it may go over thin snow bridges. |
07/14/2026 |
| Indian Bar to Box Canyon |
0 |
No water between Nickel Creek and Indian Bar. Fill up water at both locations. |
07/14/2026 |
| Box Canyon to Reflection Lakes |
0
|
One foot log across Maple creek is out. Bridge just below Martha Falls is out. Water is ankle deep, but rocks in creek are slippery. Use extra caution. |
07/14/2026 |
| Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls |
0 |
|
06/25/2026 |
| Narada Falls to Longmire |
0 |
|
|
Carbon Area Backcountry Camps
The road to Ipsut Creek Campground is closed at the park entrance, secondary to flood damage in 2006. All backcounrty camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Permits at Carbon River just inside the entrance to the park.
|
Camp Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Camp Conditions
|
Update
|
| # of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) |
|
|
10/01/2025 |
| Summary |
|
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
There is NO public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles and there is no alternate route. Sunrise Road is not projected to open until early July.
|
06/15/2026 |
|
Carbon River Camp #4/1 (3195')
|
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
06/14/2026 |
| Cataract Valley Camp #6/1 (4620') |
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
06/14/2026 |
| Dick Creek Camp #2/0 (4185') |
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
06/14/2026 |
| Eagle's Roost Camp #7/0 (4885') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
06/14/2026 |
| Ipsut Creek #12/1 (2400') |
0 |
Bear boxes in. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Ipsut Creek bridge is out. |
05/22/2026 |
| Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900') |
0 |
Bear box in. Toilet open. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. |
06/25/2026 |
| Mystic Camp #7/1 (5570') |
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
06/14/2026 |
| South Mowich River Camp #3/1 (2605') |
0 |
Bear pole UP. Toilet open. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. |
06/15/2026 |
Longmire/Paradise Area Backcountry Camp
All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Camping permits daily at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (Summer only) or the Longmire Museum (After Columbus Day-Memorial Day).
|
Camp Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Camp Conditions
|
Update
|
| # of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) |
|
|
|
| Summary |
|
|
|
| Devil's Dream Camp #7/1 (5060') |
0 |
Bear pole is up and toilet is open. |
06/15/2026 |
| Golden Lakes Camp #5/1 (5130') |
0 |
Bear poles up and toilet open. |
06/15/2026 |
| Klapatche Park Camp #4/0 (5515') |
0 |
Bear pole up and toilet open. |
06/11/2026 |
| Lake George Camp #5/1 (4320') |
0 |
Bear poles are up and toilet is open. |
05/22/2026 |
| Maple Creek Camp #4/1 (2815') |
0 |
Bear pole up and toilet open. |
05/22/2026 |
| North Puyallup River Camp #3/1 (3750') |
0 |
Bear poles up and toilet open. |
06/15/2026 |
| Paradise River Camp #3/1 (3805') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
05/22/2026 |
| Pyramid Creek Camp #2/0 (3765') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
05/22/2026 |
| Snow Lake Camp #2/0 (4690') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
06/15/2026 |
| South Puyallup River Camp #4/1 (4000') |
0 |
Bear pole is up and toilet is open. |
05/23/2026 |
Eastside Backcountry Camps
|
Camp Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Camp Conditions
|
Update
|
| # of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) |
|
|
|
| Summary |
|
Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night. |
07/14/2026 |
| Berkeley Park Camp #2/1 (5375') |
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
06/18/2026 |
| Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950') |
0 |
Bear pole is up. Toilet open. |
05/23/2026 |
| Dick's Lake Camp #1/0 (5675') |
0 |
Bear pole up and toilet is open. |
06/21/2026 |
| Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300') |
0 |
Bear pole is up. Toilet is open. |
06/21/2026 |
| Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660') |
0 |
Bear pole is up. Toilet is open. |
06/21/2026 |
| Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965') |
0 |
Bear barel is in and toilet is open. |
06/13/2026 |
Granite Creek #3/1 (5765')
|
0 |
Bear pole is up and toilet is open. |
06/01/2026 |
| Indian Bar #4/1 (5120') |
0 |
Bear poles are down are up. Toilet open. |
06/26/2026 |
| James Camp #3/1 (4620') |
0 |
Bear pole is up and toilet it open. |
07/14/2026 |
| Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000') |
0 |
Bear pole is up. Toilet open. Forest Service Road 73 is closed due to a washout. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. |
06/21/2026 |
| Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
05/22/2026 |
| Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385') |
0 |
Nickel Creek bridge is out. |
06/05/2026 |
| Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940') |
0 |
Olallie Creek crossing is 2 feet wide and 4 inches deep midday. |
06/05/2026 |
| Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355') |
0 |
Bear pole is up. Toilet is open. |
07/14/2026 |
| Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940') |
0 |
Both bear poles are up.Toilet open. |
07/14/2026 |
| Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245') |
0 |
Bear box in. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. |
06/19/2026 |
| Tamanos Creek Camp #4/2 (5270') |
0 |
Bear pole is up and toilet is open. |
06/09/2026 |
| Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680') |
0 |
pole is up. Toilet is open |
06/23/2026 |
| Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825') |
0 |
Bear pole is up. Toilet open. |
05/31/2026 |
| Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835') |
0 |
Bear pole is up and toilet is open. |
06/23/2026 |
| White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300') |
0 |
Bear box in. If there is water flowing over the White River foot log do not cross over the log. A detour is available along the White River Campground Road and Sunrise Road. |
06/25/2026 |
| Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180') |
0 |
Bear pole is up. Toilet is Open. |
07/14/2026 |
