We planned a family snowshoe day at Mt. Rainier not knowing what the snow levels would be—but we decided to show up anyway.
And wow… we were rewarded with a bluebird day, empty parking lots, and one of the most peaceful winter hikes we’ve done as a family.
We chose the Myrtle Falls trail—mostly flat, kid-friendly, and absolutely stunning in the snow. The bridge crossing was the trickiest part (snow covered with a drop off ), but we went slow and took our time which made all the difference.
We veered off to a steep up hill side trail for panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, we soaked it all in, and snapped way too many photos 📸
The kids were happiest just playing in the snow every chance they got—and after burning all those calories, everyone was very ready for pizza 🍕
Are you ready for your adventure at Mt.Rainier Snowshoeing? If so check out my Snowshoeing Guide below ⬇️
❄️ Family Snowshoeing Guide: Myrtle Falls at Mt. Rainier
Snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier can feel intimidating with kids—but with the right trail and prep, it can be one of the most magical winter adventures. Here’s our experience snowshoeing the Myrtle Falls Trail and everything you need to know before you go.
📍 Trail Overview
Location: Paradise Area, Mt. Rainier National Park
Myrtle Falls (winter route)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Distance: ~1 mile round trip (can be extended)
Elevation Gain: Minimal around 160 elevation gain
Best For: Families, beginners, kids, first-time snowshoers
This trail is mostly flat with gentle inclines, making it ideal for little legs and families new to snowshoeing.
❄️ What to Expect on the Trail
Snow-covered paths with stunning Mountain Views
Quiet winter scenery (especially on weekdays)
A magical waterfall at Myrtle Falls
Open areas perfect for kids to stop, play, and explore
⚠️ Important note:
The bridge near Myrtle Falls can be snow-covered. We crossed carefully by stepping slowly on packed snow. Take your time, assess conditions, and don’t hesitate to turn back if it feels unsafe.Do not try to go around the bridge. You could be on snow that is not safe and fall through .
🥾 What We Wore & Brought
❄️Gear:
Snowshoes (rentals work great!)
Waterproof boots
Trekking poles
❄️Clothing:
Waterproof snow pants
Insulated jackets
Warm gloves + hats
Extra layers (kids get wet fast!)
❄️Extras:
Snacks & water
Camera 📸
Hand warmers
Backpack for shedding layers
👨👩👧👦 Tips for Snowshoeing With Kids
Go slow and keep expectations flexible
Stop often—snow play is half the fun
Snacks are a game changer
Turn back before everyone is exhausted
Motivate with a warm beverage waiting back at car ( hot cocoa ,tea or coffee )
Snowshoeing burns a lot of calories, so plan for food after—trust me 😉
🍕 Where We Ate After
After heading off the mountain, we stopped in Eatonville at a local pizzeria to refuel. Warm food + tired kids = happy ending to the day.
🌲 Why We Loved This Trail
Beginner-friendly
Incredible views with minimal effort
Peaceful winter experience
Perfect mix of adventure + play
A great introduction to winter hiking with kids
🏔️Final Thoughts
You don’t need perfect conditions or expert skills to enjoy snowshoeing at Mt. Rainier. Showing up prepared, moving slowly, and embracing the adventure makes all the difference.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly winter trail, Myrtle Falls is a beautiful place to start.
Would you try snowshoeing with your kids?
