Mount Rainier - Paradise Area

I can not count how many times I have been to Paradise for scout camping trips, youth tubing activities, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, search and rescue training and climbing the mountain. I have crashed my car up there; I have been hypothermic all night up there, the memories! A drive to Paradise is one of the most scenic drivable destinations in North America. During any season, if the weather is nice, the incredible size and beauty of Mt. Rainier dominates. Then fill in the rest of the view with incredible meadows full of flowers, sub-alpine trees and the Tatoosh Mountain Range. For those who love to get outdoors, as well as those who do not want to get far from the car, there is plenty to see and do. The first stop for many is the new Jackson Visitor Center where there is general information, exhibits, the park film, guided ranger programs, a book/gift store and a cafeteria. Others are visiting the historic Paradise Inn, a concessionary-operated hotel with lodging, a dining room and a gift shop. But, most visitors are at Paradise to get into nature. There are casual city dwellers here mingled with hard core climbers. During the summer, climbers returning through the crowds are usually bombarded by foreign tourists wanting to take your picture. The nice trails lead casual hikers further and further up, sometimes much further than they ever planned but the overwhelming views keep them going. In winter, camping at Paradise can be a spiritual experience or the hardest night of your life. Snowcaving is extremely popular for large groups, enough that the park service now requires you reserve a designated spot. The road between Longmire and Paradise closes nightly in winter and reopens in the morning once the road has been plowed. The Paradise Valley Road is a popular ski trail to Reflection Lakes and snowshoeing can be done in just about any direction. The tubing area at Paradise is generally open late December through mid-March, depending on snow. Sledding and sliding are permitted only in the designated snow play area at Paradise.

Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 miles) - Views of the Nisqually Glacier.
Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls (1 mile) - Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Deadhorse Creek Trail & Morraine Trail (2.5 miles) - Glacier views.
Alta Vista Trail (1.7 miles) - Wildflower viewing.

Around 1930 the Mount Rainier Guide Service started giving guided tours of the Paradise Ice Caves. In the 1940's, the Park Service started marking the unsafe areas. As the glacier retreated, the caves started breaking up. By 1991 the ceiling of the last Big Room finally collapsed. People occasionally still visit to see if anything has opened back up.