Basic Snowshoe - Mazama Ridge (Mount Rainier)

We'll meet at the main Paradise parking lot at 9am, right in front of the "tunnel" entrance to the restrooms.  It takes approximately 1 hour to drive from the main park entrance to Paradise, so please ensure that you're entering the park early enough to reach Paradise, find a parking spot, get geared up, and get to our meeting spot by 9am.

We'll start with a 2 mile, 600' gain hike from Paradise to Mazama Ridge. We'll explore the Mazama Ridge area and then, depending on snow and trail conditions, either double back to Paradise (for a total of 4 miles and 1100' gain) or continue in a clockwise loop to Reflection Lakes and then Paradise (for a total of 6 miles and 1500' gain).

Route details: From the Paradise parking lot, we'll head down Valley Road, up the 4th Crossing Trail, and trek south along the Mazama Ridge trail. We'll then either return via the same route, or we'll continue west on the High Lakes trail, head down the Lower Lakes trail to Reflection Lakes, and then head back up to Paradise.

Map (Paradise to Mazama Ridge and then returning to Paradise): https://www.gaiagps.com/public/NJkd49Hsd8e0LRxh8rK2A6ag
Map (Paradise to Mazama Ridge, Reflection Lakes, and then returning to Paradise): https://www.gaiagps.com/public/aauuaQzCi4Zg8mAFVmfzhv8Q

We'll trek at a moderate pace with brief stops to enjoy the views. Participants should have a decent fitness base, given the trip's distance and elevation gain.

Weather forecast: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-121.73194885253906&lat=46.77484761126132#.YHGVWC2cYnc

As this is a springtime trip, snow and trail conditions can be varied. Participants should bring both snowshoes and microspikes and be prepared to transition between them as needed during the trip.

Chains will need to be carried in all cars. Those driving front or rear wheel drive vehicles should anticipate being required to install chains after the gate and before proceeding up to Paradise.

This is a mentored snowshoe trip, with Gene Keltgen mentoring Colin Chapman