It's early spring, which means trails just about everywhere may still be snow-covered. But sunny areas, or those lower down, are perfect destinations for April and May hikes. And for those hikers still craving some winter-type trips, those remain easy to find. In the Western United States most mountain trails will be snowed in for weeks, or months, more. So go with the flow, and get in an all-snow trip that in good weather can be among the most scenic hikes anywhere.
Strong hikers can snowshoe or ski it in a day.
If no fresh snow has fallen for several days and it isn't too warm, the trip can be made in plastic mountaineering boots or good-quality heavy leather boots. Lug some Alpine skis up for a fast descent. The line back to Paradise actually veers along the fall line, not down it. If overnighting, there is a stone hut at Muir but you are better off with a mountaineering tent. To get there, drive south 25 miles from Seattle on Interstate 5.