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Paradise, Panarama Point — Jul. 7, 2001

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
The hiking Bros.
Beware of: snow, trail conditions
 
It might be a little early for some to make this trek, but it'll never be disapointing for the veiw! The reason to be weary is the snow. It's still deep, packed, slushy, in short dangerous for the unprepared. So with that in mind - don't forget some essentials; sun screen, a hat, sunglasses, a good ski pole or hiking staff. With those items you'll be okay. Also at this time the bugs are not yet 'in force'. The trail is well marked with NPS flags and countless shoe prints. Do you ever think about mountain climbing' Try this trail in early July. You experience the 45 degree bend (that's the shape your body will quickly attain). You'll have the lack of oxygen at high altitude. You'll get to kick each step in the 3 and half to 4 foot drifts as you make your way UP. Along the route you'll see the actual mountaineering teams training climbers to use their ice axes by falling and arresting themselves. Your goal however is The Point. The veiw from here is the entire Tatoosh Range so close up it's tempting to lean over and touch it! Beyond this 'foothill forground' is Goat Rocks, Adams, St. Helens and 96 miles distant, if you're Crow flying, Mt.Hood. You're going to want to linger at the point to take this in! Which is fine because the flat, broad bench at the point is snow free! Don't expect to be alone, but on the other hand, due to the buried trail conditions, there is going to be less folks right now then down the road. If you're going to Paradise in the park, it's a don't miss this one!

Paradise, Panorama Point — Jan. 30, 1998

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
Camron Hastings
 
The road to Paradise was clean and dry on the way up at about 8am. The parking lot was about 1/2 full mostly from snow players. We set out for Panorama point, or further, depending on the dy. The sun was out, and the snow was hard. I saw many people not using snowshoes at all. Soon the snow softened, as you get away from the lower hills, where the ruts from many a snowshoer past had solidified. The temp was warm, I would guess about 30F or so. As we approached Panorama, the weather set in and visibility was cut to about 1/4 mile. We continued up McClure rock, but visibility dropped further and we decided to turn back. There were times that it was down to about 100ft. We had to follow compass heading at times just to be sure. The trip back was quick, and the glissade was great! Back in the car by 5pm, and in Seattle by 7:30!!