Winter Activities

In winter much of local life sleeps under blankets of deep snow. Marmots and black bears snooze then, but for other creatures life goes on as usual. Tracks in the snow betray a fox on the hunt or a fleeing rabbit. The white-tailed ptarmigan, snowshoe hare and others also stay active. In this pristine land dominated by Mount Rainier, snow is king. This is a special place for people who love winter and snow. In the winter of 1971/72 Mt. Rainier set a World Record for 1122 inches of snowfall. In the winter of 1998/99 1035 inches of snowfall fell.

Guided Snowshoe Walks

Park rangers give guided snowshoe walks on weekends from late December through early April. Walks leave from the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center in Paradise. For times and walk topics, check at the visitor center or in Tahoma News, the park newspaper.

Winter Sports

Paradise is the center for snow play offering cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. For information on snowshoe rentals call 360 569.2411.

Snowboarding and tubing may be enjoyed only at the Paradise snow play area. And then only when there is sufficient snow to protect underlying vegetation. Rentals are not available.

The Ski Touring Center at Longmire offers cross-country skiing including touring and telemarking. The center is open daily from Mid-December to April depending on snow conditions. Call 360 569.2411 for information on ski rentals and lessons.