Mazama Ridge Snowshoe

I drove up through the clouds to Paradise at Mt Rainier National Park to snowshoe up to Mazama Ridge (4 miles round trip with 1,000 ft overall gain). I was happy to have a view of Mt Rainier at the Parking Lot. This view was soon covered in clouds. Today I saw two skiers up on Mazama Ridge, and then 2 skiers and 2 snowshoers as I came down from Mazama Ridge.

When I reached the closed Paradise Valley Road, the snow was soft and sloppy, so I put my snowshoes on. There were lots of clouds with the sun trying to break through as I headed to 4th crossing.

view of Paradise River downstream from the bridge at 4th Crossing

view of Paradise River upstream from the bridge at 4th Crossing

The clouds started to lift as I headed up Mazama Ridge. Runnels along the hillside along with evidence of recent avalanches.

Beautiful blue sky and Mt Rainier as I continue up Mazama Ridge.

For a short time the clouds revealed the top of the Tatoosh Peaks while I was up on Mazama Ridge. So beautiful!

Lots of clouds over Stevens Canyon to the east.

For a while, I was snowshoeing into this gorgeous view of Mt Rainier.

This is my favorite snowshoe that I can easily drive to for a day hike.

zoom of Little Tahoma

Panorama of this winter wonderland up on Mazama Ridge

For a while the clouds came in an obstructed the views, the skiers headed back down, but I continued to my favorite lunch spot and was rewarded with mountain views while I took a break. There was no one here but me, so serene!

It wasn't long before the clouds returned.

It didn't look as if the clouds would lift for some time, so I followed my tracks back down the trail.

With no mountain views, I noticed the beauty in the shape of the slopes with the runnels making patterns in the snow.

The clouds lifted enough for good visibility, but no more mountain views while I was here.

Lovely view of the winding Paradise River in the valley below as I headed back up the Paradise Valley Road to the parking area.