| Distance: 3 miles, RT | |||
| Time: 3 hrs | |||
| Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft | |||
| High Point: 6,340 ft | |||
The fun begins behind the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise.
Basically the route to Glacier Vista follows the Deadhorse Creek Trail.
Glacier Vista is more of a bench than a prominence though it is the
highest point below Panorama Point. From Glacier Vista, experienced
mountaineers can head up to Panorama Point and/or points beyond,
including Camp Muir when avalanche danger is minimal.
At the Nisqually entrance ask for the winter recreation map; it
designates points of interest, identifies areas prone to avalanche and
offers a simple rating system to help you assess how far you'd like to
snowshoe. Be sure to get a weather forecast and avalanche forecast
before you set out for Paradise.
It's always a treat to visit Paradise on a sunny day though you must
always be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. We timed our visit
to take advantage of a brilliant sunny day in February.
Soon after starting out from the sledding area behind the Visitor Center
we encountered a cheerful group of policemen training for snow search
and rescue; above them we watched the tiny figures of skiers and
snowshoers climbing across the gleaming slopes, like ants crawling out
of a sugar bowl.
As we climbed, the curved terrain sparkled and twinkled with ice
crystals; interspersed with unbroken snow were tracks made by snowshoers
and skiers. It's okay to follow other snowshoe tracks though many
snowshoers prefer to make their own. As we traversed the snowy rises and
hollows of Mount Rainier's snowbound parklands, Alta Vista (to the
southwest) rose from the snowy slopes like a forested island; the paved
trail deep under snow. In summer the meadows surrounding Alta Vista are
ablaze with white avalanche lilies; in February the slopes blazed with
snow.
Looking south we turned around from time to time to enjoy crystalline
views of Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens and closer peaks of the Tatoosh
range including Castle and Pinnacle peaks.
Our plan was to descend the ridge that separates Dead Horse Basin from
the Nisqually Glacier but we jettisoned that plan - the snow was too
unstable for the descent on steep slopes with few trees to serve as
anchors to keep snow from sliding. Instead we continued following the
ridge to see how far we could climb given our turnaround time. The ridge
was mounded with swirls of snow, like swirls of white icing on
cupcakes. Above were several rounded bumps and benches; any of which
would serve as a good turnaround or a rest break.
Before we reached Glacier Vista we veered toward Panorama Point to check
out a snowy high point covered with trees, the branches so heavy with
ice they almost hung to the ground and looked like white paper cutouts
against the blue sky. Though we didn't have time to reach Panorama
Point, the tracks of skiers and snowshoers beckoned us onward and
upward, at times we utilized the ready-made snowshoe steps, at other
times making our own. Speaking of tracks, it's not only skiers and
snowshoers that make tracks in the snow; we also saw faint deer, elk and
mouse tracks leading into and out of stands of rime-coated subalpine
trees.
The forecast indicated a front moving in later in the day and we watched
it approaching from the south, adding a pink tinge to the sky beneath a
huddle of clouds on the far horizon. We needed to keep an eye on the
weather as it can change quickly.
At the moment the breeze was nil; the temperature just below freezing
but in the sun it was warm enough we were in shirtsleeves. While warm
temperatures are a treat in winter they can also be deadly - as the day
warmed up we watched snowballs rolling down from slopes above us, an
indication of instability in the snow pack.
It may be fanciful to believe no harm can come to one in such an
inspirational setting but you would be wrong. Skiers and snowshoers
themselves can accidentally set off an avalanche by traversing across a
steep slope (when in doubt head straight up or down steep snow rather
than traverse). Especially avoid snowshoeing under Alta Vista as those
slopes are prone to avalanche. Seek gentler slopes and travel close to
trees or boulders that help hold the snow in place.
As always turnaround time came too soon so we turned around at Glacier
Vista. Here you can get a dizzying view of the Nisqually Glacier but
don't venture too close to the edge as there may be cornices along the
ridge.
By the way, did we mention that snowshoeing is hard work? We've heard it
said more than once that the best exercise for snowshoeing is to
snowshoe. Though Glacier Vista is only 1.5 miles from Paradise, on
snowshoes it feels like more, especially when the snow is saturated with
moisture as it was on our visit.
The snow was too dense to glissade so we plunge-stepped down making the
descent short and sweet. There's something strangely satisfying about
punching through untrammeled snow, akin perhaps to the joy that kids
feel when they break the ice on a mud puddle or stamp on bubblewrap used
in packing.
As we headed down we watched the front edge closer; looking back to
Mount Rainier we watched a cap settle on the summit; mist and lack of
visibility would be sure to follow.
To get there: From the Nisqually Entrance of the park drive to Paradise
via the Nisqually-Vista Paradise road to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial
Visitor Center and parking (5,411 feet). The Paradise Road closes in the
evening and is gated to uphill traffic at Longmire; double-check with
park rangers at the entrance on road-closure times.
For additional information on fees, rules and regulations, current
conditions or to obtain an overnight permit call Mount Rainier National
Park (360-569-2211) or visit their website at www.nps.gov/mora/. A
backcountry permit is required for over-night camping. Vehicles are
required to carry chains. Call the avalanche hotline at 206-526-6677
for the latest avalanche conditions or visit their website at
www.nwac.us.
- Karen Sykes, VisitRainier Hiking Expert
For more information on visiting Mt. Rainier, go to www.visitrainier.com.
Visit
Rainier is a not-for-profit, non-membership destination marketing
organization that promotes tourism in the gateway communities around
Mt. Rainier.
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