Region

Mount Rainier

High Rock– The view of Rainier simply rocks from this precipitous peak!

August 11, 2022 |

Quick Facts: Location: Sawtooth Ridge near Ashford and Packwood, WA Land Agency: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Roundtrip: 3.2 miles Elevation gain: 1,350 feet Green Trails Maps: Randle, WA no. 301 Contact: Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station (Randle); Gifford Pinchot National Forest  Notes: Dogs are allowed, but should be on leash because of steep and dangerous drop offs.…

Crystal Peak

July 28, 2022 |

Old fire lookout site grants some of the best views in Mount Rainier NP Quick Facts: Location: Mount Rainier National Park Land Agency: National Park Service Distance: 7.8 miles Elevation Gain: 3,400 feet Contact: Mount Rainier National Park Map: Green Trails Mount Rainier National Park 269SX Notes: National Park Entrance Fee or Interagency Pass, Dogs-prohibited…

Sun Top — snowshoe to a historic lookout in the shadows of Mount Rainier

December 30, 2021 |

Quick Facts: Location: White River Valley Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip: 11.0 miles Elevation gain: 3,050 feet Contact: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Green Trails Map: Green Trails Maps – Greenwater no. 238 Notes: Sno-park Pass required. Route is non-groomed and shared with skiers (do not snowshoe on groomed ski trail). Beyond the upper…

Eastside Trail (Lower)

May 27, 2021 |

Quiet wanderings through ancient forests and by crashing cascades Quick Facts: Location Mount Rainier National Park Land Agency: United States National Park Service Distance: 9.0 miles one way Elevation Gain: 2200 feet Contact: Mount Rainier National Park Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier National Park 269SX Notes: Dog Prohibited, National Park Entrance Fee or Interagency Pass…

Goat Falls –“Kid-friendly” snowshoe trip near Mount Rainier National Park

February 26, 2021 |

Quick Facts: Location: White River Valley Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip:  2.5 miles Elevation gain: 500 feet Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier Wonderland no. 269SX Contact: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; Snoqualmie Ranger DistrictNotes: Northwest Forest Pass required at actual trailhead. When snow level is low, parking may be a challenge. Do not block…

Allen Mountain Trail Less Traveled near Mount Rainier

August 13, 2020 |

Quick Facts: Location: Mount Rainier region Land Agency: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Round Trip: 10.0 miles Elevation Gain: 2,350 feet Contact: Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station (Randle), Gifford Pinchot National Forest Green Trails Map: Randle, WA no. 301 Notes: Trails are also open to mountain bikes and motorcycles but use is light; this hike is lightly…

Cora Lake– Emerald lake cradled beneath craggy High Rock

July 10, 2020 |

Quick Facts: Location: Nisqually River Valley Land Agency: National Forest Service Roundtrip: 1.4 miles Elevation Gain: 400 feet Contact: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Green Trails Map: Randle, WA no. 301 Notes: no pass needed; creek crossing might be challenging early in the season; trail is open to mountain and motor bikes Access: From Elbe, follow SR 706 east…

River Trail (Blue Diamond Trail)–Easily accessible and little-known trail along White River

January 8, 2020 |

Quick Facts: Location: White River Valley Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Round Trip: 3.2 miles Elevation Gain: 100 feet Contact: Washington State Parks Sno-Parks Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier 269SX Notes: Sno-Park Pass required; Dogs allowed on leash Access: From Enumclaw follow SR 410 for 33 miles turning left (just before Mount Rainier National…

Skyscraper Mountain–Enjoy sweeping views of Rainier from this towering summit

September 11, 2019 |

Location: Mount Rainier National Park Land Agency: National Park Service Roundtrip: 7.0 miles High Point: 7,078 feet Elevation gain: 1,500 feet Difficulty: moderate Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier Wonderland Map 269S Contact: Mount Rainier National Park Note: Park entrance fee; dogs prohibited Access: From Enumclaw, follow SR 410 east to Sunrise Road. Turn right and…

Lake West and Lake Helen – Seldom visited lakes within the shadows of Mount Rainier

July 24, 2019 |

Quick Facts: Location: Glacier View Wilderness Land Agency: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Roundtrip: 8.4 miles Elevation gain: 1,600 feet Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier West, WA no. 269 Contact: Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station (Randle), Gifford Pinchot National Forest Notes: FR 59 is rough in spots but is passable for passenger cars. Wilderness regulations apply. Free…

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