07/26/24 - Myrtle Falls - Scenery

07/25/24 - Myrtle Falls - Flora and Fauna

07/24/24 - Mount Rainier

It was an amazingly beautiful day. The sky was blue. The air was clear. We could see Mount Rainier above us and mountains far in the distance. The trails were busy with mountaineers carrying gear, families with children and so many others like us just admiring the scenery.

07/23/24 - Mount Rainier - Flora

07/22/24 - Mount Rainier - Fauna

10/31/23 - Seattle Morning

09/27/23 - Mount Rainier - Carter Falls

09/26/23 - Mount Rainier - Nerada Falls

So, we visited Mount Rainier back in late August, and returned more recently to explore some more. This time we stayed just outside the park, and this time it rained. Actually, it snowed. We didn't make it all the way up to Paradise. There were too many snow covered cars coming down. The rain was heavy where we were, and we had no desire to drive through wet snow to see the heavy fog that would be blocking any view of the mountain. Instead, we decided to cut our losses and see some of the waterfalls along the way.

We stopped at Nerada Falls and made our way down to the view point. We could hear the falls even from the parking lot. They were in full force and rain fed. We followed the trail down to the falls overlook. It was green forest and gray mists accented with bits of brightly colored fall foliage.

08/06/23 - Mount Rainier - The Skyline Trail - Part 1

As it turned out, our plan worked. We rose early and were soon on the Skyline Trail heading up the slope with Mount Rainier and its streams and glaciers looming over us. It was a busy trail but beautiful. The flowers were blooming: lupins, mountain spiraea, bear grass and, inevitably, dirty sock plant. It was wonderful.

The country around Paradise at Mount Rainier is greener and wilder than the high country we are used to in the Olympic National Park. Those glaciers above melt and form rivers that seem to run everywhere, punctuated by dramatic waterfalls. There was less of a sense of exposure to wind and sun, but so much was familiar.

There were lots of hikers. Most were day hikers like us carrying a small pack or a bottle of water. Some were mountaineers with heavy packs and ice axes and clearly on their way to attempt climbing to the peak. There were quiet moments on the trail followed by hiking groups and family get togethers.

All told, our trip was a success. We made it to 1050' or so. Our GPS cut out as it often does and didn't restart until they launch a new satellite or the like. As we climbed, Mount Rainier grew closer and dominated the scene. It was spectacular, and we are already planning a return trip.

08/05/23 - Mount Rainier - The Skyline Trail - Part 2