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.
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