Families looking for fun winter activities in Mt Rainier National
Park, such as sledding and snowshoeing, can bundle up and head to the
Snowplay Area at Paradise. Open during weekends and school breaks in
winter, the Snowplay Area is the one established place in the park where
sledding is permitted.
From the upper parking lot, you'll need to walk up a short hill to
the Snowplay Area above the historic Paradise Inn and the newly
remodeled Jackson Visitor Center. There you'll see folks of all ages
zooming down the runs in plastic sleds, saucers and inner tubes. For
safety, no hard toboggans or runner sleds are allowed.
With our bright yellow sled in hand, my husband, son, and I lined up
at the top of the two runs. Our son Finn, two years old, enjoyed his
first time sledding. He laughed with delight as we sped down the run,
several hundred feet in length. On the run beside us a group of
teenagers cheered each another on.
Tired of sledding? Then you can sign up at the Jackson Visitors
Center for a two-hour, ranger-guided snowshoe hike. Moderately
strenuous, this hike is great for beginners and families. While only
adults and kids eight years and older can sign up, the rangers will
allow you to bring younger children in front or back carriers. Dress
them very warmly, rangers say, for little ones will get very cold
because they aren't moving. Folks can borrow snowshoes from the visitor
center for a $4 per-pair donation.
Apres Sledding/Snowshoeing... After your sled runs or snowshoeing,
you and your family can stow your gear and head over to the visitor
center cafeteria for a hearty lunch and warm beverages. Note: Paradise
Inn, built in 1916, is closed from October to May.
Some fine print... There is a National Park Service entrance fee for
visitors to drive up to Longmire and Paradise. Go here for current
information on park fees and passes. And click here for
lodging options in the Mt. Rainier area. For more details about visiting the Paradise Snowplay Area,
click here.
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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