Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8am-6pm Sat & Sun Thanksgiving-Apr) , in the Longmire General Store, has trail information,
lessons and cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals.
Hiking
Rainier's textbook long-distance hike is the 93-mile Wonderland Trail that completely
circumnavigates the mountain with a cumulative elevation gain of 21,400ft. Longmire is
its most popular starting point, with the majority of hikers tackling the route over 10 to
12 days in a clockwise direction in July or August. There are 18 backcountry campsites
en route.
For a shorter hike from Longmire you can test your mettle on the precipitous Eagle
Peak Trail , a steep 7.2-mile out-and-back hike. A more laid-back look at some old-
growth forest and pastoral meadows is available on the signposted Trail of the Shadows
loop, a 0.8-mile trail that begins across the road from the museum and is wheelchair ac-
cessible for the first 0.4 miles.
Paradise, situated at 5400ft, has a much shorter hiking season than Longmire (snow
can persist into late June), but its wildflower pastiche, which includes avalanche lilies,
western anemones, lupines, mountain bog gentians and paintbrushes, makes the experi-
ence spectacular.
The Paradise area is crisscrossed with trails of all types and standards, some good for a
short stroll (with the kids), others the realm of more serious hikers. To get a close-up of
the Nisqually Glacier follow the 1.2-mile Nisqually Vista Trail . For something more sub-
stantial hike the 5-mile Skyline Trail , starting behind the Paradise Inn and climbing ap-
proximately 1600ft to Panorama Point , with good views of Mt Rainier and the neigh-
boring Tatoosh Range.
Intrepid day-hikers can continue up the mountain from Panorama Point via the Pebble
Creek Trail to the permanent snowfield track that leads to Camp Muir , the main
overnight bivouac spot for climbing parties. At 10,000ft, this hike is not to be undertaken
lightly. Take sufficient clothing and load up with a good supply of food and water.
Tours
EverGreen Escapes BUS TOUR
( www.evergreenescapes.com ; 10hr tour $195) Bio-diesel Mercedes minivans make this the
most luxe and eco tour option. It offers tours year-round, so expect to strap on snowshoes
(included) in winter months. Tours also include a gourmet lunch and morning and after-
noon tea with snacks.
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