This is a great trail for the time of year. Paradise still had deep slushy snow which required snow shoes. This had dry trails with a few slightly muddy puddles. We hiked from Longmire and connected with the Carter Falls trail. Carter Falls was high enough elevation that still had hard compact snow towards the top. All in all, the Longmire to Carter Falls was an excellent day hike. We encountered only a couple of people on the Longmire to Carter Falls section. It was nice to avoid the summer crowds.

Started the day out wanting to snowshoe we did this trail and Trail of Shadows. We snowshoed up but they were really unnecessary so removed and were able to do without them on the way back. Nice trail no issues some downed trees to go over/under.

I arrived at Longmire around 10:15 a.m., timing it to avoid any congestion around the 9 a.m. opening time for the gate up to Paradise. The restroom was in good shape and well-stocked, and there was only a handful of cars in the lot. 

I've been recovering from a calf muscle strain and wanted something a bit more low-key than snowshoeing at Paradise but where I could still take in some mountain views so I decided to check out the Longmire Stewardship Campground and Community Building. I walked across the bridge over the Nisqually and to the front of the Community Building where there is a wonderful view of the mountain. I stopped at the Valor Memorial to take a moment to appreciate the rangers who have sacrificed their lives to protect park guests - huge thank you to the rangers for all they do to keep both visitors and park resources safe!

I took the road through the closed campground to the park boundary then returned to the picnic table by the Community Building to enjoy the view with some hot chocolate and a snack. This whole area was snow-free and is on paved roads, making it a nice flat option with no obstacles. I'm planning to return once there's more snow since it will make a great snowshoe option.

Since my leg still felt good, I decided to head up the Wonderland Trail where it crosses the Nisqually, just past Cougar Rock Campground. I always love this peaceful stretch of trail through the woods. There were about 6-7 blowdowns across the trail but all could be crossed over fairly easily. There are a few broken but still standing trees over/near the trail so be alert for any hazards.

I took another break at the riverbed to stare at the mountain some more before heading back to Longmire. The route is largely snow-free with some fairly short patches to cross. Some were slick but I did fine without needing to put on traction. The bridge over the Nisqually is intact but covered in a layer of ice/snow so use caution if crossing.

I saw only a handful of people all day and enjoyed the solitude in the forest. I'm looking forward to snowshoeing this section later in the winter.


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What’s the best thing about the road to Paradise being open on a gorgeous Thursday?  People ignore the trails around Longmire.  I hiked on the Wonderland Trail from Longmire to a bit beyond Paradise River Camp and didn’t see a single person on trail all day.  Was a glorious way to spend the day!

Please be advised, the bridge over the Nisqually River (just after Cougar Rock Campground) is still in place through some sort of witchcraft.  The western end doesn’t even seem to really be in contact with the rock anymore, but it still felt solid crossing in yesterday.  I would definitely test the bridge before starting to cross, though.  Also, as of yesterday there was a bit of a rock hop to get to the bridge that would not be for everyone. Especially when things are icy it could be tricky. See photo #2 below.

I got to Longmire around 8:30AM. Road in had some patches of snow/ ice, but they weren’t requiring the use of chains (all cars are required to carry chains in the park in the winter).  Bathrooms were clean and fully stocked. 

Trail is snow covered pretty much the entire way.  Snow on the trail from Longmire to Madcap Falls is very well packed; snowshoes were not required.  I did wear microspikes as I appreciate the improved traction in snow. After Madcap the snow got a bit sloppier; after postholing a couple times I put on my snowshoes (glad they didn’t get another free ride, as usually seems to be the case).  They definitely made for much easier going to my turnaround point.  On the way back I just kept them on until I got to the Nisqually crossing where I changed back to my microspikes.   

Trees were dropping snow bombs like crazy.  I always wear a wide brim hat on sunny winter days to protect the back of my neck from shrapnel, but with the amount of snow coming down yesterday you almost needed a rock-climbing helmet instead! 

There were several trees down from ~0.5 miles out of Longmire to ~1.0 miles from Longmire ranging in size from 6 inches to 24 inches diameter.  All were fairly easy to get under or over, however.

A pleasant, groomed trail that navigated around the few felled trees across the original trail. The snow held up in the light rain, and snow shoes were a must in spots, especially at some of the river viewpoints. Crampons may be sufficient for most of the trail. Beautiful views of the Nisqually river with snow banks.