Basic Snowshoe - Mazama Ridge (Mount Rainier)

Whittaker's Bunkhouse at 8:30am.  Drivers are required to carry chains that fit their vehicle and an America the Beautiful pass for park entry.

We'll be snowshoeing the Paradise Valley Road from the Visitor's Center to 4th Crossing and start our ascent of Mazama Ridge with a goal of reaching at least the VanTrump Memorial. If time, energy, and weather permits, we may snowshoe beyond the memorial towards Paradise Glacier valley or the opposite direction for some views of the Tatoosh Range and Mt. Adams.

Mazama Ridge ascent note: we will be descending the road in order to start our ascent of the ridge which will rise uphill about 600 feet in a little over half a mile. This is usually a workout for most people on snowshoes. We'll take it easy and make sure everyone makes it up on the ridge. You will greatly benefit from a pair of snowshoes with heel lifters for this ascent. 

In the event the Longmire gate to Paradise doesn't open or winter conditions at Paradise are hazardous, our backup trip will be to Cougar Rock Campground and Nisqually River. This is an easier trip than Mazama Ridge but still has some great views of Eagle Peak and rolling forested terrain along the river. 

Preference to Tacoma Basic Snowshoe Students. Students should email leader for permission to join the trip. Your course field trip must be successfully completed prior to this trip. Trip will open to all snowshoers on January 21 at 8am.