Hike of the Week: Mazama Ridge
Mazama Ridge
Paradise Found
Hike of the Week
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 31, 2004
Quick FactsLocation: Paradise Valley, Mount Rainier
Land Agency: Mount Rainier National Park
Roundtrip: 5.5 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Access: From Elbe, Washington follow SR 706 to Mount Rainier National Park. Proceed through Park Gate to Paradise.
Notes: National Park Pass required, dogs are prohibited
Green Trails Map: Paradise, WA No. 270S or as part of the “Winter Green Trails” Map Pack.
Most winter visitors to Mount Rainier seem intent on plodding up the slopes toward Muir Camp. On sunny weekends it can get downright maddening here at the base of Washington’s highest summit. Screaming kids on saucers, pierced-teenage yahoos on snowboards, bearded wool-clad teli-skiers, and high-tech Gore-tex warriors seem to occupy every square foot of snow at Paradise Park. But you can leave all that commotion behind. Head instead to nearby Mazama Ridge and enjoy Mount Rainier’s glorious winter wonderland in a more tranquil fashion.
From the Paradise parking lot set out on a well marked snowshoe route south towards the Paradise Valley. With every deep step you take into the layers of compressed fallen snow, the sound of the boisterous brigade fades into the distance. As you march on towards the Reflection Lakes (now buried and transformed into a frozen meadow) you’ll begin to enjoy the true sounds of the Rainier backcountry. Gurgling water under glistening ice. Gray Jays fluttering to overhanging branches. Crunching snow. Dripping, melting snow. Snow pellets blowing across plains blanketed white. You never realized just how much “white noise” snow can make. And it’s a beautiful score.
From the frozen lakes, head back north and begin a gentle ascent up Mazama Ridge. Burst out of the forest to open, rolling, meadows now donning a wintry cloak. Mount Rainier towers in front of you commanding your attention from all other points. But if you can resist the draw, peer outwards east and west to the surrounding mountains and ridges-emerald swirls with white toppings.
Be sure to look behind you too to the rugged and jagged Tatoosh Range. Occasionally, a daring skier leaves a signature behind carved into a snowfield below Pinnacle or Unicorn Peak. From a small saddle on Mazama Ridge you have a choice. Continue higher into territory that requires prudence and alpine skills-or turn left and descend back to the Paradise Valley to close the loop. Of course nothing is stopping you from spreading out a space blanket on the frozen lawn-pulling out the thermos-and sipping hot chocolate while feasting on the breathtaking views.
Paradise Found
Hike of the Week
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 31, 2004
Quick FactsLocation: Paradise Valley, Mount Rainier
Land Agency: Mount Rainier National Park
Roundtrip: 5.5 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Access: From Elbe, Washington follow SR 706 to Mount Rainier National Park. Proceed through Park Gate to Paradise.
Notes: National Park Pass required, dogs are prohibited
Green Trails Map: Paradise, WA No. 270S or as part of the “Winter Green Trails” Map Pack.
Most winter visitors to Mount Rainier seem intent on plodding up the slopes toward Muir Camp. On sunny weekends it can get downright maddening here at the base of Washington’s highest summit. Screaming kids on saucers, pierced-teenage yahoos on snowboards, bearded wool-clad teli-skiers, and high-tech Gore-tex warriors seem to occupy every square foot of snow at Paradise Park. But you can leave all that commotion behind. Head instead to nearby Mazama Ridge and enjoy Mount Rainier’s glorious winter wonderland in a more tranquil fashion.
From the Paradise parking lot set out on a well marked snowshoe route south towards the Paradise Valley. With every deep step you take into the layers of compressed fallen snow, the sound of the boisterous brigade fades into the distance. As you march on towards the Reflection Lakes (now buried and transformed into a frozen meadow) you’ll begin to enjoy the true sounds of the Rainier backcountry. Gurgling water under glistening ice. Gray Jays fluttering to overhanging branches. Crunching snow. Dripping, melting snow. Snow pellets blowing across plains blanketed white. You never realized just how much “white noise” snow can make. And it’s a beautiful score.
From the frozen lakes, head back north and begin a gentle ascent up Mazama Ridge. Burst out of the forest to open, rolling, meadows now donning a wintry cloak. Mount Rainier towers in front of you commanding your attention from all other points. But if you can resist the draw, peer outwards east and west to the surrounding mountains and ridges-emerald swirls with white toppings.
Be sure to look behind you too to the rugged and jagged Tatoosh Range. Occasionally, a daring skier leaves a signature behind carved into a snowfield below Pinnacle or Unicorn Peak. From a small saddle on Mazama Ridge you have a choice. Continue higher into territory that requires prudence and alpine skills-or turn left and descend back to the Paradise Valley to close the loop. Of course nothing is stopping you from spreading out a space blanket on the frozen lawn-pulling out the thermos-and sipping hot chocolate while feasting on the breathtaking views.
