Trip Report
Winter Scramble - Mildred Point
A gorgeous day to Mildred Point near the southern aspect of Mount Rainier. Our original foray into Van Trump Park was rendered less desirable by elevated avalanche conditions. [Lead Photo by Jesse Bengtsson]
Dave Morgan
- Sat, Feb 28, 2026
- Winter Scramble - Mildred Point
- Van Trump Park
- Scrambling
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Essentially zero snow at Longmire. Compacted snow and ice conditions brought the micro-spikes out for the trail work up to ~5300’ (made even more useful by a number of downed logs, some of considerable size). Snowshoes used above 5300’.
With zero snow at Longmire we made good time and were soon clambering over non-trivial logs on the Rampart Ridge Trail.
By Nina Crampton
We had originally hoped to cross the foot log immediately above Comet Falls, and try for reasonable lines of travel up into Van Trump Park (possibly as high as 6700’, where the forested ridge gradually fades into open slopes).
By Dave Morgan
Didn’t even make it to the foot log. What with considerable avalanche conditions, temperatures in the 40s, and several open slopes above us (with non-trivial snow loading) we turned around on the foot log traverse with a change of destination to Mildred Point. It is still unknown whether this foot log survived the high stream flows earlier this winter. Here is our turnaround point.
By Jesse Bengtsson
Had we reached the area just before the foot log, another factor to consider is the relatively short distance from this point to the top of Comet Falls (maybe ~200’). Imagine being caught in a non-trivial amount of snow that carried you into Van Trump Creek with sufficient momentum to take you and your snow mass over Comet Falls (yikes, and you thought being caught in an avalanche was bad ;). Here is this spot in a photo taken in November 2023, and a video showing the ride down (sans people) can be seen here.
By Dave Morgan
Moving along, we soon reached Mildred Point…
By Dave Morgan
…with stunning views of Pyramid Peak (note the cornices).
By Leaf Petersen
After a leisurely lunch we were soon headed down…
By Jesse Bengtsson
… with group dinner anticipation arriving with full force near Longmire.
By Leaf Petersen
A great day in the mountains with stunning views in all directions. Our total time was 8 hours car-to-car on this 10 mile, 3700’ gain trip. Photos from this and other trips to this venue can be seen here as well as here.