Longmire to Cougar Rock Campground

When the snow flies at Rainier, its your chance to explore a section of the Wonderland in a new way. This section of the Wonderland Trail, leaving from Longmire, offers a relatively safe moderate snowshoeing experience, and a nice summertime loop, too!

It is a quiet route, and there is often enough foot traffic that the trail will be packed down and easy to follow. Whether the route has been packed down or not, you'll need a map to give you an idea of where the trail goes. The section of trail that meanders through the Trail of the Shadows and up the switchbacks on the Wonderland is relatively safe, but it's always good to be on the lookout for signs of avalanche danger.

Snowshoeing up to Carter or Narada Falls or even simply the banks of the Nisqually is also a good option. Crossing the river on the footlog can be a little scary for beginner (or even advanced) snowshoers, so be sure to evaluate the weather and the snow conditions as you hike along. 

Hiking to Narada Falls runs to 7.5 miles round trip, but of course, go as far as you are comfortable, and don't push yourself or your group past your capabilities.