Edith Creek Basin is a great spot to ski mid winter in Mount Rainier National Park. With its close proximity to the Paradise Parking Lot you can be breaking trail in less than 30 minutes. Knowing the snow was great after a day of riding Sunbeam Basin in the Tatoosh Range I met up with Zach and his touring crew. Being winter we knew it would still be good snow on South facing slopes.

Arriving at Paradise Visitor Center

After an early morning departure we made it to Mount Rainier National Park right as the Longmire gate opened up. It was a smooth morning as the lower road had already been plowed and we arrived into an empty parking lot. After putting our gear together and dealing with frozen together skins we were off down the road to Edith Creek Basin.

Breaking Trail up Edith Creek Basin

From the moment we started breaking trail we knew it was going to be good. There was over a foot of snow in Edith Creek Basin and we had the area to our crew. We worked through the terrain making sure not to put a skin track up our descent route. It was amazing to see the trees coated in snow.

As we made our way our way up the views of the Tatoosh Range starting coming out. In the distance we could see Wahpenayo Peak in the far distance. There was one skin track heading up Edith Creek Basin and it seemed the last of the clouds were about to burn off. It was time to get our first fun of the day.

Our First Lap of the Day Skiing the Paradise Backcountry

Dropping in from the first turn the snow exploded. It seemed that the winds had not compacted the snow and it was super cold. We had timed our day at the tail end of the storm and were rewarded with bottomless snow turn after turn. Looking back up we were stoked looking at our tracks on the blank canvas of Edith Creek Basin. We pretty much had the place to ourselves and we had unlimited opens of lines in the surrounding area. One we dropped a little bit further we would definitely make our way up for another lap.

On our second lap we decided to head into the trees as Mount Rainier was in clear view breaking in the steep and deep switchbacks. It seemed the higher we went the better the snow got. It was a perfect winter day in the Park and we were happy to be there.

Our Second Lap

Dropping in the snow was even deeper in the trees. When the storm was raging there was a bit of wind and it had been depositing in the area. Behind us we could see the upper slopes of Mount Rainer and although cold it seemed like it would be a great day on the upper slopes.

As we rode lower through the sparsely spaced trees Mount Rainier was in full display. We could see the whole side side of the Mountain and all the main climbing routes. The glacier on the left side is the Kautz Glacier. In the middle is the Fuhrer Finger and the Fuhrer Thumb. In the middle is the Nisqually Glacier and to the right you can see the Gib Chute.

Once we were at the flats of the skin track we quickly transitioned. It was so cold that any exposed skin would become numb almost immediately and we needed to keep moving to stay warm. While uncomfortable it was well worth the snow conditions.

Our Final Run in Edith Creek Basin

For our last run we decided to ride a line a little to the south as it be a bit closer to our exit. With our previous two runs we knew it was going to be a great run no matter where we went so there was no reason to traverse further. After making sure the snow was cleaned off our googles it was time for a longer lap down to the road.

Turn after turn we made our way down towards the road. loosely following our skin track we diverted off the path and into the main creek. From top to bottom it was great snow and soon we were back at the road near the trailhead.

Soon we were at the road it was time to skin 30 minutes back to the Paradise Visitor Center. Moreover we had made the most out of the day and were able to get 3 runs in Edith Creek Basin. With only one skin track and at the same time we were able to utilize the terrain. It was one of those rare champagne powder days in the Cascades. For obvious reasons we were all happy with our day.

Thank you for reading this trip riding Edith Creek Basin. If you want to see more ski tours within Mount Rainier Backcountry check out this link