No need to repeat Bev’s fine report on Oct. 17 covering the first part of this hike, except to point out that there is now no snow on the trail below Narada Falls. We went on to Reflection Lakes (made easier by starting at Cougar Rock). This upper section of the Wonderland continues to be a fine trail (though briefly a bit muddy / slippery in a couple of spots where recent trail work appears to have been done). Essentially no snow until the last 25 yards before the intersection with the Stevens Canyon road. That last little bit of trail is mostly covered with a thin snow crust. We followed the Stevens Canyon road (now closed to autos for the season) from the trail intersection about 300 yards to the first summer turnout and good views of the largest Reflection Lake; the first half of this stretch of road was bare, and the second half had a few inches of snow cover. All was foggy on the way up, but the clouds lifted somewhat as we had lunch. The Mountain remained socked in, but the Tatoosh range materialized. We enjoyed some fine tree-framed views of Pinnacle and Castle as we started back down the trail.

Take note: this summer Mt. Rainier National Park has made a change for those making reservation requests for hiking overnight in the park. Those most affected will be hikers reserving space on the Wonderland Trail. More information at the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/mora/home.htm. Click on the yellow text that says ""Wilderness Camping & Climbing Reservation Form.""

Got started around 10am at the Ipsut Campground Trailhead onto the Wonderland trail. DESTINATION: Carbon Glacier The weather was about 33deg, definently decided to stay bundled & put our hats on from the start. It was an absolutely AMAZING beautiful day - blue sky all around. You wouldn't believe it by the grey weather that we saw on the way home, once we got back into town. Especially when we found out it'd been like that all day. Just goes to show you can't fully trust the weather reports or the weather in town. The trail had some icy patches where light snow had fallen & froze, but otherwise in great condition. A few blowdowns, that were worked on by the time we returned back down the trail. Man, they're on top of it! The view along the river (Carbon river) was gorgeous. We decided to take a Left & veer accross the river & catch the trail along the other side of the river. The trail was flat the whole way, until the last climb up to a great view of the glacier. We found there we had sweat dripping off of us from being so bundled...but the minute we stopped & rested & ate, we felt the coldness settle REAL FAST! :) We headed back down & hit an old trail up to an old mine on the way down ~ very cool to poke around in. Had a great walking partner that at 6'4"", kept me (5'1"") on the move! What an awesome day to be able to have off from work & get out!! DISTANCE: rougly 8mi RT

A fresh dumping of white stuff coincided with a Mountaineer's snowshoe trip scheduled for Reflection Lakes via Mazama Ridge from Paradise. Oh Joy! Unfortunately, the Paradise road was closed a couple miles past Longmire, so trip was switched to the Wonderland Tr., from Longmire (2700') to an approx. 4000' turnaround spot past Madcap Falls on the Paradise River. Started out around 10:30am, in light falling snow, hiking alongside the Nisqually River from Longmire Museum. The trail walk is absolutely beautiful, climbing ever so gradually along the way. After a couple miles, you cross 3 fairly stout single-log bridges across the Nisqually river basin (they all have at least one cable handrail). Above you all before this is the towering dome of, I believe, Eagle Peak. Beautiful. After crossing the Nisqually, you begin climbing a bit more steeply, now alongside the Paradise River. The trail was easy to follow, basically on or near the summer trail. It's a pretty forested walk thru groves of large cedars, firs, etc., carpeted with freshly fallen snow. After a mile or so you come upon Carter Falls, we donned our snowshoes, then soon after came our turnaround spot, Madcap Falls. Both falls very scenic. Some of our party continued on towards Narada Falls, but some of us decided to head back around 1:30pm-- snow coming down fairly thick at times. Arrived back at Longmire about 3:30pm-- a beautiful trip to start the year off right!