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 15, 2024-May 26, 2025, permits can be obtained at the Carbon River Ranger Station and at the Longmire Museum.
- For trips starting in the northeast (SR410) or southeast (SR123) corners of the park, permits can be obtained by self-registration at the Crystal Lakes trailhead and the White River WIC for trips in the northeast corner of the park and at the Southeast entrance archway for trips in the southeast corner of the park.
- 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 of one day prior.
Climbers
- October-April climbers can self-register at the Paradise Old Ranger Station. The Annual Climbing Fee is required for each climber before self-registration. Details on paying the Annual Climbing Fee online are available on the Climbing webpage.
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 |
|
The Carbon River Ranger Station is located 5.5 miles past the Mowich Lake turn-off, toward the Carbon River entrance. It is on the left side of the road.
Ipsut Creek Campground is being managed as a backcountry camp. A wilderness permit will be required to camp at Ipsut Creek. Fires and pets are not permitted beyond the point where public vehicles can legally park at the park entrance.
Carbon River & Mowich Area Trails Map
|
|
| Carbon Glacier Trail |
0 |
Lower Carbon bridge is in. |
07/11/2024 |
| Chenuis Fall |
0 |
Bridge is in. |
05/25/2024 |
| Green Lake |
0 |
Snow free. |
5/25/2024 |
| Ipsut Falls |
0 |
Snow Free. |
05/25/2024 |
| Northern Loop: Carbon River- Windy Gap |
0 |
|
07/21/2024 |
| Paul Peak Trail |
0 |
|
05/31/2024 |
| Rain Forest Loop |
0 |
Open |
05/26/2024 |
| Spray Park |
30 |
Still some stretches of snow coverage where minor navigation skills are required. Avalanche lilies GALORE, Jeffrey shooting-stars, mountain Indian paintbrushes. |
07/17/2024 |
| Seattle Park |
0 |
|
07/17/2024 |
| Tolmie Peak |
0 |
|
07/07/2024 |
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 |
|
05/25/2024 |
| Comet Falls Trail (Van Trump Park Trail) |
0 |
Snow free to Comet Falls. Patchy snow start just above Comet Falls. Some navigation required to get to VanTrump Park. |
07/07/2024 |
| Denman Falls Trail |
0 |
|
06/09/2024 |
| Eagle Peak Trail |
0 |
|
7/17/2024 |
| Goat Lake Trail (Glacier View Wilderness) |
0 |
Forest Service Road 59 CLOSED. Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September) |
07/23/2024 |
| Kautz Creek Trail |
0 |
|
07/12/2024 |
| Lake George & Gobblers Knob Trail |
0 |
Small patches of snow between Lake George and Gobblers Knob. |
07/07/2024 |
| Mildred Point Trail |
0 |
|
07/12/2024 |
| Mirror Lakes Trail |
0 |
Wet and muddy. |
06/24/2024 |
| Narada Falls Trail (Paradise to viewpoint below Narada Falls) |
0 |
|
06/07/2024 |
| North Puyallup River Trail |
0 |
|
06/25/2024 |
| Rampart Ridge Loop Trail |
0 |
|
05/25/2024 |
| Rampart Ridge Trail (Upper section from Wonderland Trail to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls) |
0 |
|
07/08/2024 |
| Round Pass Trail |
0 |
|
05/27/2024 |
| Saint Andrews Creek Trail |
0 |
|
07/08/2024 |
| South Puyallup River Trail |
0 |
|
05/27/2024 |
| Trail of the Shadows |
0 |
|
05/25/2024 |
| Twin Firs Trail |
0 |
|
05/25/2024 |
| 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. |
10/9/2023 |
Trails in the Ohanapecosh Area
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
Ohanapecosh Area Trails Map |
|
| Cowlitz Divide Trail (Olallie Creek Trail) |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| Eastside Trail |
0 |
|
07/23/2024 |
| Grove of the Patriarchs Trail |
|
CLOSED: BRIDGE HAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND IS CLOSED. |
06/27/2024 |
| Laughingwater Creek Trail |
15 |
Snow free until the final mile before camp. Numerous blowdowns make hiking rather difficult. |
06/11/2024 |
| Pacific Crest Trail |
|
Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September) |
10/9/2023 |
| Shriner Peak Trail |
0 |
Water source at 5200 still flowing, will dry up soon. |
07/10/2024 |
| Silver Falls Trail |
0 |
|
05/25/2024 |
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 for daily road status updates (Twitter account not required to view).
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
Paradise Area Trails Map |
|
| Alta Vista Trail |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Dead Horse Creek Trail |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Fourth Crossing Trail |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Glacier Vista Trail |
50 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Golden Gate Trail |
50 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| High Lakes Loop Trail |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Lakes Trail (Mazama Ridge) |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Moraine Trail |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Nisqually Vista Trail |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Paradise Glacier Trail |
50 |
Some navigation skills required. |
07/20/2024 |
| Pebble Creek Trail (to the base of the Muir Snowfield) |
100 |
Expert winter and navigation skills required. |
07/08/2024 |
| Pinnacle Peak Trail |
0 |
|
07/22/2024 |
| Skyline Trail |
30 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Snow Lake/Bench Lake Trail |
0 |
|
07/08/2024 |
| Stevens Creek Trail |
0 |
|
06/17/2024 |
Trails in the White River Area
|
Trail Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Trail Conditions
|
Update
|
| Summary |
|
Sunrise Area Trails Map |
|
| Burroughs Mountain Trail To First Burroughs (from Frozen Lake) |
5 |
Steep snow slope. Microspikes recommended. |
07/20/2024 |
| First Burroughs Mountain LOOP Trail |
5 |
Steep snow slope. Microspikes recommended. |
07/20/2024 |
| Burroughs Mountain to Glacier Basin Trail |
5 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Crystal Lakes Trail |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Crystal Peak Trail |
0 |
Trilliums, Jacobs Ladder, Phlox, Current, avie and glacier lilies |
06/24/2024 |
| Emmons Moraine Trail |
0 |
|
06/11/2024 |
| Glacier Basin Trail |
0 |
|
07/20/2024 |
| Grand Park Trail (via Northern Loop Trail) |
0 |
|
07/15/2024 |
| Huckleberry Creek Trail |
5 |
|
07/12/2023 |
| Lake Eleanor Trail |
0 |
Please stay on the trail and refrain from walking on fagile meadows. |
07/12/2024 |
| Mt. Fremont Trail |
0 |
|
07/17/2024 |
| Naches Peak Trail |
5 |
Be cautious of snow bridges. Pasqueflower, cinquefoil, Jacob's ladder, Glacier lily, Avalanche lily. |
07/17/2024 |
| Northern Loop Trail: Berkeley Park to Windy Gap |
0 |
|
07/17/2024 |
| Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from White River Road) |
0 |
No snow to Tamanos Camp. Quickly melting snow past Tamanos Camp. Pasque flowers, Jacobs's ladders, yellow violets, glacier lilies, spring beauties, lousewort, hellebore, and trilliums. |
07/05/2024 |
| Owyhigh Lakes Trail (from Highway 123) |
0 |
|
07/05/2024 |
| Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) NORTH from Chinook Pass to Sourdough Gap. |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) SOUTH from Chinook Pass to Laughingwater Creek Trail junction |
5 |
In the Dewey Lake area, there is a tree across the trail and some thin snow bridges. Microspikes and trekking poles are helpful. Be cautious of post-holing. |
07/12/2024 |
| Palisades Lakes Trail |
0 |
Lupine, sundrops, cascade golden rod, veronicas, avalanche, glacier, and tiger lilies, pasque flowers, Jacob's ladders, cascade asters, long leaf blue berries, and huckleberries. |
07/14/2024 |
| Silver Forest Trail |
0 |
|
07/08/2024 |
| Sourdough Ridge Trail West (Sunrise to Frozen Lake) |
0 |
|
07/08/2024 |
| Sourdough Ridge Trail East (Sunrise to Sunrise Point) |
0 |
|
07/08/2024 |
| Sunrise Rim Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| Tipsoo Lake Trail |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
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 |
06/16/2024 |
| Longmire to Indian Henry's |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| Indian Henry's to South Puyallup River |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| South Puyallup River to Klapatche Park |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| Klapatche Park to North Puyallup River |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| North Puyallup River to Golden Lakes |
0 |
|
07/07/2024 |
| Golden Lakes to South Mowich River |
0 |
|
07/1/2024 |
| South Mowich River to Mowich Lake |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| Mowich Lake to Ipsut Creek Campground |
0 |
|
07/14/2024 |
| Ipsut Creek Campground to Carbon Glacier |
0 |
|
07/08/2024 |
| Carbon Glacier to Mystic Lake |
0 |
Dick Creek bridge is out. This is an ankle deep crossing. |
07/18/2024 |
| Mystic Lake to Sunrise |
0 |
|
07/18/2024 |
| Sunrise to White River Campground |
0 |
|
07/15/2024 |
| White River Campground to Summerland |
0 |
Flowers blooming in meadow just beyond the lower Fryingpan Creek crossing |
07/14/2024 |
| Summerland to Indian Bar |
30 |
Be cautious of thinning snow bridges (just because there is an obvious boot pack over a snow bridge, does not mean it is safe). The upper Fryingpan crossing bridge is out. This is an ankle deep crossing. The snow-bridge is no longer safe to cross. Steep, hazardous snow slope with overhanging cornice at Panhandle Gap. Expert navigation, sturdy boots, traction and ice axes required. |
07/19/2024 |
| Indian Bar to Box Canyon |
5 |
|
07/19/2024 |
| Box Canyon to Reflection Lakes |
0
|
There is a significant hazardous slide between Silvia Falls and Martha Falls. The trail is at risk of further collapse. Crossing on the trail is not recommended. Alternates for thru-hikers include walking the Stevens Canyon Road or hiking off trail down to the riverbed and back up as one nears the slide area. For day hikers: Martha falls can be accessed from the west, where the trail crosses the road, just east of Louise Lake, and Silvia falls can be accessed from the east, at Box Canyon. |
07/15/2024 |
| Reflection Lakes to Narada Falls |
0 |
|
07/01/2024 |
| Narada Falls to Longmire |
0 |
|
07/01/2024 |
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) |
|
|
|
| Summary |
|
The road to Ipsut Creek is CLOSED. The hike is 5 miles from the Carbon River Entrance to Ipsut Creek Campground, which is now managed as a wilderness camp and requires a wilderness permit. There is a new Ranger Station located about 2 miles before the Carbon River entrance. This is the place to get permits and information for the Carbon/Mowich area.The Ranger Station at the entrance is no longer in operation.
|
10/9/2023 |
|
Carbon River Camp #4/1 (3195')
|
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
06/21/2024 |
| Cataract Valley Camp #6/1 (4620') |
0 |
Bear pole up. toilet open. |
06/21/2024 |
| Dick Creek Camp #2/0 (4185') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
06/30/2024 |
| Eagle's Roost Camp #7/0 (4885') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
06/09/2023 |
| Ipsut Creek #12/1 (2400') |
0 |
Bear boxes in. |
05/25/2024 |
| Mowich Lake Walk-in Camp (4900') |
0 |
Bear box in. Toilet open. |
07/17/2024 |
| Mystic Camp #7/1 (5570') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/18/2024 |
| South Mowich River Camp #3/1 (2605') |
0 |
Bear pole UP. Toilet open. |
05/31/2025 |
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 poles up. Toilet open. Some sites very wet. |
07/01/2024 |
| Golden Lakes Camp #5/1 (5130') |
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. Please store scented items on the bear pole. There have been consistant bear sightings. |
07/15/2024 |
| Klapatche Park Camp #4/0 (5515') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
06/29/2024 |
| Lake George Camp #5/1 (4320') |
0 |
Bear poles are up and toilet is open. |
07/01/2024 |
| Maple Creek Camp #4/1 (2815') |
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
05/31/2024 |
| North Puyallup River Camp #3/1 (3750') |
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
06/09/2024 |
| Paradise River Camp #3/1 (3805') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/01/2024 |
| Pyramid Creek Camp #2/0 (3765') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
05/25/2024 |
| Snow Lake Camp #2/0 (4690') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/12/2024 |
| South Puyallup River Camp #4/1 (4000') |
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
06/09/2023 |
Eastside Backcountry Camps
|
Camp Name
|
% Snow Cover
|
Camp Conditions
|
Update
|
| # of Individual/Group sites are show as #I/G, (elevation) |
|
|
|
| Summary |
|
Diligently practice proper food storage; never leave food unattended including in a backpack or tent; never leave food in a tent at night. |
|
| Berkeley Park Camp #2/1 (5375') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/12/2024 |
| Deer Creek Camp #2/0 (2950') |
0 |
Toilet open. Bear pole up. |
06/20/2024 |
| Dick's Lake Camp #1/0 (5675') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/12/2024 |
| Fire Creek Camp #3/1 (4300') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
06/16/2024 |
| Forest Lake Camp #1/0 (5660') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/02/2024 |
| Glacier Basin Camp #5/1 (5965') |
0 |
Bear barrels out. Toilets open.
|
07/12/2024 |
Granite Creek #3/1 (5765')
|
0 |
Bear poles up. Toilet open. |
07/07/2024 |
| Indian Bar #4/1 (5120') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/19/2024 |
| James Camp #3/1 (4620') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/18/2024 |
| Lake Eleanor Camp #3/1 (5000') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
06/17/2024 |
| Lower Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5450') |
0 |
Bear pole is up. Toilet open. |
06/25/2024 |
| Nickel Creek Camp #3/1 (3385') |
0 |
Bear pole up. toilet open. |
06/24/2024 |
| Olallie Creek Camp #2/1 (3940') |
0 |
Bear pole up. toilet open. |
07/1/2024 |
| Shriner Peak Camp #2/0 (5355') |
0 |
Bear pole up, toilet open. |
07/19/2024 |
| Summerland Camp #5/1 (5940') |
0 |
Toilet open. Bear poled up. |
07/19/2024 |
| Sunrise Walk-In Camp #8/2 (6245') |
0 |
Bear box in. Toilet open. |
07/12/2024 |
| Tamanos Creek Camp #4/2 (5270') |
0 |
Toilet under open. Bear pole up. |
07/20/2024 |
| Three Lakes Camp #2/1 (4680') |
100 |
Bear pole down. Toilet under snow. |
06/10/2024 |
| Upper Crystal Lake Camp #2/0 (5825') |
0 |
Toilet open. Bear pole down. |
06/25/2024 |
| Upper Palisades Lake Camp #2/0 (5835') |
0 |
Bear pole up. Toilet open. |
07/12/2024 |
| White River Walk-in Camp #3/1 (4300') |
0 |
Bear box in. |
06/10/2024 |
| Yellowstone Cliffs Camp #2/0 (5180') |
|
Bear pole is down. Toilet is under snow. Trail and backcountry camp conditions are reported in detail during the summer months only (generally June-September) |
10/9/2023 |
