In early November at the 5400 foot elevation of Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park, it’s most unusual to be taking coats off before hiking up the trails closer to the mountain.  But that is exactly what we did on November 4, 2009 even with patches of snow on the slopes left over from snowfall the prior weekend. I giggled as my hiking partners started out with their hats and gloves knowing that just climbing upward always makes me warm. As they shed their hats, gloves and fleeces soon after we began to climb, we talked about how warm it was and how it felt like a summer day.  November weather in the mountains brings lots of clouds, rain, wind and also some sun that will appear briefly but disappears as fast as it came. Therefore, when the first week of November turned out sunny, we rushed to the mountain for a final autumn hike before the cooler weather came and snow made us wear snowshoes. 

The national park is now in its winter mode with the Stevens Canyon Road closed along with the one way Valley Exit Road down through Paradise Valley. The Paradise Visitor Center is open throughout the snow months but only on the weekends and holidays. On this warm November day during the work week, the parking lot had a couple dozen cars so we had the Paradise trails pretty much to ourselves.

The mountain light at Paradise gives Mount Rainier a different face every day. When the clouds bump up against the mountain or pass over the summit they often add an interesting decorative element showcased from the wide open views at Paradise. On this day new snow lightly covered the summer bare rocky areas laying the first white layer that would build to a deep winter robe covering the mountain.  Golden meadow grasses from the fall season lay flat over the terrain or smashed under remaining snow with bits of red bushes contrasting brightly with the patches of white. Despite all these unique sights, it was the warmth of the day that both surprised and delighted us as we walked upward on the snowy slushy Deadhorse Creek trail.

 

After rounding a corner we came upon a bird that was feeding right by the trail. At first we thought it was a grouse because of its size, but after standing next to it and snapping pictures we decided this was a Ptmarigan whose feathers were changing to their winter white making it practically invisible as it stands on the snowy slopes during winter.

 

 

 

 

 

        As we hiked higher and closer to Mount Rainier on this warm November day, the magic of our close proximity stopped us in our tracks to stare at this magnificent majestic sight. Hiking at Paradise is definitely being in PARADISE!

Written by:  Sally Johnson

 NOTE: After this warm first week in November storms brewed, temperatures dropped and the snow fell. Paradise presently has approximately 40 inches of snow and winter has officially come to Mount Rainier National Park. Get out the snowshoes, X-skis, snowboards or downhill skis. Be ready to hike upward for peaceful snowy fun!

  

  

 

 

Winter Snowshoe & Ski Ashford & Mt. Rainier National Park is available both online  here at: mtrainierphotos.com  or in Ashford at Whittaker Mountaineering Store!  $15.00