![]() 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 ReportUpdated on a bi-weekly basis or when drastic changes in conditions occur. Backcountry Trails and Camp ReportsTrail 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. Register for Permits During the Winter and Spring SeasonWinter Camping has ended for the 2022/2023 season.
Climbers
Trails in the Carbon River AreaThe 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.
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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 |
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Summary | Ohanapecosh Area Trails Map | ||||
Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail) |
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Eastside Trail |
Trail Conditions will not be updated from October 10, 2022 through mid-June 2023 |
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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 |
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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 | |||
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 | |||
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 |
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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. |
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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. |
Last updated: May 29, 2023