Spent a short weekend at an Ashford cabin aimed at doing a bunch of easy walks/snowshoes..

Paradise ( sunday ):

• After breaking the mother-in-law on the carpark ice, did the usual uphill to the base of pano point, but this time in snowshoes
• Snow varied from firm to deep depending on wind deposit direction.
• Small triggered slides on SW aspect ~6000 with 5" soft on medium crust
• Sad the road is only open sat/sun this year, as there is certainly the demand, with the upper lot probably 80% full
• Chains required to be at least carried by all ( can rent in Ashford ), and when we visited the conditions required them to be worn for 2WDs.
• They are serious about locking the gate at the designated time, so don't play it too close at the end of the day.  Ranger guy told us that if you get locked out, go to the front desk at the Inn and they will call a ( likely grumpy ) ranger to leave their dinner.

Minor walks:

• Longmire meadows: Just did the small loop from the lodge, and hadn't realized there were so many springs. Trail 50% snow, but was a bit icy at times, so recommend carrying light traction even if you don't use it. Hot chocolate at the Inn was worth it, especially drinking on the veranda rocking chairs ( how decadent )
• Twin firs loop: Small little 0.4mi up/down loop, with forest and creek being the main attraction, 98% snow free
• Kautz Creek: Wandered up for some way past the viewpoint on easy trail, main attraction being pretty bench forests and the view upward at Rainier. 95% snow free, but the initial boardwalk was pretty slick, not sure why they don't use a layer of chicken wire ( or equivalent ) like other places in the world
• Pastries and "hot tub" were terrific at the Ukrainian place ( Paradise Village ) in Ashford

When we were there the weather up top was grey, but we did get glimpses of the mountain with a glorious dusting of fresh snow, so will definitely try another winter time visit

A short hike with some very impressive huge fir trees. I have been driving by this trail for decades on my way to other places in MRNP and have never previously stopped to check it out.

This is a loop trail, but I was unable to follow the trail all the way around. I made the mistake of starting counterclockwise. The trail fairly quickly became hard to follow as there are many social trails leading in every direction. Eventually, I met dead ends on each path I followed.

I went back to the beginning of the trail and started over going clockwise. This was a much better and clearer trail, although it also eventually gave out. Others have described being able to do the full loop, so this all of this was probably user error on my part. I would recommend starting clockwise and considering this as a short out-and-back rather than a loop.

You can see some of the largest, most impressive trees just about 200 feet straight ahead of the trailhead; I'm not sure there's a compelling reason to go further, other than to spend time among these amazing trees.

28jun2022 TUE ~70s_F ~11:15 on my way out from Longmire parking .. ~3 miles .. i went and did a ramble of the Twin Firs Loop.. It was a short 0.4 mile loop. The Trail was "dry", in good condition and seemed well-maintained. Many "big" trees, some wildflowers, and lovely luscious green woods (which gave good shade and cool from the hot sunny morning). Saw no one on the Trail, and no wildlife (except for a few small birds). Bonus for me: peaceful, quiet and sweet solitude 👍😊

Happy Trails Everyone 😀

Twin Firs trail is where the Park is sending people who want to see big trees now that Grove of the Patriarchs is closed. This half mile loop trail is about a ten to fifteen minute drive from the Nisqually entrance. The trail has some roots and mud, and there are a couple of narrow foot bridges to cross. There is a small amount of elevation. 

Parking is a pull out on the left side heading towards Paradise. There are no facilities. No pets are allowed since it's a national park.

On the way out of Mt. Rainier NP after doing our Golden Gate-Skyline Trail loop hike up at Paradise (see our other trip report on this hike) we decided to check out the little loop trail at the Twin Firs. We had driven by it many times over the year doing other trips in the park. George first came to the park in 1954 and Sally in 1972. It is located between Kautz Creek and Longmire. There is a paved pull out for parking on the north side of the Nisqually-Longmire Road with a trail sign saying it is a 0.4 mile hike.

We did the loop counter clockwise though the forest of really large Doug Fir trees, as well as Red Cedar and Western Hemlocks. There are more than just two fir trees. The trail heads up hill for a 250' elevation gain and crosses three bridges along the way. At some of the cut through fallen trees we could see they had grown at a slow rate of only about 1/16th of an inch per year. There are also some big snags too. So if you like seeing some really big trees, check this trail out.