What a gorgeous day!
Took the Wonderland from Longmire to Carter Falls, then did the Trail of the Shadows trail to round out the day. Gaia had the day's totals at 7 miles with 1013 ft elevation gain.
Looks like more snow is on the way for late Christmas Day through the weekend, so most of this trip report has a pretty limited shelf life...
Arrived at the trailhead a little after 10 AM. Roads to Longmire were in good condition with no snow. Parking lot at the Museum was only about half full when we arrived; it was completely full when we left. Restroom buildings were open, clean and stocked with TP and soap (thank you to the Park Rangers!). Gift shop looked to be open, though we didn't go in. Also, while the Museum Building is closed, there is a Ranger staffing a window off the porch (stand on the porch facing the door and the window is on your left) to answer questions on trail status and such.
LONGMIRE TO CARTER FALLS
Wonderland Trail from Longmire to Carter Falls is mostly snow covered. There were a few isolated spots that were snow free, but these were wet and muddy. Either way you're going to want some good boots to see you through. Snow cover on the trail at first is light (0 to 0.5 inches) but it does get deeper as you travel towards the falls. The entire trail was very well packed, however. Snow shoes were not required. We did put on microspikes shortly after crossing the Nisqually just after a short but somewhat steep section taking you up out of the river valley to continue up to the falls. This had been worn a little slick, and while we made it up without spikes fine, decided we might as well put them on. While the trail was easier with spikes, they were definitely not necessary.
The bridge over the Nisqually was not bad to cross at all when we did so; we took it slow and got across fine. Wouldn't want to try it if it was extremely icy, though.
Because the trail was so well packed it was very easy to follow. If you are among the first to take it after a new snow, however, I could see several sections that would be tricky to follow unless you know the trail well or have GPS. The rocky area before the Nisqually crossing I would be particularly concerned with if the trail was not clear, as there were wells around some of the rocks that I would not want to accidentally step into.
Also, keep in mind that as the day heats up, all those beautiful trees in who's midst you're hiking through are just waiting to dump a load of mushy snow (or at least large water drops) down the back of your neck. I was wearing a hat with a 360 brim and was very glad for it! Saved me from a cold, wet neck more than once on the way back.
Saw about 20 people on the trail, though 9 of them had just parked at the Carter Falls parking area and walked down to the Rainier viewpoint to take photos.
There were two blowdowns on the trail; one about 0.8 miles from the Museum parking lot that was about 8-10 inches in diameter (though very branchy) and one about 1.6 miles from the Museum parking lot that was about 16 inches in diameter. Both were fairly easy to get over.
Falls were flowing well. Best view of Carter Falls is up by the section of wooden fence.
A great trail for a beautiful day - river, falls and a great view of the Mountain.
THE TRAIL OF THE SHADOWS
A nice little loop on the other side of the road from the Museum. Again, trail was either snow covered or wet and muddy; the first spring was overflowing onto the trail, too. Otherwise trail was in good condition.
Saw about 8 people on this trail... not counting the snowmen, they took it up to around 12.
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