Trails and Backcountry Camp Conditions

RETURN TO THE WILDERNESS CAMPING AND HIKING HOMEPAGE

 

09/28/2024 Upper Fryingpan Creek Crossing

NPS/ J. Mans

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.

Please note that many park roads and facilities close during winter. At any time during the year the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Always check current weather conditions before heading out on a trail.

 

 

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 15, 2024-May 26, 2025, permits can be obtained at the Carbon River Ranger Station and at the Longmire Museum.
• For trips starting in the northeast (SR410) or southeast (SR123) corners of the park, permits can be obtained by self-registration at the Crystal Lakes trailhead and the White River WIC for trips in the northeast corner of the park and at the Southeast entrance archway for trips in the southeast corner of the park.
• 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 of one day prior.

Climbers

• October-April climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. The Annual Climbing Fee is required for each climber before self-registration. Details on paying the Annual Climbing Fee online are available on the Climbing webpage.

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. 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		05/30/2025
Carbon Glacier Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed.		05/30/2025
Chenuis Fall	0	SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		05/30/2025
Green Lake	0	SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		05/30/2025
Ipsut Falls	0	SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		05/30/2025
Northern Loop: Carbon River- Windy Gap		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		10/13/2024
Paul Peak Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		10/13/2024
Rain Forest Loop	0	SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		05/30/2025
Spray Park		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		10/13/2024
Seattle Park		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		10/13/2024
Tolmie Peak		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.		10/13/2024

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	Snow-free.	05/24/2025
Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail)	20	Snow in the last quarter of a mile. Use extra caution as a fall would have big consequences.	06/07/2025
Denman Falls Trail	0	Snow-free.	05/24/2025
Eagle Peak Trail	30	Steep snow slopes. Ice axe and microspikes recommended. Expert winter travel and navigation skills. Be cautious of cornice at the top.	05/30/2025
Goat Lake Trail (Glacier View Wilderness)		Forest Service Road 59 CLOSED. Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September)	10/13/2024
Kautz Creek Trail	45	Steep snow slopes. Ice axe and microspikes recommended. Expert winter travel and navigation skills.	05/30/2025
Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail	60	Snow free to Lake George. Mostly snow covered from Lake George to Gobbler's Knob. Steep snow slopes. Ice axe and microspikes recommended. Expert winter travel and navigation skills.	05/30/2025
Mildred Point Trail	100	Expert winter travel and navigation skills required.	05/24/2025
Mirror Lakes Trail	100	Expert winter travel and navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls)	5	Use extra caution in snow.	06/05/2025
North Puyallup River Trail	0		06/05/2025
Rampart Ridge Loop Trail	0	Snow-free.	05/30/2025
Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls)		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Round Pass Trail	0		05/30/2025
Saint Andrews Creek Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status.	10/13/2024
South Puyallup River Trail	0		05/30/2025
Trail of the Shadows	0	Snow-free.	05/30/2025
Twin Firs Trail	0	Snow free.	05/30/2025
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.	10/13/2024

Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Ohanapecosh Area Trails Map
Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail)		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status.	10/13/2024
Eastside Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status.	10/13/2024
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail	0	CLOSED: BRIDGE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND IS CLOSED.	05/30/2025
Laughingwater Creek Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. NOTE: Due to SR123 construction, most of the pullout for the Laughingwater Creek Trailhead is CLOSED in 2025, with limited parking for livestock trailers only.	10/13/2024
Pacific Crest Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status.	10/13/2024
Shriner Peak Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status.	10/13/2024
Silver Falls Trail	0	Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. NOTE: In 2025, 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.	05/30/25

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 Twitter for daily road status updates (Twitter account not required to view).

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Paradise Area Trails Map
Alta Vista Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	06/03/2025
Dead Horse Creek Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Fourth Crossing Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Glacier Vista Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	06/03/2025
Golden Gate Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
High Lakes Loop Trail	100	Stevens Canyon Road Closed. Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	06/03/2025
Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge)	100	Stevens Canyon Road Closed. Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Moraine Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Nisqually Vista Trail	100	Well marked with poles.	06/03/2025
Paradise Glacier Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Pebble Creek Trail (to the base of the Muir Snowfield)	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Pinnacle Peak Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills required including navigation and ice-axe self-arrest skills.	06/03/2025
Skyline Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	06/03/2025
Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	06/03/2025
Stevens Creek Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status.	10/13/2024

Trails in the White River Area

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Sunrise Area Trails Map Sunrise Road closed. Due to construction around Fryingpan Creek Bridge, parking at the Summerland Trailhead along the White River Road is very limited. Additional parking available at the Wonderland Trail connection approx. 1 mile east from trailhead. No RV/oversize parking.	10/13/2024
Burroughs Mountain Trail To First Burroughs (from Frozen Lake)		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
First Burroughs Mountain LOOP Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Crystal Lakes Trail	30	Solid snow starts just before Lower Crystal Lake. Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	06/05/2025
Crystal Peak Trail	10	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	06/05/2025
Emmons Moraine Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Glacier Basin Trail	70	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Grand Park Trail (via Northern Loop Trail)		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Huckleberry Creek Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Lake Eleanor Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Mt. Fremont Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Naches Peak Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Check current road status. Road closed in winter.	10/13/2024
Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road)		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from Highway 123)		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) NORTH from Chinook Pass to Sourdough Gap.	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) SOUTH from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail junction	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2024
Palisades Lakes Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Silver Forest Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Sourdough Ridge Trail West (Sunrise to Frozen Lake)		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Sourdough Ridge Trail East (Sunrise to Sunrise Point)		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Sunrise Rim Trail		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Tipsoo Lake Trail	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025

Wonderland Trail

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Bear poles are down for the winter season. Be prepared with a bear canister starting in October. 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.	10/13/2024
Longmire to Indian Henry's	20	Solid snow starts at Devil's Dream Creek. Crossing the Kautz Creek requires a ford.	06/07/2025
Indian Henry's to South Puyallup River		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Golden Lakes to South Mowich River		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
South Mowich River to Mowich Lake		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Mystic Lake to Sunrise		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Sunrise to White River Campground		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
White River Campground to Summerland	70	Expert winter travel skills and navigation required. There are many downed trees.	06/06/2025
Summerland to Indian Bar	100	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	05/30/2025
Indian Bar to Box Canyon		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025.	10/13/2024
Box Canyon to Reflection Lakes		Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. There is a significant hazardous slide between Silvia Falls and Martha Falls. The trail is at risk of further collapse. Crossing on the trail is not recommended. Alternates for thru-hikers include:1. hiking off-trail down to the river, around the slide area, or 2. walking or hitch-hiking the Stevens Canyon Road or hiking off trail down to the riverbed and back up as one nears the slide area. For day hikers: Martha falls can be accessed from the west, where the trail crosses the road, just east of Louise Lake, and Silvia falls can be accessed from the east, at Box Canyon.	10/13/2024
Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls	90	Expert winter travel skills including navigation skills required.	06/03/2025
Narada Falls to Longmire	10		06/03/2025

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)		Bear poles are down for the season. Be prepared with a bear canister starting in October.	10/13/2024
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.	05/03/2025
Carbon River Camp #4/1 (3195')	?	Bear pole up. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.	10/13/2024
Cataract Valley Camp #6/1 (4620')	80	Bear pole up, no assist poles. toilet open. Up to 3ft of snow. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.	10/13/2024
Dick Creek Camp #2/0 (4185')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.	05/30/2025
Eagle's Roost Camp #7/0 (4885')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. Mowich Lake Road closed. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.	05/30/2025
Ipsut Creek #12/1 (2400')	0	Bear boxes in. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.	05/30/2025
Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900')	100	Bear box in. Toilet closed. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.	06/07/2025
Mystic Camp #7/1 (5570')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.	05/30/2025
South Mowich River Camp #3/1 (2605')	?	Bear pole UP. Toilet open. Trail conditions reported starting in June 2025. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.	05/30/2025

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)		Bear poles are down for the season. Be prepared with a bear canister.	10/13/2024
Summary
Devil's Dream Camp #7/1 (5060')	100	Bear poles down. Toilet open.	10/13/2024
Golden Lakes Camp #5/1 (5130')	100	Bear poles down. Toilet open.	10/13/2024
Klapatche Park Camp #4/0 (5515')	100	Bear pole down. Toilet open.	10/13/2024
Lake George Camp #5/1 (4320')	0	Bear poles are up and toilet is open.	05/30/2025
Maple Creek Camp #4/1 (2815')	?	Bear poles down. Toilet open.	10/13/2024
North Puyallup River Camp #3/1 (3750')	0	Bear poles up. Toilet open.	06/05/2025
Paradise River Camp #3/1 (3805')	5	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	06/02/2025
Pyramid Creek Camp #2/0 (3765')	0	Bear pole up. Toilet open.	05/24/2025
Snow Lake Camp #2/0 (4690')	100	Bear pole down. Toilet open.	05/30/2025
South Puyallup River Camp #4/1 (4000')	0	Bear poles up. Toilet open.	05/30/2025

Eastside Backcountry Camps

Camp Name	% Snow Cover	Camp Conditions	Update
# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation)		Bear poles are down for the winter. Be prepared with a bear canister starting in October.	10/13/2024
Summary		Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night.	10/13/2024
Berkeley Park Camp #2/1 (5375')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter.	10/13/2024
Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950')	0	Toilet open. Bear pole up.	05/30/2025
Dick's Lake Camp #1/0 (5675')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet uner snow. Check current road status. Road closed in winter.	10/13/2024
Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter.	10/13/2024
Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet open. Check current road status. Road closed in winter.	10/13/2024
Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965')	100	1 Bear barrels in. Toilets open.	05/30/2025
Granite Creek #3/1 (5765')	?	Bear poles down. Toilet under snow. Sunrise road closed.	10/13/2024
Indian Bar #4/1 (5120')	100	Bear pole down. Toilet under snow.	05/30/2025
James Camp #3/1 (4620')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet under snow. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet under snow. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024
Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450')	0	Bear pole is up. Toilet open.	06/05/2025
Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385')	0	Bear pole up. toilet open.	05/30/2025
Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet under snow.	10/13/2024
Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355')	?	Bear pole DOWN, toilet under snow.	05/30/2025
Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940')	100	Toilet under snow. Bear poled down.	06/06/2025
Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245')	100	Bear box under snow. Toilet under snow. Sunrise Road closed.	05/30/2025
Tamanos Creek Camp #4/2 (5270')	?	Toilet under snow. Bear pole down.	10/13/2024
Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet under snow.	10/13/2024
Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825')	100	Toilet open. Bear pole down.	06/05/2025
Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835')	100	Bear pole down. Toilet under snow. Sunrise Road closed.	05/30/2025
White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300')	?	Bear box in.	10/13/2024
Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180')	?	Bear pole down. Toilet is under snow. Sunrise Road closed.	10/13/2024