Golden Gate (winter)

getting there

From SR-7 in Elbe, turn east onto SR-706, both known as the National Park Highway. Continue through the Nisqually Entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. Be prepared to pay the fee just after entering the park. Drive 19 miles to Paradise.

Winter drivers in the park are required to have snow chains, and may be required to install them at Longmire.

Snowshoe Route

From the southeast corner of the Mount Rainier Paradise parking lot, travel down the Paradise Valley road until the third creek crossing (0.6 mile).  After the third creek crossing, turn Northeast on 4th Crossing Trail and ascend for 0.25 to 0.5 mile. The trail will level out on a ridge. Turn east-northeast on the Skyline Trail and continue for 0.5 miles until past Sluiskin Falls and where the two creeks converge. Turn East on the Skyline Trail and continue for 0.6 miles until 6,400 ft. 

Information for LEADERS

scheduling

The Paradise area is used by our branches to host snow field trips and is a generally popular winter exploration area. Please check other routes/places to ensure we don't have multiple Mountaineers groups going to the same area.

• Cowlitz Gap & Rocks
• High Lakes Loop
• Mazama Ridge
• Paradise
• Paradise Glacier

• Suitable Activities: Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: January, February, March, April, December
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
• Length: 5.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
• High Point: 6,400 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Rainier National Park
  Mount Rainier Wilderness
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12