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| Camp Muir |
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Usage:
Heavy
USGS Map:
Mount Rainier East
Recommended Season:
Late Summer
Length, One-way:
4.5 Miles
Elevation Gain, One-way:
4,600 Feet
Difficulty:
Most Difficult
Beginning Elevation:
5,400 Feet
Vehicle Accessibility:
Passenger Vehicle
Ending Elevation:
10,080 Feet
Reservation:
No
Season:
Mid-July - Mid-September
From Nisqually Entrance Station, Drive 16 miles east on the Longmire - Paradise Road to the fork for Paradise Valley. Bear left into the Paradise Valley and drive 2 miles to the parking area between the Jackson Visitor Center and the Paradise Ranger Station. This lot fills on many summer days so arrive in Paradise early to obtain a parking space.
Location Information
The trail to Camp Muir begins near the Paradise Ranger Station on the Skyline Trail. It follows a maintained path for the first two miles then crosses the Muir Snowfield. The total elevation gain for this trek is 4,600 feet. Despite the steep terrain hikers should be more concerned by the rapidly changing weather, which can easily cause white out conditions.This trail begins in the large parking lot west of Paradise Ranger Station. Look for the Skyline Trail and follow it to the left, hiking north from the parking area. The Skyline Trail follows switchbacks up the side of Panoramic Point. After one and a half miles, and 1,200 feet on the Skyline Trail, look for the Pebble Creek Trail to the left. Follow this trail as it climbs steeply beside a small creek. After one half mile on the Pebble Creek Trail you'll reach the end of the trail, Pebble Creek and the Muir Snowfield. You've hiked slightly more than two miles at this point. Follow the trail along the Muir Snowfield bearing slightly left. This route is not maintained. Hiking it in the heat of the day can result in the snow softening and creating hazardous conditions. Sunscreen and sunglasses are necessary for this portion of the hike. Because the remaining two miles of the track to Muir Camp traverses a permanent snow field there are few landmarks along this portion of the route. If skies are cloudy inexperienced hikers should not attempt this portion of the hike. A compass and topographic map are necessary for experienced hikers to reach Muir Camp. The track over the Muir Snowfield rises 2,890 feet. Muir Camp lies at an elevation of 10,000 feet. It is approximately four and a half miles from the Paradise Ranger Station. Primitive camping is available on this site as well as space within the camp structure. On any given day during the summer only 25 percent of the individuals arriving at Muir Camp find space available within it. Bunks are open on a first come, first served basis, but be prepared to camp outdoors.
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