The gate at Longmire opened at 10:00 which left us with enough time to have a quick trip and turn around by 3 pm.
GEAR Bring it all, along with your foot warmers, parka, and face protection. Snow drifts up to 3 ft to play around in and break trail in.
PASS use your interagency pass, senior pass or paid pass to enter Mt Rainier National Parks Nisqually entrance.
GATE ENTRANCE the upper gate at Longmire was compact snow and ice. 2 wheel drive required chains. The gate to Paradise opened a bit after 9:30 am, was well plowed. This gate is closed Tuesday-Thursday this winter season due to a staffing shortage. Chains must be carried in your vehicle.
PARKING The drive up from the Nisqually gate to Longmire was slow, icy and slick and continued past Longmire. It was well plowed with some light gravel for traction. A lot of parking help and assistance at the top parking area. Bathroom is nearby.
THE TRIP We made our way from the visitors center to the right following a previous days established snowshoe route. As we traveled along towards Edith Creek we then broke trail going up hill towards Alta Vista then traversed across making our way back to the visitor center and the Skyline Trail.
AVALANCHE Report at www.NWAC.us was considerable with two problems. 1. Slab Avalanche and Persistent Avalanche for even low slope angles.
ROUTE See Garmin link below
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