Trails and Backcountry Camp Conditions

 
Pinnacle Peak Trail requires micro spikes and ice axe
Steep snow slopes on Pinnacle Peak 06/03/2026. Ice axe and micro spikes required.

NPS/ E. Rosenberg

Mount Rainier can receive 700 or more inches of snow each winter. When spring comes to the mountains it is a very busy time for Park Rangers. The previous fall usually brings the rainy season which causes damage to trails and camps by raging waters, high winds and falling trees. All this damage gets covered by 10-20 feet of snow, and there it sits until melt-out which often does not occur in earnest until late June or early July. The snow usually starts melting in high volumes, causing more damage to trails and camps. The Trail Crew may have to clear hundreds of trees from the trails each year. Replacing footlogs and bridges is also a major project. Footlogs are also prone to being washed out anytime there is a prolonged period of rain regardless of the season.

Wilderness Rangers and Trail Crew members are out and about early in the season trying to assess the damage. Given the vastness of the trail system and the volumes of snow, this is a large task. As we get reliable information on the status of a trail, a section of trail or a backcountry camp, that information will be posted here on the website.

Please note that many park roads and facilities close during winter. At any time during the year the weather can change quickly and unexpectedly. Always check current weather conditions before heading out on a trail.

 
 

Backcountry Trails and Camp Reports

Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). A Wilderness Camping Permit is required year round for camping or climbing in the park. Always check with Park Rangers for trail conditions before heading out into the backcountry. FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED in the wilderness at Mount Rainier.

Be prepared for harsh conditions and fast-changing weather. River crossings are prone to washing out, potentially leaving you stranded on one side of the crossing. Always cross early in the day when water levels are at their lowest. Use extreme caution anytime you attempt to ford a river or creek. Expect log footbridges and other river crossings to be washed out during the fall/winter, when powerful rain events are common. These crossings are not replaced until the following spring/summer. Be prepared... mountain weather is good one minute, daunting the next. Learn more about hiking safety.

Check the Northwest Avalanche Center Report and the Mount Rainier Recreational Weather Report before heading out. Avalanche assessment and route-finding skills are needed for many winter activities in the park. Learn more about winter recreation.
Do not leave valuables in your car. While break-ins are infrequent, they do occur.

NOTE: Please note the date for reports and recognize that changes may have occurred since the report. Conditions are updated when there is new information.

Register for Permits During the Winter and Spring Season

  • Climbers can self register at the Paradise Old Station.
  • Permits for overnight camping in the backcountry are required year-round.
  • From October 14, 2025-May 21, 2026, permits can be obtained at the Longmire Museum.
  • From October 14, 2025-May 21, 2026 permits starting in the northeast (SR410) corner of the park can be obtained by self-registration at the Crystal Lakes trailhead and the White River WIC
  • For trips in the southeast corner of the park permits can be obtained at the entrance archway.
  • Paradise winter group permits (13 or more people) can be obtained in advance on Recreation.gov as soon as there is the required five feet of consolidated snow on the ground at Paradise. Permits for parties of 12 or fewer can be obtained in person the day your trip starts or one day prior.

Climbers

  • September-April climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. The Climbing Fee is required for each climber before self-registration. Details on paying the Climbing Fee online are available on the Climbing webpage.

Register for Permits During the Summer Season

  • Climbers climbing out of Paradise must register at the Paradise Wilderness Information Center. Open daily 7:30am-5pm
  • Permits for overnight camping in the backcountry are required year-round.
  • From May 22, 2026-October 12, 2026 permits can be obtained in person at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (WIC), Paradise WIC, and White River WIC. Open daily 7:30pm-5pm

Trails in the Carbon River Area

The Carbon River Road to Ipsut Creek Campground is CLOSED at the park entrance because of 2006 flood damage. It is now a five mile hike into Ipsut Creek Campground. Bikes are permitted ONLY as far as Ipsut Creek Campground.

Trail Name

% Snow Cover

Trail Conditions

Update

Summary

SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.

There is NO public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles and there is no alternate route.


Carbon River & Mowich Area Trails Map

07/01/2026
Carbon Glacier Trail 0 SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Numerous bridges are out. Unsafe to attempt until bridges are installed. 06/25/2026
Chenuis Fall 0 SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Bridge is out getting to the falls. 06/25/2026
Green Lake 0 SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Few trees down, snow free. 05/29/2026
Ipsut Falls 0 SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Bridge out going into camp and to falls. Should be repaired soon. 05/29/2026
Northern Loop: Carbon River- Windy Gap SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). No Recent report, numerous bridges out before the Lower Crossing of the Carbon River. 05/29/2026
Paul Peak Trail 0 SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Bridge out ½ mile from trailhead, should be repaired soon. All bridges on Mowich Rivers washed out. 05/29/2026
Rain Forest Loop 0 SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Trail under construction, use caution. 05/29/2026
Spray Park 40 SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Near continuous snow begins at 6,100' on the approach from Mowich and continues up to the pass and down to 5,900'. Expert winter travel skills and navigation skills required. 06/11/2026
Seattle Park 20 SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. 20% snow coverage. A few steep snow slopes remain. Please stay on trail and off the fragile vegetation. Some navigation required. 06/11/2026
Tolmie Peak 50 No trees down. Snow begins near Eunice, patchy snow before and up at Tolmie. 05/29/2026

Trails in the Longmire Area

The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round.

Trail Name

% Snow Cover

Trail Conditions

Update

Summary Longmire Area Trails Map
Carter Falls (from Cougar Rock Campground) 0 Bridge over the Nisqually River is in. 05/14/2026
Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail) 0 06/26/2026
Denman Falls Trail 0 05/29/2026
Eagle Peak Trail 0 06/03/2026
Goat Lake Trail (Glacier View Wilderness) 0 06/25/2026
Kautz Creek Trail 0 There is a washout about 1 mile into the trail.
06/30/2026
Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail 0 06/25/2026
Mildred Point Trail 1 06/20/2026
Mirror Lakes Trail 0 06/25/2026
Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls) Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). 10/01/2025
North Puyallup River Trail 0 06/15/2026
Rampart Ridge Loop Trail 0 Snow free. 05/22/2026
Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls) 0 Many downed trees. 06/30/2026
Round Pass Trail 0 06/01/2026
Saint Andrews Creek Trail 0 Snow free to Klapatche Park Camp. 06/01/2026
South Puyallup River Trail 0 06/01/2026
Trail of the Shadows 0 05/22/2026
Twin Firs Trail 0 05/22/2026
Tahoma Creek Trail CLOSED DUE TO DEBRIS FLOW AND HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. THE TAHOMA CREEK HAS TAKEN OVER THE TRAIL. NOTE: This is an unmaintained trail in an area with high risk of geohazards such as flooding and debris flows. These events have occurred frequently in the past and are expected to occur again. There are only remnants of this trail remaining. Navigation is difficult and the route is hazardous. It is NOT recommended to hike Tahoma Creek Trail. 06/25/2026

Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area

Trail Name

% Snow Cover

Trail Conditions

Update

Summary Ohanapecosh Area Trails Map
05/24/2026
Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail) 0 Many downed trees. 06/05/2026
Eastside Trail 10 Tipsoo Lake to Highway 123: 50% snow. Navigation required. From Deer Creek to the Grove of the Patriarchs is snow free. 06/10/2026
Grove of the Patriarchs Trail 0 CLOSED: BRIDGE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND IS CLOSED. 05/22/2026
Laughingwater Creek Trail 0 06/22/2026
Pacific Crest Trail Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). 10/01/2025
Shriner Peak Trail 2 Patchy snow begins at 4900' elevation. Total snow coverage 2%. Lupine, yellow and white avalanche lily, heather, orange paintbrush, and beargrass all present. 06/12/2026
Silver Falls Trail 0 NOTE: In 2026, the Silver Falls Trailhead in the Ohanapecosh Campground is CLOSED due to the Ohanapecosh Construction Project. Please note:
  • Silver Falls can be accessed from the Grove of the Patriarchs parking lot via the Eastside Trail.
  • The portion of the trail connecting to the Ohanapecosh Campground is closed and the Silver Falls Trail cannot be hiked as a loop. The two sides of the trail on either bank of the Ohanapecosh River can be hiked as out-and-back routes only. Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September).
05/22/2026

Trails in the Paradise Area

The main road to Longmire is OPEN year round. During winter months, the road from Longmire to Paradise closes nightly at the gate at Longmire. Check Twitter for daily road status updates (Twitter account not required to view).

Trail Name

% Snow Cover

Trail Conditions

Update

Summary Paradise Area Trails Map 06/17/2026
Alta Vista Trail 07/01/2026
Dead Horse Creek Trail 0 06/17/2026
Fourth Crossing Trail 0 06/30/2026
Glacier Vista Trail 0 07/01/2026
Golden Gate Trail 0 06/30/2026
High Lakes Loop Trail 0 07/01/2026
Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge) 0 07/01/2026
Moraine Trail 0 06/17/2026
Nisqually Vista Trail 0 06/25/2026
Paradise Glacier Trail 0 06/30/2026
Pebble Creek Trail (to the base of the Muir Snowfield) 100 Winter travel and navigation skills required. 10/01/2025
Pinnacle Peak Trail 1 06/24/2026
Skyline Trail 30 Sturdy boots/traction and trekking poles recommended. 07/01/2026
Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail 0 Avalanche Lillies! 06/26/2026
Stevens Creek Trail 0 05/22/2026

Trails in the White River Area

Trail Name

% Snow Cover

Trail Conditions

Update

Summary Sunrise Area Trails Map 10/01/2025
Burroughs Mountain Trail To First Burroughs (from Frozen Lake) 1 1% snow coverage. Frozen Lake to First Burroughs has one small 20 foot patch remaining, but exposed. Trekking poles and/or microspikes recommended. 06/20/2026
First Burroughs Mountain LOOP Trail 1 First to Second Burroughs has two patches that are about 100-200 feet in length with some exposure. First Burroughs to Sunrise via Emmons Overlook one 200 foot patch with significant exposure. Trekking poles and/or microspikes recommended. 06/20/2026
Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). 06/25/2026
Crystal Lakes Trail 0 Virtually snow free to Upper Crystal Lake with some lingering patches that are easy to navigate. 20% snow coverage from Upper Crystal Lake to Sourdough Gap. Multiple small to medium trees down. 06/02/2026
Crystal Peak Trail 0 One small patch left in the upper meadows avalanche path crossing. 06/12/2026
Emmons Moraine Trail 0 The bridge across the Inter Fork is out. There are possible rock-hop crossings possible slightly up stream depending on the time of day and waterflow. Rock hops will place hikers on a loose, sandy, unmaintained section of trail. 06/09/2026
Glacier Basin Trail 0 06/30/2026
Grand Park Trail (via Northern Loop Trail) 2 Grand Park is snow free. No flowing water in Grand Park. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/20/2026
Huckleberry Creek Trail The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 10/01/2025
Lake Eleanor Trail 0 Forest Service Road 73 is closed due to a washout. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/17/2026
Mt. Fremont Trail 0 The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/14/2026
Naches Peak Trail 70 Total 70% snow with most of the snow on the PCT section of the loop. All south aspects are snow free, everything else is still under about 1 foot of snow. Navigation is relatively easy with an established bootpack. There are several sections where a fall would be consequential. Traction and poles/ice axe are mandatory in firm conditions. 06/07/2026
Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap 1 Berkeley Park to Grand Park - 2% total snow coverage. Grand Park is snow free. No flowing water in Grand Park. Grand park to West Fork of the White River - 0% snow. West Fork of the White River bridge is OUT. A high level of caution is advised if attempting to ford the river. Be prepared to use your own judgement and skill level to find an adequate crossing, if possible. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/18/2026
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road) 0 Many trees down. 06/21/2026
Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from Highway 123) 0 many trees down. 06/21/2026
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) NORTH from Chinook Pass to Sourdough Gap. 1 One 100 ft patch of snow just before Sourdough Gap. A boot pack is well placed across the snow patch. 06/20/2026
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) SOUTH from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail junction Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). 10/01/2025
Palisades Lakes Trail 06/23/2026
Silver Forest Trail Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/25/2026
Sourdough Ridge Trail West (Sunrise to Frozen Lake) 1 The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/20/2026
Sourdough Ridge Trail East (Sunrise to Sunrise Point) 60 Snow free for the first 1.5 miles from Sunrise Point towards Sunrise, then continuous snow. 06/11/2026
Sunrise Rim Trail Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/25/2026
Tipsoo Lake Trail 0 06/20/2026

Wonderland Trail

Trail Name

% Snow Cover

Trail Conditions

Update

Summary Extra caution should be used when crossing rivers in the time of high water during warm weather days. Refer to Crossing Streams Safely Please do not cross bridges or footlogs with water running over them. 06/22/2026
Longmire to Indian Henry's 0 Bridge over Pyramid Creek is in. 06/25/2026
Indian Henry's to South Puyallup River 0 06/25/2026
South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park 0 06/24/2026
Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River 15 All snow within 0.6 miles of Klapatche Camp. Winter travel skills required. Ice axe and microspikes recommended. 06/15/2026
North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes 5 06/06/2026
Golden Lakes to South Mowich River 0 Follow the flagging across the South Mowich River Crossing. 06/21/2026
South Mowich River to Mowich Lake 0 06/21/2026
Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground 0 06/11/2026
Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier 0 Lower Carbon River bridge is out. Crossing is not recommended. Use extreme caution. 06/25/2026
Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake 0 06/25/2026
Mystic Lake to Sunrise 1 One patch of snow 30 feet in length just before Skyscraper Pass. Trekking poles and/or microspikes recommended with lower freezing levels. The Winthrop Creek bridge is IN. 06/20/2026
Sunrise to White River Campground 0 The White River foot log is IN. 06/19/2026
White River Campground to Summerland 0 The Fryingpan Creek crossing is IN with a railing and a new access point to the foot log. 06/19/2026
Summerland to Indian Bar 60 Indian Bar to Panhandle Gap: 60% snow coverage. Expert snow navigation necessary. Micro spikes and trekking poles recommended. Be cautious of melting snow bridges. Please do not blindly follow a boot pack as it may go over thin snow bridges. 06/23/2026
Indian Bar to Box Canyon 2 Snowy sections just north of the Cowlitz Divide high point require navigation. Trekking poles recommended for sections with steeper snow slopes. 06/23/2026
Box Canyon to Reflection Lakes

0

One foot log across Maple creek is out. Bridge just below Martha Falls is out. Water is ankle deep, but rocks in creek are slippery. Use extra caution. 05/31/2026
Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls 0

06/25/2026
Narada Falls to Longmire 0

Carbon Area Backcountry Camps

The road to Ipsut Creek Campground is closed at the park entrance, secondary to flood damage in 2006. All backcounrty camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Permits at Carbon River just inside the entrance to the park.

Camp Name

% Snow Cover

Camp Conditions

Update

# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) 10/01/2025
Summary

SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.

SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake.
There is NO public access to Carbon River & Mowich Lake from SR 165. The bridge is closed to pedestrians, bicycles and vehicles and there is no alternate route. Sunrise Road is not projected to open until early July.

06/15/2026

Carbon River Camp #4/1 (3195')

0 Bear poles up. Toilet open. 06/14/2026
Cataract Valley Camp #6/1 (4620') 0 Bear poles up. Toilet open. 06/14/2026
Dick Creek Camp #2/0 (4185') 0 Bear poles up. Toilet open. 06/14/2026
Eagle's Roost Camp #7/0 (4885') 0 Bear pole up. Toilet open. 06/14/2026
Ipsut Creek #12/1 (2400') 0 Bear boxes in. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. Ipsut Creek bridge is out. 05/22/2026
Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900') 0 Bear box in. Toilet open. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. 06/25/2026
Mystic Camp #7/1 (5570') 0 Bear poles up. Toilet open. 06/14/2026
South Mowich River Camp #3/1 (2605') 0 Bear pole UP. Toilet open. SR165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed: no access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake. 06/15/2026

Longmire/Paradise Area Backcountry Camp

All backcountry camping requires a permit. Obtain Wilderness Camping permits daily at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (Summer only) or the Longmire Museum (After Columbus Day-Memorial Day).

Camp Name

% Snow Cover

Camp Conditions

Update

# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation)
Summary
Devil's Dream Camp #7/1 (5060') 0 Bear pole is up and toilet is open. 06/15/2026
Golden Lakes Camp #5/1 (5130') 0 Bear poles up and toilet open. 06/15/2026
Klapatche Park Camp #4/0 (5515') 0 Bear pole up and toilet open. 06/11/2026
Lake George Camp #5/1 (4320') 0 Bear poles are up and toilet is open. 05/22/2026
Maple Creek Camp #4/1 (2815') 0 Bear pole up and toilet open. 05/22/2026
North Puyallup River Camp #3/1 (3750') 0 Bear poles up and toilet open. 06/15/2026
Paradise River Camp #3/1 (3805') 0 Bear pole up. Toilet open. 05/22/2026
Pyramid Creek Camp #2/0 (3765') 0 Bear pole up. Toilet open. 05/22/2026
Snow Lake Camp #2/0 (4690') 0 Bear pole up. Toilet open. 06/15/2026
South Puyallup River Camp #4/1 (4000') 0 Bear pole is up and toilet is open. 05/23/2026

Eastside Backcountry Camps

Camp Name

% Snow Cover

Camp Conditions

Update

# of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/25/2026
Summary Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night. 06/21/2026
Berkeley Park Camp #2/1 (5375') 0 Bear poles up. Toilet open. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/18/2026
Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950') 0 Bear pole is up. Toilet open. 05/23/2026
Dick's Lake Camp #1/0 (5675') 0 Bear pole up and toilet is open. 06/21/2026
Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300') 0 Bear pole is up. Toilet is open.The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/21/2026
Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660') 0 Bear pole is up. Toilet is open. he Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/21/2026
Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965') 0 Bear barel is in and toilet is open. 06/13/2026
Granite Creek #3/1 (5765')
0 The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. Bear pole is up and toilet is open. 06/01/2026
Indian Bar #4/1 (5120') 0 Bear poles are down are up. Toilet open. 06/26/2026
James Camp #3/1 (4620') Bear poles are down are DOWN for the season. Please store food properly in a bear canister or a bear and rodent proof sack (such as an UrSack). Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 10/01/2025
Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000') 0 Bear pole is up. Toilet open. Forest Service Road 73 is closed due to a washout. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/21/2026
Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450') 0 Bear pole up. Toilet open. 05/22/2026
Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385') 0 Nickel Creek bridge is out. 06/05/2026
Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940') 0 Olallie Creek crossing is 2 feet wide and 4 inches deep midday. 06/05/2026
Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355') 25 Bear pole is up. Toilet is open. 1 site is snow free. 1 site 25% snow covered. 06/19/2026
Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940') 0 Both bear poles are up.Toilet open. 06/19/2026
Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245') 0 Bear box in. The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 06/19/2026
Tamanos Creek Camp #4/2 (5270') 0 Bear pole is up and toilet is open. 06/09/2026
Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680') 0 pole is up. Toilet is open 06/23/2026
Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825') 0 Bear pole is up. Toilet open. 05/31/2026
Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835') 0 Bear pole is up and toilet is open. 06/23/2026
White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300') 0 Bear box in. If there is water flowing over the White River foot log do not cross over the log. A detour is available along the White River Campground Road and Sunrise Road. 06/25/2026
Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180') Bear poles are down are DOWN for the season. Please store food properly in a bear canister or a bear and rodent proof sack (such as an UrSack). Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September). The Sunrise Road is not expected to open until early July. 10/01/2025

Last updated: July 1, 2026

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304

Phone:

360 569-2211

Contact Us