Mount Rainier this week

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Mar 18th, 2019 | 11:29 AM

moonininjuly

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Mount Rainier this week

Planning a day trip from Seattle with 2 school age kids this week. Would it be best to go to the Paradise Visitor Center as a base for a couple of short hikes- Myrtle Falls Maybe? Will we be able to see Mt Rainer and Mount St Helens, even if from a distance? Are snow boots a must?

Mar 18th, 2019 | 11:51 AM

suze

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https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Paradise Wilderness Center isn't opened yet.

Mar 18th, 2019 | 01:49 PM

Fodorite018

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Yes, I would head to the Paradise visitors center area for doing some short hikes. The visitors center is closed but there is still plenty to do and see. You will not be hiking on dirt trails though as everything will be covered in lots of snow. If you have or rent snowshoes, that will be much easier.

Mar 19th, 2019 | 08:34 AM

moonininjuly

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Longmire

Maybe we would be better from Longmire to have less snow?

Mar 19th, 2019 | 09:15 AM

Gardyloo

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Use the NPS webcams to see conditions in real time. https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/photo...ia/webcams.htm

It's supposed to be quite warm today and tomorrow (over 70 in Seattle) but then cooling by the end of the week with more clouds and rain (which can mean everything's socked in on the mountain, also possibly rain or even snow at higher altitudes like Paradise.) Know before you go.

Mar 19th, 2019 | 09:40 AM

Fodorite018

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I would still opt for Paradise instead of Longmire. Nothing wrong with Longmire, but the views at Paradise are amazing. The mountain makes its own weather, and it can change on a dime. We are planning on snowshoeing/camping there this weekend and the forecast is for snow this weekend. There is no rain in the forecast for there this week. So if you want nicer weather, go during the week and if you want snow go on the weekend.

Mar 19th, 2019 | 10:13 AM

moonininjuly

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We haven’t packed snow boots but maybe can see if Walmart has something inexpensive and go to paradise anyway.

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Mar 19th, 2019 | 10:17 AM

Fodorite018

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Take a look at Whittaker's Mountaineering as they will rent snowshoes, including boots. That way you don't need to haul anything back home etc. Whittaker's is located in Ashford, just before the gate to the park.