Snowshoe to The Castle Saddle or Paradise, or a hike (your choice)

Snowshoe to The Castle Saddle (etc.)

Tatoosh Range

Location : Mt. Rainier Nat'l. Park – South of Paradise

Length: approx. 3-6 miles, roundtrip

Elevation Gain: approx. 1860 ft. or less

National Park Pass; 4WD w/ traction tires, or chains required (prior to May 1)

We will park at Reflection Lakes, and then climb to the saddle on the ridge line of the Tatoosh Range just east of The Castle. We will NOT be following the Pinnacle Peak trail. If participants want, we can so something a little easier up at Paradise, or possibly a hike at lower elevation.

PLEASE NOTE: Destination and/or route may change depending on road closures, snow or trail conditions, and/or weather. Event may be cancelled is the weather is bad.

We should have good views to the south and north from any of these spots (except Rampart Ridge, which is almost entirely in the trees), given a little decent weather. On the return trip, we will descend the same route back to Reflection Lakes, but then take the (probably snow covered) road back to Inspiration Point, thence back to the parking lot. Bring snowshoes, poles, microspikes, sunscreen, lunch, 10 essentials, layers of clothing, and all the other usual suspects on this hike. You might consider bringing goggles if it's forecast to be windy. If the weather is bad I may postpone the trip to another date.

We will carpool from Bethel Station in Spanaway, meeting in the parking lot behind the Burger King, west of the big Fred Meyer store. This location is on Mountain Highway (aka Pacific Ave.; aka WA Hwy 7) on the south side of Spanaway, between 22nd Avenue East and 224th Street East, on the east side of the highway. The address for the Fred Meyer store is: 22303 Mountain Hwy E, Spanaway, WA 98387.

Please be at Bethel Station for car-pooling prior to 7:30 AM so we can leave right at 7:30. If people coming from Tacoma proper want to carpool from the Lakewood I-5/WA-512 Park-'n-Ride, we can set up a secondary car pool from that location.

Driving Directions: South on SR 7 to Elbe. From Elbe, head east on State Route 706 for about 14 miles to the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Continue up the road to Narada Falls. The gate at Longmire opens at 9 AM, so we will want to have used the restrooms at Longmire and be in our cars ready to go right at 9 AM.

Disclaimer: Mt. Rainier & Beyond (and any other Meetup group) is not a professional guide service. Our leaders function, as facilitators only, to enhance your outdoor experience. Reports of trail and weather conditions are based on best available information, are subject to change, and are no guarantee of fitness for any particular purpose. You may join us on this hike at your own risk. Keep in mind that hiking involves risks and weather changes quickly in the mountains. You are responsible for your own safety and the more prepared you are, the better the chance you will remain safe. Signing up for any Mt. Rainier & Beyond organized event indicates that you have read, understand and agree to the terms of this disclaimer and hold harmless all Mt. Rainier & Beyond Organizers, Leaders, and participants in the event of injury or loss.

Cross-posted on other MeetUp sites; please sign up on only one site. Thanks.