Name: Nisqually Bridge Run
Rating: 5.0

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Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

In bad snow years (2014/2015) there may not be enough coverage to reach the bridge. If it's not a busy day, it may take a while to get a ride back up to Paradise, and the Rangers will not be super stoked.

In the winter, there is a gate closure at Longmire. Currently (March 15), the gate hours are 9:00-18:00 Monday through Friday // 8:00-21:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Note that the uphill gate closes a full hour before the official closing.

Overview

This is a bonus for anyone wanting to get the most vertical out of their Rainier descents.

Need to Know

This route requires some hitchhiking. Not everyone needs to go, nor does all your gear. You can leave all your stuff at the bridge and drive your car down.

Description

The glacier terminus, while retreating, is now approximately at ~5,000 ft. so be wary of crevasses above this point. This is a pretty straightforward run - just follow the Nisqually River down to the bridge. Both sides of the bridge are sendable, but the right (skiers) side is slightly lower elevation and mellower slope.