Yet another super snowshoe for our midweek group; this time at Paradise on a gorgeous day with a clear blue sky and deep fluffy snow. Only 2 other cars parked when we arrived, later in day there were many others enjoying this perfect day. Evidence everywhere of deep post-holing, we wore our snowshoes straight out of the parking lot, otherwise it was pretty easy to sink over a foot or more. En route to Panorama Point we heard numerous avalanche falls to the west of us; we couldn’t see them, but counted ten in the morning hours. Few folks up on the mountain today. Aside from a local & her guest from Colorado, 6 skiers headed for Camp Muir and a very hardy mountaineering group with guides hauling unbelievable loads, we had the Paradise slopes and the magnificent distant views to ourselves. Great day with great company. Map GT 270S Paradise

There were a dozen or so parking spaces available by the construction area when I arrived this morning at 11 am. Lots of people have been up to Panorama Point since the park re-opened last week. I was able to follow in the footsteps of others and did not need snow shoes.

We were overjoyed to be heading up to Paradise again, particularly on such a gorgeous day such as this. Being early birds, our group parked at the top lot, however with the construction, spaces there are extremely limited. Deep snow begins right out of the lot, so we donned our snowshoes until reaching the base of Panorama Point’s steep slope. We booted the rest of the way, upward of McClure Rock where we had lunch. After soaking up the views and tracking the a few small groups of hardy folk heading up on Nisqually Glacier and to Camp Muir, we reluctantly turned around. Usual bare rocks, with only a couple of lower bare patches rangers were busy roping off. Icing on the cake on this terrific day was to see a few of the resident fox family near the Visitors Centre. Stats; about 4 miles RT with 2000 ft gain Map GT Paradise 270 S

Arrived at Longmire at around 9am and found out the entrance gate wasn't opening until after 11am. Got through the gate at 11:30am. It was a long wait but once we reached Paradise, put our snowshoes on and then hit the trail, we found out it was worth the wait. Had great views of the mountain all day as it appeared, disappeared, and then appeared again behind light clouds. Little Tahoma was in full view most of the day. We stayed dry all day (except for an occasional snowball from a fellow hiker). This is a safe winter hike with enough physical challenge to keep things interesting. Of course, the mountain weather can change very quickly so don't attempt any treks in this area - especially in these winter months - without being fully prepared for any weather condition. Also be sure to have snow chains in your vehicle. They weren't required by the park service the day we went but on previous trips we've seen very disappointed hikers have to turn around shortly after Longmire and leave the park due to not having chains.

Was in the North Cascades (Cascade Pass/Sahale) last week and the flies were awful. No bugs today on Mt. Rainier which was a big relief.