Mazama Ridge
Apr 19, 2009
by
Eric Jain
—
last modified
Apr 20, 2009 12:35 AM
- Type of Outing
- Snowshoe/XC Ski
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Mazama Ridge Snowshoe
- Region: Mt. Rainier -- SE - Longmire / Paradise
- Agency: Mount Rainier National Park
- Avg Rating: 4.29
- Be Aware Of
- Snow on trail
Mt Rainier from Mazama Ridge
The road to the upper Paradise parking lot was clear, though there were still large amounts of snow piled up on both sides of the road near the top. Had no trouble finding a parking spot, even though we didn't arrive until around lunch.
Instead of starting out as described in the Washington Snowshoe Routes book, we followed the instructions (and map) we got at the visitor center: We walked the cleared (but still closed) segment of the Paradise Valley Road NE of the visitor center as far as it was cleared, then followed a few existing tracks up to the ridge. Along the ridge there were more tracks along the trail, and near the south end of the ridge (Inspiration Point) the trail meets a well marked trail leading to Reflection Lakes. This trail can easily be followed in the other direction, back up to the parking lot.
Next time will consider doing the trail in the opposite direction, or starting out from Narada Falls, to avoid having to climb up again at the end of the trail.
The snow was a bit slushy, but not too sticky. Saw a few people on the trail, though we only crossed one couple.
Instead of starting out as described in the Washington Snowshoe Routes book, we followed the instructions (and map) we got at the visitor center: We walked the cleared (but still closed) segment of the Paradise Valley Road NE of the visitor center as far as it was cleared, then followed a few existing tracks up to the ridge. Along the ridge there were more tracks along the trail, and near the south end of the ridge (Inspiration Point) the trail meets a well marked trail leading to Reflection Lakes. This trail can easily be followed in the other direction, back up to the parking lot.
Next time will consider doing the trail in the opposite direction, or starting out from Narada Falls, to avoid having to climb up again at the end of the trail.
The snow was a bit slushy, but not too sticky. Saw a few people on the trail, though we only crossed one couple.
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Trailhead on Paradise Valley Road
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Trail along Mazama Ridge
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Trail rejoins Paradise Valley Road
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