Goat Falls –“Kid-friendly” snowshoe trip near Mount Rainier National Park

Quick Facts: Location: White River Valley Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip:  2.5 miles Elevation gain: 500 feet Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier Wonderland no. 269SX Contact: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest; Snoqualmie Ranger DistrictNotes: Northwest Forest Pass required at actual trailhead. When snow level is low, parking may be a challenge. Do not block…

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Allen Mountain Trail Less Traveled near Mount Rainier

Quick Facts: Location: Mount Rainier region Land Agency: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Round Trip: 10.0 miles Elevation Gain: 2,350 feet Contact: Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station (Randle), Gifford Pinchot National Forest Green Trails Map: Randle, WA no. 301 Notes: Trails are also open to mountain bikes and motorcycles but use is light; this hike is lightly…

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Cora Lake– Emerald lake cradled beneath craggy High Rock

Quick Facts: Location: Nisqually River Valley Land Agency: National Forest Service Roundtrip: 1.4 miles Elevation Gain: 400 feet Contact: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Green Trails Map: Randle, WA no. 301 Notes: no pass needed; creek crossing might be challenging early in the season; trail is open to mountain and motor bikes Access: From Elbe, follow SR 706 east…

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Skyscraper Mountain–Enjoy sweeping views of Rainier from this towering summit

Location: Mount Rainier National Park Land Agency: National Park Service Roundtrip: 7.0 miles High Point: 7,078 feet Elevation gain: 1,500 feet Difficulty: moderate Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier Wonderland Map 269S Contact: Mount Rainier National Park Note: Park entrance fee; dogs prohibited Access: From Enumclaw, follow SR 410 east to Sunrise Road. Turn right and…

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Lake West and Lake Helen – Seldom visited lakes within the shadows of Mount Rainier

Quick Facts: Location: Glacier View Wilderness Land Agency: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Roundtrip: 8.4 miles Elevation gain: 1,600 feet Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier West, WA no. 269 Contact: Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station (Randle), Gifford Pinchot National Forest Notes: FR 59 is rough in spots but is passable for passenger cars. Wilderness regulations apply. Free…

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Silver Falls Loop– Thundering Waterfall at Rainier’s Ohanapecosh

Quick Facts: Location: Ohanapecosh Land Agency: Mount Rainier National Park Roundtrip: 2.7 miles Elevation Gain: 350 feet Contact: Mount Rainier National Park Detailed Information: Day Hiking Mount Rainier (Mountaineers Books) Green Trails Map: Mount Rainier National Park 269S Notes: National Park Entrance Fee or Interagency Pass required; dog prohibited  Access: From Packwood, follow US 12 east for 7.5…

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White River–Low country snowshoe adventure within the shadow of Mount Rainier

Location: White River Valley Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Roundtrip:  up to 10.0 miles Elevation gain: 700 feet Green Trails Map: Greenwater No. 238 Contact: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Notes: Northwest Forest Pass; Parking can be a challenge when snowfall is heavy along roads. Do not park on road shoulders, or block access to substation…

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Dalles Ridge — Wintering Elk and Sublime Alpine views

Quick Facts: Location: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Land Agency: US Forest Service Round Trip: 8.2 miles Elevation Gain: 1900 feet Green Trails Map: Greenwater no. 238 Contact: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Notes: During periods of low snow levels, parking may be difficult. Access: From Enumclaw follow SR 410 for 13.6 miles turning left (shortly after passing…

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