Because of moderate avalanche danger and low visibility, the rangers at Paradise recommended Glacier Vista instead of Panaroma Point for our afternoon snowshoe.

Surface snow was fairly wet and clumpy, rather than powder, so our snowshoe spikes got packed tight with wet snow, making for slip-sliding both up and down some inclines. This was more a problem on the Nisqually loop. 

Several other groups had been out and back to Glacier earlier in the day, leaving a trail of tracks from both boots (microspikes?) and snowshoes, but visibility was only about 20-30 feet (cloud + glare). We weren't familiar enough with the Glacier Vista route to be confident we could navigate back in those conditions, so we turned around after about 1.5 miles - nearly the end of the trail. Pathfinding skills are recommended for this trail, and with the way the clouds rolled in to obscure line of sight, we agree.

By contrast, Nisqually Loop was marked at regular intervals with bamboo poles and was easy for us beginners to navigate. We passed hikers on the loop who enjoyed their hike without snowshoes. We also saw a grouse very close there! 

A worthwhile afternoon stomping in the snow in May. 

Even though we were only out for three hours, we both got sunburned. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen on the mountain! 

Snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier! The mountain's still got tons of snow. The weather was perfect....sunny and warm. There were lots of skiers enjoying spring skiing, too. This is an epic adventure snowshoeing from Paradise to Muir Snowfield via Glacier Vista, Panorama Point, Pebble Creek and the Sugarloaf. I turned around at the Sugarloaf (7,800') as time was running out, or I would have kept the journey going up to Camp Muir. The condition in the snowfield was excellent with no wind and comfortable temperature. I always enjoy this "winter wonderland in spring" hike and of course, spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and other Cascades peaks including Tatoosh range, Mt. Adams, Mount St. Helens and Mt. Hood and beyond. The snow condition was excellent over all though it got slushy due to the warm weather. You may get by without snowshoes if you follow boot tracks with a slight chance of postholing. Descending from Panorama Point, it's better to take off snowshoes and trek down, or glissade if you wish. The road to Paradise is clear (required to carry chains) and the gates are open 24/7 now. I started late in the afternoon and the parking lot was completely full with overflow when I arrived. Check weather and avalanche conditions before you head up there. Be safe and have fun while the snow lasts!