(Photo by Alexandria Walkinshaw)
Greenwater Lakes
A great early season hike, the fairly level trail to Greenwater lakes passes through a cathedral of old-growth douglas fir. At 3/4 mile, the trail crosses the Greenwater River and at 1.5 miles, re-crosses at the first of the two Greenwater Lakes. The upper lake, a great spot for lunch, is at 2 miles. Hikers who want to push themselves more, can continue to Lost lake (4.5 miles further) or Echo lake (5 miles further).
Trail of the Shadows
On this self-guided trail, human and natural history blend together in the forest and meadows of Longmire. Starting across the road from the National Park Inn, 'Trail of the Shadows' is less than a mile long and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Gobbler's Knob
Lake George is 0.9 miles from the trailhead and a can't miss on your way to Gobblers Knob. It is a pristine mountain lake, nestled in the northwest shoulder of Mount Wow. The rock outcrop of Gobblers Knob is situated at the north end of Mount Wow, a mountain whose name means "goat."
High Rock Lookout
This an easy to moderate hike to a fire lookout attracts a crowd on a clear weekend. The view of Mt. Rainier is spectacular, and you can see Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Hood if the visibility is high.
Alta Vista Trail
Starting at Paradise (either at the inn or near the ranger station), this is a short, sweet, amazingly scenic trail to the great wildflower meadows of Mt Rainier National Park. It is mostly paved and great for kids who like to have fun and climb.
Alder Lake
(Photo by Alexandria Walkinshaw)
Twin Firs Loop Trail
This short trail, great for children and beginners, passes through old growth forest. A grove of large trees and nurse logs make this an interesting nature trail.
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Bench and Snow Lakes
If you like a hike with plenty of stunning views, two picturesque alpine lakes, and a trail with ups and downs, then Bench and Snow lakes on the southwest side of Mt. Rainier is the destination for you.
Nisqually-Mashel State Park
1.5 miles west of Eatonville
The park is a salmon and steelhead spawning grounds. It is also known as the site of the "Mashel Massacre" during the 1856 Indian War.
Geologic remains provide natural bird nesting sites for cliff swallows and other birds.
There are also wonderful views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually River Gorge. The park also features fishing, rafting, hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and mountain biking.
The Washington State Parks system includes more than 100 developed parks and covers about a quarter million acres.
Paradise River / Narada Falls
Literally translated, the name "Narada" means "uncontaminated." Along the trail, hikers enjoy the coolness of virgin forest and the sound of cascading water all along this route. After crossing the Nisqually River, the trail follows an abandoned road to the site of a generating station which once provided electricity for Longmire. Above this site the wooden pipeline once used to divert river water through the powerhouse can still be seen. On sunny days watch for rainbows in the sprays of Carter, Madcap and Narada Falls.
P.O. Box 159, Ashford, WA 98304
360-569-2799
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