Kautz Creek Snowshoe, Twin Firs Loop & Westside Road — Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

We headed up to Mt. Rainier for a couple of hours and did three separate out-and-back snowshoes from the Paradise road. The road to Paradise was due to open at about noon and the Longmire parking lot was packed, so we elected to stay in less crowded areas of the park and had a great time. There is currently a really nice snow pack down on the trail, and just steps off the trail there is a nice powder base for some off-trail fun. Just stay near the trail so you don't get lost. The road is very slick and snow-covered. Bring your snow chains and/or 4WD and take it easy. Law enforcement is present and penalizing speeding (not us). We did the Kautz Creek trail from the parking lot up to the creek and back for about 2 miles. There is a good view of Rainier from the viewpoint by the parking lot. After driving up to Longmire and turning around, we stopped at the Twin Firs loop. We never did complete the entire loop as it is really covered up and navigating it was difficult, but we did have a good time. Finally, we stopped off at the Westside Road and snowshoed up the road for a while (closed at the gate). The trail is not groomed but there's plenty of room for everyone and some cross-country skiers have a nice ski track going. The Kautz Creek and Westside Road snowshoes would be good snowshoe routes for a first timer.