Snowshoeing in Paradise

This past summer we camped and hiked around Mt. Rainier. While on the mountain, we mused on the idea of coming again in the winter to go snowshoeing. That jest-ful musing actually came to fruition last Saturday. After making a trip to REI the night before to rent our gear, we arrived at the park mid-morning just as the sun was coming out. We had seen weather forecasts predicting 17 degree weather, so we were prepared for the cold. Upon bundling up and piling on our layers, however, we discovered that we were much too prepared for the day's actual weather. As we trekked up the mountain more and more layers came off until we were just in base layers and no gloves. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and the sun warming our backs. 

We paused frequently on the way up the mountain not only to catch our breath (snowshoeing is hard work!) but also to savor the magnificent views. Being up so high, it was rather majestic to be above the sea of clouds and fog. It was really neat seeing mountaintops peeking up through. Oh there's no place like Washington. 

The trail was somewhat familiar since we had hiked it so recently in the summer. It was quite a bit different now that everything was covered in snow, but it was fun to recognize the general area. We ended at a scenic point that makes you feel as though you're right next to the Mt. Rainier itself.

As the sun was getting lower, our toasty ascent began to cool off. Luckily we anticipated getting cold at some point during the outing and brought along a little stove and hot cocoa. It was just what we needed to warm up a bit before heading back down the mountain. 

It was a very successful first snowshoeing trip for all of us.  We just might have to buy our own snowshoes in the near future. We enjoyed every minute of the 3 mile trip up and down the mountain. 'Twas a glorious day spent in the great outdoors.