Day 2 - Snowshoes + Trains
Happy second day of adventuring! This is your only full day at Mount Rainier. Let's make the most of it.
Morning: When you drove in was there snow on the ground? If so, you're going snowshoeing today. We highly recommend a guided snowshoe with a Mount Rainier National Park Ranger. The rangers provide an educational experience suited for snowshoers of all ability level - including kiddos 8 years and older. The group meets at Paradise on Saturday mornings. Cost is $25/person, and sessions are filled on a first-come first-served basis. Sign ups open 1 hour before the tour starts, and sign up sheets are located in the Henry Jackson Visitor Center. Snowshoes are provided, but bring some waterproof boots! Check the National Park website for more details.
The downside to the ranger guided snowshoe is that the groups are limited to 25 people per session, and they do fill up. If you are worried about not getting a spot, or have a larger group, we suggest taking a private snowshoe tour with Discover Nature. Diann is an AMAZING guide, who seriously knows The Mountain. She will provide snowshoes and waterproof gaiters (to keep the snow out of your pant legs), but again, bring some waterproof boots. Need some inspiration? Want to see pics from her recent tours? Check Discover Nature on instagram, their handle is @tourmtrainier. Get ready for some serious trail envy. One of the best parts - you don't have to worry about driving in the National Park, which can be hard to adjust to if you aren't used to snow driving. Diann will pick you up wherever you are staying, and you can relax and enjoy the sights with your family while she navigates.
Are you planning something a little more spontaneous? Are both tours full? We've got you covered. You can rent snowshoes from Whittaker Mountaineering, and cruise along the trails at your own pace. Check out the Washington Trails Association website to find some snowshoe hikes, or ask the rangers at the National Park.
Ok, these sound like great suggestions but... I'm planning my trip and the forecast calls for rain, not snow. Totally fine. If the snow won't be there when you will, take a waterfall tour throughout the area. The best part about the rainy PNW fall and winter is that the waterfalls become that much more impressive. And let me tell you, there are some breathtaking falls in the National Park and surrounding areas. Bring a solid raincoat and wear some gore-tex boots (or at least shoes you don't mind getting muddy). Waterfalls make great backdrops for social media worthy photos, so no worries if The Mountain is hiding behind some clouds.
Mount Rainier pro tips:
- Entrance to the National Park is $30 per vehicle. This includes all passengers in the vehicle and in-and-out privileges for 7 days.
- If the forecast calls for snow check the status of the road to Paradise. It closes seasonally, but you can still enjoy the park in the Longmire area.
- Check the National Park website for chain requirements. If your vehicle has 4-wheel drive capabilities, you're good to go. If you have a rental car, you can rent tire chains at Whittaker Mountaineering in Ashford.
Afternoon: After your hike or snowshoe, grab some lunch. You'll be hungry. Fun fact: Snowshoeing is an especially aerobic workout, as you have to work harder to lift your feet when the snowshoes are attached to them. You deserve some pie. Copper Creek Inn and Restaurant has world famous (if that isn't true, it should be) blackberry pie, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I mean... How can you not? They also have a great menu, if you insist on eating an actual meal before digging into dessert. After you finish, head back to your cabin, shower, and get ready for bed because...
Evening: It's all aboard The Polar Express! Yes, that's right. You can ride the Polar Express to the North Pole. The best part? Pajamas are highly encouraged. Grab your coziest set of fleece PJ's and settle into your seat. The train is magical, and kids love the singing, dancing waiters who serve hot chocolate as they dance down the aisles. There's a special surprise waiting for you once the train reaches the North Pole, but I don't want to spoil it. This is a must-do, and will become a holiday tradition that your family looks forward to every year. Check out the Polar Express schedule here. If you can't make it for a special Polar Express trip, you can still ride the classic steam engines at the Mount Rainier Railroad and Logging Museum. This is especially fun in the fall as all the leaves are changing colors.
After the train returns to the station, head back to your cabin and curl up in your jammies with a board game, movie, or good book. If the weather is clear, this is a great time to wrap a blanket around your shoulders, head outside, and star gaze. Because you're so far away from any big cities, there's a lot less light pollution, meaning twinkling stars on display.
