Last updated: October 7, 2022
Thing to Do
Spring Recreation
NPS/SRedman
Enjoy Spring at Mount Rainier
With its tremendous amount of snowfall, Mount Rainier is a winter wonderland often into early summer, especially at higher elevations such as Paradise and Sunrise. Don’t let the amount of snow you encounter during your trip take you by surprise. Be prepared for snow well into June and early July.
For your spring visit bring along the appropriate clothes and footwear for recreating in snowy conditions. Don’t forget a warm hat, jacket, and gloves! Also, remember that snow can mean adverse road conditions. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains in the park until May 1. The road between Longmire and Paradise could close restricting access to Paradise if required by road conditions.
Plan for snow-covered trails throughout the park. Trails at lower elevations may be mostly snow-free between mid-May and early June. At higher elevations trails can be snow-covered into July or longer! Check trail conditions prior to setting out on a hike. To protect vegetation, hike only on trails or deep patches of snow.
Visitor centers, wilderness information centers, and ranger stations may still be closed for the winter. Check for hours of operation when planning your visit and be prepared to bring your own supplies, like food and water.
While there may be snow, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your spring visit. This time of year you’ll want to explore to Longmire and Paradise. Besides glaciers, rivers, and forests, this area is rich in history, offers plenty of hiking, and has breathtaking vistas. Plan to visit mid-week, and early or late in the day, to avoid crowds and traffic.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or the entire day, there is plenty to do at Longmire and Paradise. Take a hike, enjoy the views, hunt for elusive forest wildflowers in the lowlands, or enjoy the snowy landscape at Paradise.
Enter through the Nisqually Entrance via SR706 from Ashford, WA. Enjoy the drive through beautiful old-growth forests. You’ll reach Longmire in about 15 minutes of driving.
Longmire
Visit Longmire to walk in the footsteps of those who first founded the area and learn about the history of the park. Enjoy trails leading through meadows, old-growth forest, and for the more adventurous, amazing views.
Walk the Trail of Shadows. 0.7 miles round-trip. Average hiking time: 30 minutes. A self-guiding loop around Longmire Meadow explores the early history of the Longmire Springs Resort. The trail begins across the main park road from the Longmire Museum. For your safety, do not drink the water from the springs!
Drive the 30 minutes up to Paradise making some of the scenic stops along the way.
Paradise
Expect snow-covered trails well into June. This area receives several feet of snow during the winter and it will linger well into spring. Look for trail information and rangers near the visitor center.
A network of hiking trails provides access to outstanding views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers, and routes for skilled climbers attempting to reach the mountain’s summit. See the posted snow cover trail map at Paradise to avoid snow-covered trails. Photographers appreciate the high-country scenery at Inspiration Point and Reflection Lakes. Consider Nisqually Vista or Myrtle Falls for young hikers, or Alta Vista or Glacier Vista for the more ambitious. Take lots of water and sunscreen!
For snow-free hiking in June, consider the Longmire and Ohanapecosh areas.
Ohanapecosh
Once SR123 opens in late spring-early summer the Ohanapecosh area is a must see! Camp at the Ohanapecosh campground or hike one of the many trails in the area. Enjoy wandering through old-growth forests of giant western red cedar and hemlock, along the brilliant turquoise waters of the Ohanapecosh River, to thundering waterfalls and peaceful sanctuaries.
Spring Hiking Safety
Roads and facilities on the east side of the park are closed well into spring and early summer. Check the road status on the park website.
End-of-season snow conditions create hazards specific to this time of year. The following information will help you prepare for current conditions:
With its tremendous amount of snowfall, Mount Rainier is a winter wonderland often into early summer, especially at higher elevations such as Paradise and Sunrise. Don’t let the amount of snow you encounter during your trip take you by surprise. Be prepared for snow well into June and early July.
For your spring visit bring along the appropriate clothes and footwear for recreating in snowy conditions. Don’t forget a warm hat, jacket, and gloves! Also, remember that snow can mean adverse road conditions. All vehicles are required to carry tire chains in the park until May 1. The road between Longmire and Paradise could close restricting access to Paradise if required by road conditions.
Plan for snow-covered trails throughout the park. Trails at lower elevations may be mostly snow-free between mid-May and early June. At higher elevations trails can be snow-covered into July or longer! Check trail conditions prior to setting out on a hike. To protect vegetation, hike only on trails or deep patches of snow.
Visitor centers, wilderness information centers, and ranger stations may still be closed for the winter. Check for hours of operation when planning your visit and be prepared to bring your own supplies, like food and water.
While there may be snow, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your spring visit. This time of year you’ll want to explore to Longmire and Paradise. Besides glaciers, rivers, and forests, this area is rich in history, offers plenty of hiking, and has breathtaking vistas. Plan to visit mid-week, and early or late in the day, to avoid crowds and traffic.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or the entire day, there is plenty to do at Longmire and Paradise. Take a hike, enjoy the views, hunt for elusive forest wildflowers in the lowlands, or enjoy the snowy landscape at Paradise.
Enter through the Nisqually Entrance via SR706 from Ashford, WA. Enjoy the drive through beautiful old-growth forests. You’ll reach Longmire in about 15 minutes of driving.
Longmire
Visit Longmire to walk in the footsteps of those who first founded the area and learn about the history of the park. Enjoy trails leading through meadows, old-growth forest, and for the more adventurous, amazing views.
Walk the Trail of Shadows. 0.7 miles round-trip. Average hiking time: 30 minutes. A self-guiding loop around Longmire Meadow explores the early history of the Longmire Springs Resort. The trail begins across the main park road from the Longmire Museum. For your safety, do not drink the water from the springs!
Drive the 30 minutes up to Paradise making some of the scenic stops along the way.
- Christine Falls Follow the short path down to the viewpoint of the waterfall.
- Ricksecker Point Enjoy magnificent views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range!
- Narada Falls A quick but steep trail will bring you down to the base of the waterfall. If snow is present it is not recommended to walk on this trail.
Paradise
Expect snow-covered trails well into June. This area receives several feet of snow during the winter and it will linger well into spring. Look for trail information and rangers near the visitor center.
A network of hiking trails provides access to outstanding views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers, and routes for skilled climbers attempting to reach the mountain’s summit. See the posted snow cover trail map at Paradise to avoid snow-covered trails. Photographers appreciate the high-country scenery at Inspiration Point and Reflection Lakes. Consider Nisqually Vista or Myrtle Falls for young hikers, or Alta Vista or Glacier Vista for the more ambitious. Take lots of water and sunscreen!
For snow-free hiking in June, consider the Longmire and Ohanapecosh areas.
Ohanapecosh
Once SR123 opens in late spring-early summer the Ohanapecosh area is a must see! Camp at the Ohanapecosh campground or hike one of the many trails in the area. Enjoy wandering through old-growth forests of giant western red cedar and hemlock, along the brilliant turquoise waters of the Ohanapecosh River, to thundering waterfalls and peaceful sanctuaries.
Spring Hiking Safety
Roads and facilities on the east side of the park are closed well into spring and early summer. Check the road status on the park website.
End-of-season snow conditions create hazards specific to this time of year. The following information will help you prepare for current conditions:
- Winter storms can hit here any month of the year. Spring and early summer are notorious for unpredictable and rapidly changing weather. Know the current condition of the trail and obtain a current weather forecast. Be prepared for winter-like weather even in June. Unprepared hikers increase their risk of getting lost or being injured.
- Notify a responsible person of your plans so they can contact rangers if you fail to return.
- Before starting your hike, check the posted snow-cover map for current trail conditions.
- Hypothermia and frostbite are cold weather hazards which can lead to serious injury or death. If you are spending time outside, dress sensibly, drink lots of fluids, and take warm-up breaks indoors.You will need a reliable map and compass skills in many areas of the park because snow-covered trails can be difficult to follow.
- Avoid crossing steep, snow-covered slopes where a fall could be disastrous. Turn around instead. Comet Falls and Pinnacle Peak trails often have hazardous slopes. Take an ice axe if you know how to use it.
- Falling through thin snow bridges is a hazard anywhere streams remain snow-covered. Stay alert for the muffled sound of running water.
- Falling into snow moats around trees, and adjacent to logs and rocks, can cause injury. Avoid getting too close.
- Avoid stepping on wet, slippery rocks, especially near rivers and waterfalls.
- Avoid stepping onto snow cornices. They may collapse under your weight.
- Beware of avalanches! Avalanches occur with frightening regularity. Check the maps for avalanche zones and ask a ranger for the forecast before you start. Backcountry travel is not recommended when avalanche conditions are high to extreme.
- Carry the Ten Essentials and know how to use them: map of the area & compass; extra food & water; first aid kit; headlamp or flashlight; extra bulb & batteries; sunglasses & sunscreen; pocketknife; extra clothing & rain gear; emergency shelter, and; matches in a waterproof container––for emergency use only; fires are not allowed in Mount Rainier’s wilderness.
Details
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Service animals are permitted.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Longmire
Reservations
No
Season
Spring
Accessibility Information
The main developed areas have paved roads and paths. In spring, paths can be snow-covered and sometimes icy. Buildings and restrooms are accessible year-round.
Service animals are permitted on trails and in buildings.
Service animals are permitted on trails and in buildings.