Trails: Backcountry trails at several locations throughout the park. Paradise area offers easy terrain at Barn Flats and the Paradise Valley Road. Moderate terrain in Edith Creek Basin and The Skyline Trail. Advanced terrain is found on the Mazama ridge loop and in the Tatoosh Range.
Caution: avalanche hazard may exist on some trails. Check the Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast before visiting the park. Trail fees: Park entry pass Tel: 360-569-2211
Snow report:Mountain Weather and Avalanche Forecast Nearest town: Ashford, WA Web site:Mt Rainier NP | Mt Rainier Guest Services Trail map: Available at the park Equipment rentals: Available from Mt Rainier Guest Services Ski lessons: Available through Mt Rainier Guest Services Other activities: Sliding, snowshoeing, telemark skiing, winter camping Facilities: Restaurant at National Park Inn Lodging on site: National Park Inn at Longmire has 25 rooms and is open all year round Lodging nearby: Ashford has a few inns and other accomodations Location of trails: Route 706 through the park is closed in winter. Tire chains are required by state law when driving on mountain roads. Tourism info:Rainier Visitor Association Weather forecast:Ashford Map of local region:Ashford area Update submitted by: Ed Strauss from: Eatonville, Washington Date submitted: Dec 26, 2004
Name of XC Area: Mount Rainier National Park Times that I have skied there: Weekly I last skied there in: Dec, 2004 Trails that I skied: Barn Flats, Paradise Valley Road, Edith Creek Basin, Skyline Trail My favorite trails: Mazama Ridge Loop, Tatoosh Range, Skyline Trail/Edith Creek Loop Trail marking: Fair Rating: 5 stars What I liked: In the back country of Mt. Rainier is a National Park there is no logging, no grading, and no clearing. It is a pristine 100% natural environment that is exactly the same as it was 1000 years ago. After a heavy snow fall it is as if no one has ever been there before you. What I disliked: I only dislike poor snow conditions, but with careful research and planning that can be avoided. Comments: Mt. Rainier's Paradise area offers easy terrain at Barn Flats and the Paradise Valley Road. Moderate terrain in Edith Creek Basin and The Skyline Trail. Advanced terrain is found on the Mazama ridge loop and in the Tatoosh Range. Ski in a terrain that fits your skiing and route finding ability. Submitted by: Ed Strauss from: Eatonville, Washington Date submitted: Dec 26, 2004
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Name of XC Area: Mount Rainier National Park Times that I have skied there: Several times I last skied there in: Apr, 2004 Trails that I skied: Barn Flats My favorite trails: n/a Rating: 4 stars What I liked: Finished the 2003-04 season at Paradise, and decided on Barn Flats, where I had not skiied for several years. Excellent extensive natural bowl, with intermediates/steep sides and much rolling terrain within the bowl. A lot of fun in Spring conditions; climb the sides and choose your runs! What I disliked: Nothing, but in heavy new snow it's more slog than glide, but the sides of the bowl are still fun. Comments: Any level can ski here, which is not true of all of Paradise by any means. Submitted by: Ed Winskill, Tacoma Nordic Ski Club from: Tacoma, Wa. Date submitted: May 14, 2004
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Name of XC Area: Mount Rainier National Park Times that I have skied there: Several times I last skied there in: Dec, 2003 Trails that I skied: Reflection lakes, plus a bit in the lodge area My favorite trails: Reflection Lakes/Paradise Loop Trail marking: Fair Rating: 3.5 stars What I liked: Paradise is a beautiful place to ski. I generally ski there as a season-opener, because it has earlier snow than most anywhere. Reflection Lakes/Paradise Loop and Barn Flats are for the beginning and intermediate skier; the rest of the area has great skiing for the expert. What I disliked: Nothing, but this is ungroomed skiing. Comments: Go to the info center for avalanche info; though this is generally not an issue on Reflection Lakes and the other trails mentioned by name. Submitted by: Ed Winskill from: Tacoma, Wa Date submitted: Feb 3, 2004
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