Glacier Vista - Panorama Point, Glacier Vista Snowshoe — Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

Spend as little time in the exposed and windy parking lot as you can. You'll lose heat and energy getting geared up with all the wind. Instead head to the Visitors Center for limited protection to get your snowshoes on. Once geared up head for the snow expect to be cold in the exposed sections where the wind will rip away your heat. In the trees there's plenty of protection and you'll be much more comfortable. There's a loop that is well wanded and has a groove dug out by previous snowshoers making an easy path to follow. Feel free to roam off the beaten path and explore around the snow everywhere is hard and stable. Be wary off sudden drop offs. Keep in mind this post was put up on 12-6 and conditions can change in an instant.