Intermediate Snowshoe - Mazama Ridge (Mount Rainier)

Longmire parking lot, adjacent to the National Park Inn: https://goo.gl/maps/FkW4wupxk3x1sofYA

Saturday, January 11th at 8:30am.

We'll meet at the Longmire parking lot at 8:30am for introductions and a discussion of weather/avy conditions as well as the day's route.  When the Longmire gate opens (at approximately 9am), we'll drive from Longmire to the Narada Falls parking lot and get our extended weekend started.

Day 1: (3.3 miles, 1100' gain) We'll trek up the Narada Falls trail and then follow the High Lakes trail to Mazama Ridge.  We'll set up our basecamp and then explore the Mazama Ridge area as time/conditions allow.

Day 2: (6.5 miles, 1600' gain) We'll have an entire day to explore the area, trekking to either Panorama Point or Cowlitz Gap.  We'll then return to our basecamp for our second night on the mountain. (We'll have light packs on our day 2 excursion, since we won't be carrying tents or sleep systems.)

Day 3: (3.3 miles, 50' gain) We'll pack up and trek back towards Narada Falls.  As we make our way back, we can decide if we want to drop our packs and head down to Reflection Lakes for snacks/lunch.

Route: https://caltopo.com/m/RUJLL

Weather Forecasts:

• mountain-forecast.com
• NWS

NWAC Forecast: https://nwac.us/avalanche-forecast/#/west-slopes-south

We'll trek at a moderate pace with brief stops for snacks/views. Participants should have an excellent fitness base, given the weight of winter camping gear as well as the trip's distance and elevation gain.

In your request for leader's permission, please detail your winter camping experience and summarize the winter-capable gear (shelter, sleep system, cooking system, clothing) that you will bring in order to stay safe.

As this is a winter overnight, participants must be prepared for varied weather conditions (sun, snow, wind, cold) and must bring winter-capable shelter and sleep system, cooking / water treatment systems, and clothing.

The trip will be cancelled if the weather forecast is not friendly (friendly = no storms, no sustained winds of 25mph+, no rain, and no single-digit temps).

Bear canisters are required.  Blue bags are required, as all waste must be carried out.  Each participant should bring a shovel for digging a communal dining area and preparing a site for your tent.

Chains must be carried in all cars (even AWD/4WD). Those driving front or rear wheel drive vehicles may be required to install chains.

Park entrance fee or America the Beautiful Pass is required.

Participants will be asked to reimburse trip leader for backcountry permit cost.