Paradise or Tatoosh Range SNOW Hike - MRNP - Slow but Challenging

## Details

Paradise or Tatoosh Range SNOW Hike - MRNP - Slow but Challenging

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Paradise

Length: 4 to 8 miles, roundtrip (estimated)

Elevation Gain: 1000 to 2500 feet (estimated)

Highest Point: 7600 feet (estimated)

We have lots of options for hiking near Paradise or in the Tatoosh Range. We'll decide what we'll actually do once we're up at MRNP. This time of year, there is still a lot of snow up high. I expect we'll be hiking on snow most - if not all - of the time. Bring your crampons or microspikes (or even snowshoes if you want; I'm planning on hiking in sturdy high-top hiking boots), as well as a pair of gaiters.

Tentative plans: We'll start at Paradise and climb up to McClure Rocks, Cowlitz Rocks, or some other destination. We can decide what we want to do based on participants' desires, as well as weather and trail conditions. Another alternative is to hike some of the trails, scrambles, and peaks in the Tatoosh Range.

Expect a moderately difficult and challenging hike, including hiking on snow. Bring your microspikes, gaiters, trekking poles, and all the other usual suspects for hiking on snow in a late-spring/early-summer expedition, including layers of clothing, sunscreen, lunch, and plenty of water.

PLEASE NOTE: This hike is subject to cancellation or change in date due to weather, snow conditions, and/or participants desires. I am open to doing something else in MRNP if participants want to do something other than these suggestions (e.g., hiking up to Comet Falls, van Trump Park, or Mildred Point.

We will carpool from Bethel Station in Spanaway, meeting in the parking lot east of 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 6:30 AM so we can leave right at 6:30. Other carpooling or meeting arrangements are possible; please coordinate with me before hand.

Disclaimer: Tacoma Outdoors Adventures 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 Tacoma Outdoors Adventures organized event indicates that you have read, understand and agree to the terms of this disclaimer and hold harmless all Tacoma Outdoors Adventures Organizers and Leaders in the event of injury or loss.

This trip may be cross-posted with other Meetup sites; please sign up on only one site. Thanks.