Snowshoeing Near Mount Rainier National Park: A Guide to Winter Adventures
Image: An artistic portrait of three people snowshoeing with a great view of Mt. Rainier.
Mount Rainier National Park is a winter wonderland, offering breathtaking landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. While summer visitors flock to the park for its famous hiking trails and wildflower meadows, winter travelers can experience the park in a whole new way—through the exhilarating sport of snowshoeing. Whether you're a seasoned winter explorer or a first-time snowshoer, this guide will help you plan the perfect snowshoeing adventure near Mount Rainier.
Why Snowshoe Near Mount Rainier?
Snowshoeing allows visitors to explore the pristine wilderness of Mount Rainier National Park in a way that is peaceful, rewarding, and accessible. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing requires minimal equipment and no prior experience, making it an excellent option for families, beginners, and seasoned hikers alike. With its towering evergreens, frozen lakes, and snow-covered meadows, Mount Rainier provides an unforgettable backdrop for winter exploration.
Best Snowshoeing Trails Near Mount Rainier
1. Paradise Snowshoe Trail
Distance: Varies (typically 1-5 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Elevation Gain: 500-1000 feet
Highlights: Stunning views of Mount Rainier, open meadows, and abundant snowfall
Paradise is one of the most popular destinations in Mount Rainier National Park during winter. The Paradise area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in the country, making it ideal for snowshoeing. The terrain is varied, allowing visitors to choose a short and easy trek or a more challenging adventure. The trek up to Panorama Point offers breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding valleys.
2. Reflection Lakes Trail
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Highlights: Frozen lakes, panoramic views, and a serene atmosphere
This popular trail begins at the Narada Falls parking area and leads to the stunning Reflection Lakes, which are covered in snow and ice during winter. The trail provides sweeping views of Mount Rainier, and on clear days, the reflections in the frozen lakes are a sight to behold.
3. Narada Falls to Mazama Ridge
Distance: 4-6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1000 feet
Highlights: Cascading waterfalls, alpine meadows, and breathtaking views
For those looking for a bit more adventure, the trail from Narada Falls to Mazama Ridge is a fantastic option. The hike starts at Narada Falls, which often freezes over in the winter, creating a stunning icy spectacle. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks.
4. Summit Lake Trail
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1300 feet
Highlights: Alpine lake, forested paths, and mountain vistas
While not directly inside the national park, the Summit Lake Trail offers incredible winter scenery and fewer crowds. The trail takes you through a beautiful evergreen forest before opening up to stunning views of Summit Lake and Mount Rainier towering in the background.
Essential Snowshoeing Tips
Check the Weather: Conditions in the mountains can change rapidly. Always check the forecast before heading out.
Dress in Layers: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell.
Bring the Right Gear: In addition to snowshoes, bring trekking poles, waterproof gloves, gaiters, and extra socks.
Start Early: Winter days are short, so plan to start your hike early to maximize daylight.
Know Your Route: Carry a map or GPS device and be aware of avalanche-prone areas.
Pack Essentials: Bring plenty of water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and an emergency blanket.
Respect Nature: Stay on designated trails and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Where to Rent Snowshoes Near Mount Rainier
If you don’t own snowshoes, there are several rental shops near Mount Rainier that offer affordable options. If you are staying at either our Tahoma Park House or the Paradise Park House, you are more than welcome to use the 2 pairs of snowshoes with trekking poles that we have available to guests. Otherwise, here are some good options for renting snowshoes:
Longmire General Store – Located inside the park at Longmire, this store offers seasonal snowshoe rentals, typically available from late fall through early spring. Availability depends on snow conditions, so it’s best to check ahead.
Whittaker Mountaineering (Ashford, WA) – Just outside the park entrance in Ashford, Whittaker Mountaineering is a well-known spot for winter gear rentals, including snowshoes. Reserving in advance is recommended during peak seasons.
National Park Inn General Store – Also at Longmire, this store provides another convenient rental option for visitors staying inside the park. Be sure to confirm their current inventory before heading out.
Crystal Mountain Resort – A great option if you’re also planning to ski or snowboard, however the roads over the mountain are generally closed during the winter, so if you are staying near the Nisqually entrance, this will be a very long drive (over 2 hours) to go around the mountain.
REI (Various Locations) – REI stores in the Seattle and Tacoma area offer snowshoe rentals, but these are much further away than the above options.
Since rental availability can fluctuate based on weather and demand, calling ahead to check on hours, pricing, and equipment stock is always a good idea!
Snowshoeing near Mount Rainier National Park is a magical experience that allows visitors to explore the park’s winter beauty in a peaceful and immersive way. Whether you’re taking a leisurely trek through an old-growth forest or climbing up to a high ridge with panoramic views, there’s a snowshoeing adventure for everyone. So bundle up, strap on your snowshoes, and experience the wonder of Mount Rainier in winter!
