Glacier Vista and Nisqually Vista Snowshoe

Drove up to Paradise at Mt Rainier National Park to snowshoe up to Glacier Vista, then down to the short Nisqually Vista loop trail. Overall 4 miles with 1,200 ft of gain. Not a lot of people out on this beautiful day. The trees were frosty this morning.

On my way up to Glacier Vista, everyone before me and those who passed me went up to Panorama Point, so I had the area by Glacier Vista to myself, until I headed back down the trail.

It was wonderful to snowshoe up to Glacier Vista with this view the majority of the way up!

From up at Glacier Vista, to the south, beyond the Tatoosh Range, I could see the Goat Rocks, Adams, Hood and St Helens.

zoom of the Goat Rocks

zoom of Mt Adams

zoom of Mt Hood beyond Pinnacle Peak

zoom of Mt St Helens

wide angle view of Mt Rainier from Glacier Vista

Snowshoeing back down, I could see a crack along the edge of a cornice.

As much as I enjoy snowshoeing up to the views of Rainier, I also enjoy the hike back down and these views of the Tatoosh Range. Lots of lovely fresh snow from Monday's storm.

It was never crowded today.

I couldn't resist turning around to enjoy the views of Rainier.

I headed down along the western edge of Paradise on my way to the Nisqually Vista Trail, lots of solitude here.

Nice view of most of the northern Tatoosh Peaks

On the west side of the lower Paradise parking area, is the 1 mile Nisqually Vista loop trail. There were pools marking the bridge over the creek.

I went counterclockwise along the loop. Nice sneak peek of Rainier.

Although most of the loop hike is in the woods, there are a couple of outstanding view spots.

At the far side of the loop, is the fabulous vista looking up the Nisqually River to the Nisqually Glacier and Mt Rainier.

Another nice view of Rainier on the far side of the loop.

The low winter sun and a moment of serenity along the trail.


 

Wenatchee Crest Snowshoe

We drove up to Blewett Pass to snowshoe along Wenatchee Crest. This is a great one to do when the avalanche danger makes other mountain hikes too dangerous as it crosses no avalanche slopes. We did 7.5 miles with an overall gain of 770ft. We started around 8:30 and were happy to see some blue sky before the predicted storm clouds moved in. We were also happy to see a nice packed trail from earlier in the week. We didn't see anyone else on the trail until we were hiking back, and only 2 skiers and 5 other snowshoers.

At the first opening through the trees to the west, we could see Mount Stuart and some Teanaway Peaks. There are more open viewpoints further down the ridge, but by that time the clouds had covered Mount Stuart.

zoom of a storm cloud over Mount Stuart

We enjoyed the nearby rolling hills covered in snow.

We were pleasanty surprised to see some larches were still holding on to their golden needles in December.

Beside the packed down trail, there was lot of nice fluffy fresh snow!

As the morning continued, the clouds descended, obscuring most of the views.

When we reached the split in the road about 3 miles from the parking area, we choose the left fork, which dead ended due to lots of brush, so we headed up a nearby hill. Here we were in the clouds and it began to snow!

As we snowshoed back along the ridge, the clouds lifted for some views of the closer ridge lines.

Back at the saddle, we could see the sun breaking through the clouds to the southeast.

Such a lovely day on Wenatchee Crest, while it was raining over most of Western Washington

View of Diamond Head to the east.

Mt Rose

Drove out to the southern Olympics to hike up Mt Rose today. This is a steep hike, 3,500 ft gain in 2.9 miles. There was some fresh snow from last night. Only saw 4 other hikers on the trail today.  Rushing water near the beginning of the hike. 

This hike is all in the woods, even at the top. But there are some views. Here I could see Lake Cushman through the trees along the trail. I was happy to see some blue sky!

Started seeing snow at 3,400 ft.

small stream crossing

Lots of lovely fresh snow around 3,800 ft

So beautiful!

I was so happy that a young couple passed me early in the hike, they did all the trail breaking today. Not sure I would have made it to the top if I had to break trail by myself.

View to the west from the top of Mt Rose (4,300 ft). Lake Cushman below and some Olympic Peaks to the northwest.

It was very cold and windy at the top, and mostly cloudy while I was there. As I was coming down from the top, the clouds started to blow away towards the west, and I could see Mt Rainier to the east (far left of this photo).

As I continued down the trail, I caught a glimpse of a cloud covered Mt Washington and Mt Elinor to the north.

Another view of Mt Rainier and Lake Cushman as I continued down the trail.

So nice to have a lovely day between this month's rain storms

Narada Falls to ReflectionLake Snowshoe

 Drove up to Mt Rainier National Park to snowshoe from Narada Falls parking area to Reflection Lakes. About 4 miles with 700 ft of overall gain. Not many people along the way on this cloudy and partially snowy day. On the drive out of the park, saw a fox and a deer by the road. 

Paradise River near the parking area

View of Lane Peak from above Narada Falls.

There was fresh snow from last night, but the snow was well packed down here from the previous days under the fresh snow. Ruby Falls along the Paradise River, below the closed road.

zoom of the ice by Ruby Falls

Paradise River above Ruby Falls, on the other side of the bridge (closed road)

I choose to snowshoe along the closed road via Inspiration Point to Reflection Lake, there were some nice icicles among the rocks.

This section of the road had quite a bit of fresh snow, I enjoyed the peacefulness here, heading toward Inspiration Point.

Looking back along my tracks, Mt Rainier is hidden by the clouds.

Partial view of Eagle Peak as the clouds move through the Tatoosh Range.

View of Denman and Lane Peaks from Inspiration Point.

Some skiers passed me on the road, I looked back and was blessed to get a glimpse of Mt Rainier above the clouds for a minute as the clouds gathered around the mountain.

First glimpse of Pinnacle Peak ahead.

The Castle, Pinnacle Peak and Plummer Peak in the Tatoosh Range

The cliffs along the side of the road

It was very cloudy and starting to snow when I reached Reflection Lakes. No view of Mt Rainier

I enjoyed snowshoeing along the shore of the lake, here I walked under a tunnel of tree branches. So quiet, I had the lake to myself.

The bridge along a portion of the Wonderland trail near the lake

Straight ahead leads to the Lower Lake Trail up and over Inspiration Saddle, my return route. (The Wonderland Trail turns left after the bridge)

View downstream from the bridge

View upstream to Reflection Lake

Only saw two others going up and over Inspiration Saddle, so much solitude today.

Icicles hanging from the Comfort Station at Narada Falls

Took the short trail down to Narada Falls, I heard some large chunks of ice falling.

Stopped at Chrisine Falls on my drive down. Lower Christine Falls

small waterfall along the roadside

Upper Christine Falls