Snowshoeing on Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier’s high meadows receive significant winter snowfall, and many of its snowshoeing routes are accessible without much backcountry knowledge or four-wheel drive. And on a sunny winter day, there’s no better place in the area to explore, under the towering, glaciered volcano soaring 14,000 feet.

Because these trails are within the national park, you’ll have access to a lot of information that isn’t available in other areas not frequented by tourists. The National Park website has lots of great tips, and you can also find updated weather forecasts and road condition information.

It’s worth noting weather changes quickly here, so if you have any concerns or questions, call the nearest visitor center before you go. If you plan on venturing far from the parking lot, carry lots of food and water, warm clothing, a headlamp and navigation. Though beautiful, don’t forget this is a wild — and dangerous — place.

When traveling in the park in winter, all vehicles are required to carry tire chains. The park rangers set up checkpoints to make sure you have them in your vehicle. For information on trails, including updated trail conditions, check the Washington Trails Association’s page on Mount Rainier snowshoeing.