Mazama Ridge - Cowlitz Rock Ski Tour

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8.0 miles / 12.9 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Mazama Ridge lies on the southern flank of Mt. Rainier and is a prime winter ski tour when the storms of winter white out the higher ski terrain above Paradise. On days with better weather and visibility, continuing up the same route to the Paradise Glacier and Cowlitz Rocks offers a high alpine touring experience within 2 hours of the Paradise parking lot. The snow if often best in the protected areas of Mazama Ridge, especially in the later part of spring when the sun’s intensity can firm up exposed slopes quickly. Cowlitz Rocks is a great destination for snowshoers and can be done with little avalanche danger en route to the rocks. A complete video guide is available on Amazon's Instant Video - see the link in the Resources Box below.

Tips: Essential back-country touring gear. Beacons, snow shovel and probe, plus the ten essentials. Best done during the spring when the snow is deep and consolidated. The best skiing on Mazama Ridge is in mid-winter or early spring. More resources and full HD 3D maps are available at Dr.Telemark.com.

Points of Interest

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Start of Tour

Enter Mt. Rainier National Park at the SW Entrance and drive to the Paradise parking lot. To reach the Paradise Glacier and Cowlitz Rock, ski along the Paradise Valley road to the northeast. At the northern most aspect of the road, peel off the road and head up the NW face of Mazama Ridge.

Paradise Glacier -Muir Ascent Route Photo

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North end of Mazama Ridge

Once on the north end of the ridge, head Northeast along the ridge top to the broad snowfield at the base of the Paradise Glacier. Do not proceed up into this area in a whiteout, there are few landmarks. In those conditions, stay on Mazama Ridge and ski the many descents available there.

Approaching the Paradise-Stevens snowfield Photo

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The Oven

Head NE along the snowfield towards Cowlitz Rocks into the cwm that is below the Paradise Glacier. This natural bowl is nicknamed the “oven” because of the reflective effect of the snow on all sides on sunny days making it a warm, often windless slope even on the coldest clear days. At the top of the cwm on the right are the Cowlitz Rocks which mark an excellent stopping point for the tour, especially if visibility up higher is limited.

Skiing the Paradise-Stevens snowfield Photo

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Cowlitz Rocks

Take in the views of the Ingraham, Cowlitz and Paradise glaciers to the north and the Tatoosh Range and Mt. Adams to the south.

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Paradise Glacier

For an even longer tour, you can ski up the Paradise Glacier but this must be done with a degree of knowledge of glacier travel. In mid-season, the crevasses are usually well covered on the lower end of the glacier but caution is advised. You can climb high on the glacier and make your way to Camp Muir. The crevass danger is highest on the lower west aspect of the glacier and the upper east aspect. Climbing with and upward, westerly traverse towards Point 6 is the optimal track.

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Muir Snowfield

This alternate high point of the tour offers two descent options, the Muir Snowfield or return following your uptrack down the Paradise Glacier.

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Paradise Valley Run

This run is a great way to start your day. Drop off the road just past the parking lot and ski down the steep slope to Paradise Valley. Climb up out of the valley to the north and reconnect with the tour route.