Basic Snowshoe - Paradise Area (winter)

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 main route out of Paradise from the Visitor's Center towards Glacier Vista, a lovely high point short of the big climb that skiers and more ambitious snowshoers take to reach Panorama Point. Our lunch stop is planned for an elevation of about 6300 feet where we'll have beautiful views on a clear day.  Newer snowshoers usually find this route satisfying with the short mileage but recognize that the gain can be a workout for some at these higher elevations. We'll take it slow and easy with lots of rest breaks and photo ops to make sure everyone makes it to our lunch spot. You will greatly benefit from a pair of snowshoes with heel lifters for this route. 

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 Glacier  Vista but still has some great views of Eagle Peak and rolling forested terrain along the river. 

Preference to Tacoma Basic Snowshoe Students until Dec 31, then open to everyone. Students should email leader for permission to join the trip. Your course field trip must be successfully completed prior to this trip.