Starting from Narada Falls TH, we did a loop: Ruby Falls→Lower Lakes trail→High Lakes trail→lower Mazama Ridge trail→Wonderland→Pinnacle Peak→Wonderland→Narada Falls TH.  8 miles, 2000' cumulative gain.

Many of us had done portions of this route on various snowshoe trips; so, it was nice to see how things looked during the summer. The short side trip to Pinnacle Saddle long with our loop route made it worthwhile to come all the way to the national park (versus just Pinnacle Saddle, only). Starting early (7:30AM) avoided the traffic and crowds. An amazing variety of blooming wildflowers in the open meadows along the High Lakes trail. Just before reaching Faraway Rock, we paused to watch a family of grazing Black-tailed deer before they bounded into the trees. We didn't encounter others until reaching Reflection Lakes. We had a leisurely lunch stop at Pinnacle Saddle while watching the ebb & flow of clouds in front of Mt Rainier (north), as well as the mountains to the south. Warm sun, slight breeze, blue skies, squeaking pikas and whistling marmots.

The "snowfields to cross" selection for snow conditions above is for Paradise, which is completely covered in snow still. We went up with that in mind with a visiting relative who wanted to just see Rainier up close. We hiked just a tiny bit (in regular running shoes or hiking boots, among our group.) Poles helpful as it's squishy/slushy (at least on the parts of the trail closest to the parking lot.) I saw one group going up with snowshoes but I don't know if they are needed. I even saw a few people in sandals ... not sure I'd recommend that. 

The traffic due to road construction was expected. We had to wait about 10 minutes to get into the park and then 10 minutes when leaving as there is a portion that is only one lane. Kiosk at entry was not open so no one was checking passes when we went through around 10:30am. Parking not an issue at Paradise but the overflow lot was already being utilized (we saw several spots open in the main lot, which is where we parked.) The visitor center was also open. 

On the way down the mountain, we made a few stops. First at Narada Falls where we ended up opting to not hike down for a better view of the waterfall since it was kind of steep and a bit muddy and the mid to late-60s adults I was with preferred to pass. Still can view the falls from the top where the parking lot is. 

Second stop was Christine Falls. Parking is a bit more limited here but if you see parking, I'd recommend stopping. Albeit steep, it's a very short walk/hike to see the falls and you have a nice view of the bridge with the falls behind it. 

Our last stop was Carter Falls trail. It's about a 2-mile hike roundtrip to the falls. We just hiked down to the river where you can get a great view of Rainier in the background. Next time will have to go to the falls. 

Overall, great visit to Rainier with great weather. It was so warm I wish I had had shorts on. 

Be aware that the gas station in Ashford is currently replacing the gas pumps.  Don't rely on getting gas here.

The trail from the parking lot to the falls viewpoint is covered in icy snow, so it is slippery. Microspikes or at least poles are recommended. 

After hitting Nisqually Vista, I checked out the Narada Falls hikes. The hike right after the warming station is very steep with a soft top layer of snow. Going up will be hard especailly since there is a glissade path down from everyone choosing to slide down. And there is one branch sticking out in the slide path.

As for going down to the falls, I gave it a shot for three minutes. There is a sign that says you should have an ice ax. Yep, I'd want an ice ax for sure. The packed snow path is above the trail railing. It's narrow and at a downward slant. If you slip, it could be disastrous. Still, some people were coming up as I was considering the terrain.

They are plowing the closed roads. Before you veture to Reflection Lakes via Narada Falls, check if Valley Rd. is still snowshoe-able.

I checked out the bridge over the Nisqually for the first time! One person parked on the road and got out to take pictures. There's a humungous parking lot. Don't stop on the road. It was awesome to stand on the bridge and watch the water running fast far below. I'll park and take that little walk on the bridge again in the future. 

Beautiful peaceful hike! Paradise gate opened at 9:30 with snow on the road but plows cleared a good path both up & down. Rain at Longmire with light snow falling at Paradise. Snowshoe path was fresh from Paradise to Reflection Lake/Narada Falls intersection en route down. Deep heavy snow but path lined with poles. Path to Narada packed down well & due to hikers going up, upper trail got packed down well. Layer well & wear waterproof clothing.