Low avalanche danger and perfect weather made today a great day for my yearly Rainier snow hike. I had snowshoes but ended up being too lazy to put them on... There are many solid bootpaths to most of the popular destinations, and if you stay on them you can manage in just boots, or microspikes. I put on spikes at the beginning of the day and just never took them off, but I did see people without them. If you want to blaze your own trail, snowshoes will definitely make it easier, though I never post-holed more than ankle deep the few times I veered from previous paths.  

Mostly I was just noodling around, taking pictures and enjoying the day... Started off going to Nisqually Vista (easy, not much climb, but doesn't have as sweeping of views as up towards Panorama Point), then loosely followed Dead Horse Creek (I think?), then up towards Glacier Vista. I was being paranoid about time so I didn't make it all the way up there. Skipped Panorama Point this time... just didn't have the energy. Started down towards Alta Vista, then realized I had enough extra time to check out Myrtle Falls, so I heel plunged a little down to Skyline trail, checked out the falls (a little water flowing!) and took Skyline back to Paradise. The loop I did was only about 4.5 miles. My energy levels are still pretty low, but I'm doing what I can.

The roads were bare until Longmire, after that there was some packed snow/ice (mostly in the morning). I saw a bunch of signs saying chains required on all but AWD vehicles with "approved traction tires" and they did ask me if I had chains at the park entrance. I had tire socks in the trunk but my AWD subaru was fine without them today. The gate at Longmire closes at 4pm, and the ranger I spoke to recommended leaving Paradise between 3-3:30 to get down in time and not get locked in. I left at 3:10 and had plenty of time.

Also, just wanna say that weekday hiking is the bomb... I definitely saw fewer than twenty people (spaced out) ALL DAY. Which was nuts. Nice weekends at Paradise are a total zoo.

 Also, also, sunscreen + eye protection are mandatory on sunny days unless you want to hurt yourself! It was so nice out today that I was just in a base and mid layer.. no jacket, and only glove liners! ☀️

Some snowmelt running across the road could turn into ice when the temperatures drop, but the road is otherwise clear and dry.  Main parking lot was about a third full at Noon on a Friday--and trails were similarly not crowded.  Crust is pretty firm--varying from icy in the shade, crunchy in the sun, and soft/loose granular in the very warm slopes with direct sun.

Seems most snowshoers were following what in the summer would be the western arm of the Skyline Loop Trail.  This starts at the parking lot adjacent to the Henry Jackson Visitor Center and, as the description above states, has you walk past the large restroom building, then heading up hill.  Unlike the description above, however, the majority of tracks head in a northwesterly direction (which misses Myrtle Falls) and keeps you left (west) of the steep south-facing bowl with the "high likelihood of sliding."  Numerous tracks meander in this general direction and then turn right (north) to follow the ridge between the steep bowl (on the right) and the Nisqually River valley (on the left).  Eventually all the skiers or hikers we encountered then turn right (somewhat east) to climb a fairly steep west-facing slope.

This was the toughest part of the hike.  At 1pm the crust was still fairly firm so we were glad for the crampon-like spikes on the toes of our snowshoes holding us to the steep, slick face.  Some hikers were using crampons and ice axes, but most used snowshoes and did just fine.

Atop the steep slope is Panorama Point.  Views today were gorgeous with a clear view of Hood in the distance (and of course Adams to the left, St. Helens to the right).  It was windy along the ridge, so despite hiking in t-shirts, we were glad to have insulating jackets, hats, and mitts to put on.

Descending the same way we came up--via the steep west-facing slope--was intimidating at first.  Others started sliding on their bottoms (intentionally) close to the top of the slope, though they had ice axes to control their speed.  We joined in on the sliding fun about a third of the way down, using hiking poles to keep speed down.  There's an obvious groove cutting down the right of the slope where everyone seems to slide.  By the time we were coming down it (about 2pm), the snow was softer/gentler and more forgiving.

EPIC conditions and amazing bluebird day! We got to the Longmire gate around 8:45, not at first remembering that it opens at 9, but we didn't have to wait long. Got a great spot right at the visitor's center, but the crowds were in a not so slow trickle the whole time we were there. It was very busy, and sometimes felt a little cluttered on the trail with all of the people skiing/snowshoeing. The weather was honestly hot... I think layering would be absolutely key - I would have been fine in a t-shirt! The sun was very warm and it made the snow glisten which was very lovely. The snow wasn't fresh and medium-crunchy, so I wouldn't expect any powdery conditions in the next few days with all of the sunshine. We went up to Glacier Vista and turned around - we didn't feel the need to follow everyone and climb up super high. We felt the views were perfect from where we were and we weren't skiing down so we were happy!  

Overall, a lovely day and great snowshoe. The road was icy, even in a 4Runner, we slipped. Make sure you have chains if you don't have 4 wheel drive/approved tires.

This was way harder than I remembered, so if you're more of a beginner and want something more leisurely, I would maybe skip this trail and explore around the visitor's center - there are some nice areas that are a little flatter.

It was just the perfect bluebird condition up on the mountains! The road to paradise had some icy patches in some parts but was pretty easily passable with the 4 wheel drive (we did see a Prius zoom by too ;), but best to take it slow). Carrying chains is mandatory, and you will be asked if you have one at the park entrance. Thankfully we got one that morning, although didn’t have to use it.
(picture here)

 Once we arrived at the Henry M. Jackson memorial visitor center, we were simply astounded to see the number of  cars already in the parking lot! It was 10 am in the morning and the parking lot was practically filled. We managed to secure a spot (yeah I’m exaggerating a bit, there were some spots still available).

It was a super bright sunny day and although the temperature read 35 degrees, it was warm, very warm. We had carried gloves, beanies and warm jackets, but after 5 minutes had to take off everything but a light full sleeve tshirt since we started sweating soon after.

 The trail is not well marked since the entire mountain becomes a trail in winter, but follow the other people heading up from the part of the trail that starts right beside the restrooms. The trail steadily climbs up, and the views that await you are simply out of this world. Take it slow, since the higher elevation does get you a little out of breath, and while trudging along, take your time to soak in the vastness of the mountains and the amazing scenery.

 It was a cloudless perfect day - and we were easily able to spot mount St Helens and Mount Adams at a distance, and the Tatoosh Range was standing right there surrounding us with all it’s glory. Last but not the least, the majestic Mount Rainier made the grandest appearance ever! Even if we wanted to, we couldn’t take our eyes off this splendid grandeur

 If you’re not the most skilled mountain climbers or scared of heights (like I am) I would recommend you avoid the panorama point and stay towards the left, which will take you to the glacier vista point. The views are more or less the same from both points. 
Remember that the Longmire gate closes at 4pm so try to head out by 3 at the latest. Enjoy this amazing trail and the beauty of the winter wonderland!

Went on sunny day but there is snow all trail from the visitor center!