Trails and Backcountry Camp Conditions

RETURN TO THE WILDERNESS CAMPING AND HIKING HOMEPAGE

 

Panhandle Gap July 31, 2022

Devon Funt

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.

 

Winter Trail Report

Updated on a bi-weekly basis or when drastic changes in conditions occur.

Check trail conditions >

 

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

Winter Camping has ended for the 2022/2023 season.

• Backpackers may pick up permits at the Longmire Museum beginning October 11, 2022.
• Climbers can self register at the Paradise Old Station.
• Permits for overnight camping in the backcountry are required year-round.
• From October 11, 2021-May 26, 2022, 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		The Carbon River Ranger Station is located 5.5 miles past the Mowich Lake turn-off, toward the Carbon River entrance. It is on the left side of the road. Ipsut Creek Campground is being managed as a backcountry camp. A wilderness permit will be required to camp at Ipsut Creek. Fires and pets are not permitted beyond the point where public vehicles can legally park at the park entrance. Carbon River & Mowich Area Trails Map
Carbon Glacier Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023.
Chenuis Fall	0	Bridge is IN!.	5/29/2023
Green Lake	0		5/29/2023
Ipsut Falls	0	Ipsut Creek bridge out. Creek crossing required.	5/29/2023
Northern Loop: Carbon River- Windy Gap		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Paul Peak Trail	0	Bridge out at Meadow Creek. No reports beyond Meadow Creek.	5/27/2023
Rain Forest Loop	0		5/27/2023
Spray Park	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Mowich Lake Road is currently closed.	5/27/2023
Seattle Park	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Mowich Lake Road is currently closed.	5/27/2023
Tolmie Peak		Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Mowich Lake Road is currently closed.	5/27/2023

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		5/29/2023
Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail)	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Ice axe recommended.	5/29/2023
Denman Falls Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Eagle Peak Trail	50	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Be aware of the cornice at the saddle.	5/29/2023
Goat Lake Trail (Glacier View Wilderness)		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023 Forest Service Road 59 CLOSED.
Kautz Creek Trail	50	Snow free for the first 3 miles, then 100% snow covered requiring expert navigation and winter travel skills.	5/20/2023
Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Mildred Point Trail	100	Expert navigation skills and winter travel skills required.	5/27/2023
Mirror Lakes Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required.	5/27/2023
Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls)		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
North Puyallup River Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Rampart Ridge Loop Trail	5	Mostly snow free. Lots of puddles.	5/29/2023
Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls)	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required.	5/29/2023
Round Pass Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Saint Andrews Creek Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
South Puyallup River Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Trail of the Shadows	0		5/29/2023
Twin Firs Trail	0		5/29/2023
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.

Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area

Trail Name

% Snow Cover

Trail Conditions

Update

Summary

Ohanapecosh Area Trails Map

Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail)

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Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023

Eastside Trail

Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023

Grove of the Patriarchs Trail

CLOSED: BRIDGE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND IS CLOSED.

Laughingwater Creek Trail

Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023

Pacific Crest Trail

Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023

Shriner Peak Trail

80

Expert navigation and winter travel skills required.

5/29/2023

Silver Falls Trail

0

5/29/2023

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	100	Paradise Area Trails Map
Alta Vista Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Dead Horse Creek Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Fourth Crossing Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Glacier Vista Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Golden Gate Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
High Lakes Loop Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge)	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Moraine Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Nisqually Vista Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Paradise Glacier Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Pebble Creek Trail (to the base of the Muir Snowfield)	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Pinnacle Peak Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Skyline Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Stevens Creek Trail		Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.

Trails in the White River Area

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Sunrise Area Trails Map
Burroughs Mountain Trail To First Burroughs (from Frozen Lake)	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
First Burroughs Mountain LOOP Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Crystal Lakes Trail	40	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Continuous snow starts at 2.5 miles/5,600'. Beware of post holing and snow bridges.	5/27/2023
Crystal Peak Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Emmons Moraine Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Glacier Basin Trail	60	Snow starts about 2.75 miles in. Rapid melting snow on and near bridges are creating hazards. Day hikers should exercise caution around these areas.	5/28/2023
Grand Park Trail (via Northern Loop Trail)	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Huckleberry Creek Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Lake Eleanor Trail		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Mt. Fremont Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Naches Peak Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road)		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from Highway 123)		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) NORTH from Chinook Pass to Sourdough Gap.	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) SOUTH from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail junction	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Palisades Lakes Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Silver Forest Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Sourdough Ridge Trail West (Sunrise to Frozen Lake)	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Sourdough Ridge Trail East (Sunrise to Sunrise Point)	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Sunrise Rim Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended. Sunrise Road currently closed.	5/29/2023
Tipsoo Lake Trail	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023

Wonderland Trail

Trail Name	% Snow Cover	Trail Conditions	Update
Summary		Use caution when hiking on steep snow; even a small patch can be icy and slippery between late evening and early morning. Extra caution should be used when crossing rivers in the time of high water during warm weather days. Refer to Crossing Streams Safely
Longmire to Indian Henry's	70	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Possilbe river crossing.	5/28/2023
Indian Henry's to South Puyallup River		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Golden Lakes to South Mowich River		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
South Mowich River to Mowich Lake		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Mystic Lake to Sunrise		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Sunrise to White River Campground		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
White River Campground to Summerland	70	Snow line starts at 4500 feet. Expert navigation skills and winter travel skills required. Ice axe and a sturdy pair of boots recommended.	5/27/2023
Summerland to Indian Bar		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Indian Bar to Box Canyon		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Box Canyon to Reflection Lakes		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023
Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls	100	Expert navigation and winter travel skills required. Sturdy boots recommended.	5/29/2023
Narada Falls to Longmire		Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023

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. Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night.
Summary		The road to Ipsut Creek is CLOSED. The hike is 5 miles from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground, which is now managed as a wilderness camp and requires a wilderness permit. There is a new Ranger Station located about 2 miles before the Carbon River entrance. This is the place to get permits and information for the Carbon/Mowich area.The Ranger Station at the entrance is no longer in operation.
Carbon River Camp #4/1 (3195')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole up. Toilet open.
Cataract Valley Camp #6/1 (4620')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN. Toilet open.
Dick Creek Camp #2/0 (4185')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole up. Toilet Open.
Eagle's Roost Camp #7/0 (4885')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN. Toilet open.
Ipsut Creek #12/1 (2400')	0	Bear boxes in. River crossing required.	5/29/2023
Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900')	100	Bear box in. Mowich Lake Road closed at Paul Peak trailhead.	5/29/2023
Mystic Camp #7/1 (5570')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN. Toilet open.
South Mowich River Camp #3/1 (2605')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole UP. Toilet open.

Longmire/Paradise Area Backcountry Camps

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		Most bear poles are down for the season. Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night.
Devil's Dream Camp #7/1 (5060')	100	1 Bear pole up, but too low for functionality. Please bring a bear canister. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Golden Lakes Camp #5/1 (5130')	100	Bear poles DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Klapatche Park Camp #4/0 (5515')	100	Bear pole DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Lake George Camp #5/1 (4320')	100	Bear poles DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Maple Creek Camp #4/1 (2815')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
North Puyallup River Camp #3/1 (3750')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Paradise River Camp #3/1 (3805')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Pyramid Creek Camp #2/0 (3765')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Snow Lake Camp #2/0 (4690')	100	Bear pole DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
South Puyallup River Camp #4/1 (4000')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear poles DOWN.

Eastside Backcountry Camps

Camp Name	% Snow Cover	Camp Conditions	Update
# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation)
Summary		Most bear poles are down for the season. Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night.
Berkeley Park Camp #2/1 (5375')	100	Bear pole DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950')	0	Toilet open. Bear pole up.	5/26/2023
Dick's Lake Camp #1/0 (5675')	100	Bear pole DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300')	100	Bear pole DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965')	100	1 bear barrel in. 1 Toilet functional.	5/28/2023
Granite Creek #3/1 (5765')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Indian Bar #4/1 (5120')	100	Bear pole DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
James Camp #3/1 (4620')	100	Bear pole DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450')	50	Site 1 and 2 50% snow free, each site can fit one tent. Bear pole is up. Toilet open.	5/27/2023
Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355')	100	Toilet partially melted out. Bear pole DOWN.	5/28/2023
Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940')	100	Toilet dug out. Bear pole DOWN.	5/27/2023
Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245')	100	Bear box in. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
Tamanos Creek Camp #4/2 (5270')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.
Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825')	100	Toilet dug out. Bear pole DOWN.	5/27/2023
Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835')	100	Bear pole DOWN. Toilet under snow.	5/29/2023
White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear box in.
Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180')		Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023. Bear pole DOWN.