DESCRIPTION: DIRECTIONS: Take Highway 7 to Elbe. As you leave Elbe, you’ll head left and take Highway 706 to the Nisqually entrance to the park. Drive the road to Longmire, finding the Westside Road on your left about 0.8 miles from the entrance. Drive up to the gate, and turn around to park, leaving room for others to do the same.

DIFFICULTY RATING: 2 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)

MILES ROUND-TRIP: 4

ELEVATION: 400 feet

BEST TIME OF YEAR: October to May

MAP: Green Trails 269 Mount Rainier West

PASS: Mount Rainier or national park day or annual pass

ALSO: Snowshoes and poles (an essential bit of snowshoe equipment) can be rented at outdoor stores and at Longmire. Extra clothing and a thermos of something hot will make your lunch stop more enjoyable. Restrooms are at Longmire and at the Kautz Creek picnic/parking area, on the right about 2.5 miles from the Westside Road. Please remember that “leave-no-trace” does not mean burying trash or toilet paper in the snow. Trail etiquette is that snowshoers should try to avoid walking in fresh ski tracks. State law prevails in the park; all vehicles (including four-wheel and all-wheel drive) are required to carry chains in the mountains in the winter. Snow removal equipment has the right of way. Check in at the museum at Longmire for the latest snow and avalanche information, as well as for maps of the trails and recreation opportunities. Choices for a meal or a snack after your work out abound in Ashford and Elbe.

INFO: Check the park Web site for current trail and road information: www.nps.gov/mora.

Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee. For other hikes, visit www.thenewstribune.com/hiking.