Guide to Map
Go to Southwest area guide
MPG V2.8, January 2013

Area Information

Advisories about Google map display and and about the Carbon River Road.

Note about map display.-- Many of the locations are centered around the some area, and as such will overlap the display icons for the locations. You might enlarge that area to see the many locations in that area.

Note on length of trails.-- The mileage on the length of the trails are one-way unless noted, such as "loop" or "roundtrip" meaning there are multiple trails to and from the trailheads, common with trails in the Paradise and Jackson Visitors Center area.

Photo Op Location Guide

The photo op locations are catagorized as:

   Vista, offering panoramic views from lookouts, peaks, turnouts, scenic stops, etc.;

   View, offering views of natural environment, such as forests, creeks, lakes, glaciers, etc.;

   Waterfall, offering views of commonly known or easily accessible waterfalls;

   Open Area, offering views of meadows and open alpine or glacier environments.

Map Information

Note about .-- The "information window" for each location has the following information:

    (1) name,
    (2) type and subtype,
    (3) location (latitude, longitude and elevation),
    (4) where (description),
    (5) access and accessibility, see trail guide (all trail distances one way),
    (6) description of location, and
    (7) notes.

This should provide the basic information to find the location and with the resources below, should provide additional informaton to determine if you want to find it.

Seasonal Information

The Southwest area is the most accessed entrance through the Nisqually entrance via highway 7 south of Tacoma, or via highway 161 from Puyallup. The highway becomes 706 at Elbe to the Park entrance, to Paradise (Jackson visitors center), and onward to highway 123 in the southeast area. This area can also be accessed via highway 52 at Randle off highway 12 to highway 706 at Ashford.

Nisqually Entrance, is open to Paradise. The Paradise Valley Road and the Stevens Canyon Road closes with the first snowfall. The NPS has been repairing and repaving the highway between the Nisqually entrance and Paradise. This work is suspended for August and September to resume in October, so there will be altered traffic patterns in September but no delays. The delays will return in October until the end of the work for the season.

The Longmire visitors center open daily until October and then Thursday through Mondays until spring. The Jackson visitors center is open daily until October and then only weekends and holidays until spring. The Paradise Inn closes in October. The Mountain Guide Center closes in October. The Cougar Rock campground closes in October.

You can get more information at the news, access and conditions, and monthly reports Web pages.

Resources

Resources.--Below are sources for additional information about Mt. Rainier and the NP.

• • Weather - Map
  • Waterfalls - Map and List
  • Lakes - Map and List
  • Wildflowers - Map
  • Fire Lookouts - Map

• • Day Hikes - Map
  • Backcountry Hikes - Map
  • Geology Road Guide - Map
  • Glacier Views - Map
  • Sun & Moon Times

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