We entered Mt. Rainier at the Ashford entrance on a Sunday around noon and there was NO line.  Maybe because of the clouds?  We picked up our permit and headed up to the Pyramid Creek camp via the Wonderland trail.  The first two miles are shady and uphill until the junction with the Rampart Ridge Loop.  Then there is a nice flat section before the downhill switchbacks to Kautz Creek.  Two rock hop crossings are first and then the big crossing.  We were a little confused by the detour but finally figured out to follow the cairns on the old dry riverbed for a ways until you reach the freshly shaved log bridge with a hand hold.  Once you cross the creek, the Pyramid Creek Camp is probably a half mile up the trail.  The bear hanging pole was in major disrepair which caused us some trouble, but a nice man at camp helped.  On the way back down we passed a ranger bringing a replacement!  We made camp at Pyramid Creek and then took our stove and dinner up to Indian Henry's Cabin.  Once you pass the crossing at Pyramid Creek the mosquitoes start to swarm and they became relentless through Devil's Dream and on to the cabin.  Worst ever.  But no pain, no gain!  The wildflower meadows surrounding the cabin were just divine.  Worth the 500 mosquito bites!  We hightailed it back down to camp where the mosquitoes were tolerable.  This hike has been on my wish list and I am glad we made it an overnight which broke it down into a more manageable distance and drive.   Bring headnets and 100% DEET!  

Beautiful day at the mountain! We hiked with 11 and 9 year old boys. We wanted to walk Rampart Ridge, but decided to detour to Pyramid Creek camp. The hike was lovely. Once you get to the washout area, near what I believe is Kautz Creek it's not possible to pass without wading the creek. I'm not sure if we didn't catch the right area to cross (this being our first time), but we decided to turn around with the boys. I'm really excited to try again though. Just a lovely trail!

Happy hiking!

Headed to Mt Rainier for a few miles of early season hiking around the Longmire area today.

Upon entering the Nisqually gate we noticed a comment on the sign about Comet Falls is not recommended to hike today. The ranger said, "If you value your life you will stay away"

We then drove up to Longmire.

Checking in with the rangers at the WIC it was explained it was due to "a slope of ice" that made it very unsafe and "slippery" at this time. We thought it was best to heed the warning, even with microspikes, moreover, yes we do value our lives and any of the understaffed park employees that might have to rescue us, since it is rare to see the park put it in writing. 

We then asked about Eagle Peak, the saddle is melting out but still not approachable, Lake George still snow covered but beautiful, Gobbler's Knob not approachable. We landed firmly on a trip around Rampart Ridge then down to the Kautz crossing to check out the creek, all snow free and quite lovely.

Kautz Creek crossing hasn't changed much since last year, thanks to the mild winter and spring. The crossing is well marked with a cairn and several pieces of pink tape. Downstream 100' or so, there are two nice sized limbs that might even make an easier crossing. 

We headed back up the hill to the small avi chute that makes for a nice lunch spot and then back down hill for a fun and leisurely hike today.

7.10 miles 1700'

Ice cream at Elbe Market heck yeah!

Started from Longmire and headed up the Rampart Ridge Loop clockwise via Trail of Shadows. No snow on the loop and just some frosty/icy rocks on the small exposed section. Easy to navigate. Headed down the Wonderland trail toward Pyramid Creek Camp. Nice section of trail as it drops into Kautz Creek. The 2nd fork of the creek had a very skinny icy log and iced over rocks so I turned back at this point. I then headed up the Comet Falls/VanTrump Trail which continues up Rampart Ridge thru a forested section of trail. I did not hit snow until about 4700 ft as the trail drops off the top of the ridge and goes along the north side of the ridge. Trail became consistently snow covered just before the switchbacks and continued to deepen. I continued on past the aging bridge and up thru the last of the switchbacks and just before the junction with Comet Falls and Van Trump Park. I was well past my turn around time and knew I would not reach the Point and get out by dark, so I called it a day. Saw lots of bird and critter activity - varied thrush, flock of crossbills, black backed woodpecker, and several Douglas squirrels. Lots of elk/deer prints especially enroute to Mildred Pt and coyote scat and prints. Scat was very fresh and not frozen yet. I did see old boot prints on the Mildred Pt section. Lots of mushrooms throughout. Saw no one all day even Longmire seemed devoid of hikers. Did see the hordes coming down from Paradise as I crossed the road to finish the loop.  Beautiful day on the mt! Will definitely go back to complete hike to Mildred Point.

Road up to Longmire was ice covered for large portions but was much better by the afternoon.I put my micro spikes on from the beginning and carried my snowshoes. Started on Trail of Shadows which is a wonderful family hike. Views of Rainier, bubbling hot springs and an old cabin plus bridges and a bench to rest. The trail to Rampart Ridge is open but has signage about cougar activity. The switchbacks climb but not excessively with peak a boo views toward Eagle Cap. The signed viewpoint is worth the look although the Mt is blocked by trees. At the high point someone had compacted the snow for a nice rest spot especially when the sun is out. The small open section of trail is currently safe and well packed down. This is where you get a spectacular view of the Mt. The portion along the ridge was a bit fluffier snow but still not deep enough to warrant snow shoes. The trail out to Pyramid Creek Camp was also well packed down and I only went about 1/2 mile to check it out. The trail to Van Trump Park has not been traveled at all.  As you drop off the ridge be sure to look back at the ridge and the exposed cliffs which gives you a great look at their origin - lava. Wildlife spotted varied thrush,douglas squirrel,ruby crowned kinglet and heard woodpeckers and raven. Prints spotted deer,snowshoehare and squirrel- possible very old cougar prints nothing fresh.