This winter's heavy snowfall put Mowich River out of reach, our original destination for snowshoeing this weekend, and dumped over 20 feet of snow at Paradise. Snow accumulations closed the road at Longmire, so we asked the ranger about alternatives. She gave us advice, a trail map, and a smile (I think she was just glad she wasn't outside on this rainy day).
Photo: Steve contemplates snow bridge, crosses, and looks back.
There are a number of choices for skiing or snowshoeing from the Longmire area, as long as there's snow (Longmire is only 2760', much lower than Paradise). Unlike the meadows of Paradise, the trails at Longmire begin and stay in the forest. The Westside Road, closed to vehicles eight years ago due to washouts, is a popular ski trail just a mile inside the park entrance. It's a gradual climb from there to Round Pass, but in high avalanche hazards you'll stop at 3 miles, Dry Creek, before passing beneath the chutes of Mount Wow.
Kautz Creek and Cougar Rock Campground are fine, level places for beginners to ski a couple of miles. You can ski the Wonderland Trail 1.6 miles from Longmire to the campground, if you wish, or if the road is closed. From the campground, Carter Falls is another mile of steeper trail.
Rampart Ridge is steep 2 miles and about 1200' elevation gain. The trail continues a mile along the ridge and drops via another route back to the road. We decided on this one, in hopes of climbing above the rainfall. No such luck, though. We were setting up our tents in a downpour, with the surrounding trees shedding large clumps of snow on us. Steve likened the experience to "sleeping in a popcorn popper." The ensuing hours were made easier by the companionship and Monte's good camp cooking. We cleared out early the next morning and had breakfast at the Longmire Inn.
Stats: Rampart Ridge is either 4 miles round trip or a 5.6-mile loop, high point 4000'. For overnight stays, a camping permit is required, but easy to get this time of year.
Note: This is backcountry travel. Trails are often confusing or not evident in the snow. If you are not comfortable with map and compass, or you are not confident in your ability to handle a white-out, don't go.
Getting there: Use the Nisqually entrance on the park's southwest side, via Rt 706, and continue to the hiker center. The Park Service keeps the road open to Longmire all winter.
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