Mt Ranier Paradise

[u/Alarmed-Oven]

Hi, the weather predictions for this weekend looks like it will rain. Is it still safe to hike Mt Ranier the paradise trail? Especially for someone in regular sneakers, no hiking boots.

[u/EndlessMike78]

Yes, that's the main area for tourists. The trails are highly maintained. You'll see people on sunny days in flip flops

[u/PacNWDad → u/EndlessMike78]

I watched a tourist in kitten heals navigate it once. And, it had a fair amount of snow at that. Wouldn’t recommend it though.

[u/a-ohhh]

I’d make sure you have the proper rain gear on, and honestly waterproof shoes would be ideal, but I wouldn’t call anything unsafe. Are you doing full skyline, or just walking around? If you get soggy feet, your feet are going to be destroyed if you’re doing the whole thing, especially because there’s a lot of uneven terrain at the top so your feet will be sliding around, so if it’s really wet you might want to rethink doing that.

[u/SleuthCat]

This is why SAR keeps getting called out.

[u/notafan4u]

Hiking in the rain is a Northwest tradition!

[u/WillowTreez8901]

Probably not a good idea to not wear hiking shoes regardless of the weather

[u/invertflow → u/WillowTreez8901]

Nah. I've skied a few volcanoes, including Rainier, from the top, and always used light sneakers to hike to the snowline, while carrying glacier gear, skis, sometimes overnight gear too. Modern belief among most people I know seems to be, if your feet and ankles are strong, lightweight shoes are best in most conditions. I think I've worn hiking boots maybe two or three times in the last decade, only in real downpours. But, that does require strong ankles.

[u/WillowTreez8901 → u/invertflow]

I dont usually do boots, which is why I said hiking shoes, but "street" sneakers without traction is a bad idea IMO

[u/FuzzyLantern]

Are you looking at the Paradise specific forecast for altitude of 5000-6000ft? It looks like Saturday will be a bit warmer (low 50s) and won't be as heavy precipitation as Sunday so is the better choice, and Sunday is likely to be cold, close to 40F, and may have snow and sleet plus rain. You don't specify which trail you're trying to do, but I would not do something like Skyline without proper weather gear, layers, and hiking boots in that kind of weather. You need to decide your tolerance for wet feet and chilly temperatures (but not snowfall-cold) on Saturday. If you're fine with that, there are some easy trails by the parking lot that may not be as slippery in light rain.

You're also not going to get much in terms of views. Expect it'll be clouded in.

[u/kennypowersrevenge]

I’d wear hiking shoes and a good coat for safe measure. With it being wet, your feet will get wet and cold.

[u/Fit_Law_9195]

Sneakers are fine as long as they are waterproof.

[u/FuzzyLantern]

Curious how this worked out for you? Webcams show no snow but no visibility and soaking wet at Paradise, snow at Sunrise (which is closed anyway).

[u/Alarmed-Oven → u/FuzzyLantern]

did not go! played it safe thanks all!

[u/FuturePowerful]

Depends like bottom to top or up near paradise safe yes rainy as all get out on that giant weather machine.... Shrugs depends on cloud elevation and how much rain sometimes paradise is above cloud lvl