The term ‘awesome’ is ridiculously overused, especially by the young and residents of the left coast, but I can’t think of a better adjective for Mount Rainier National Park and the Nisqually Glacier. After a late start (we had dinner and socialized with John and Jacki last night, drank too much, and woke up commensurately late) we got to the aptly-named Paradise trail head before it got crowded. Malcolm crabbed and whined on the walk up to the trail head, but got into the spirit of things after a short while. Mt. Rainier is just ‘the mountain’ to Seattleites (you can’t help but see it has you drive around the metro area each day, even though it is > 60 miles away) but I’m embarrassed to say we hadn’t been down there until now.
It’s hard not to be taken by the place. Alta Vista is a steep trail (5420 to 6800 feet at Panorama Point, plus a climb to the trail head) but man, is it worth it: each hill you crest or turn your take, there is something to take your breath away… either the clouds colliding into Rainier (which has its own weather ‘cause it is so big), the glacier, the Tatoosh Range across the valley or the abundance of wildflowers.
The only downside is that there are a lot of people on the trail on a beautiful weekend day such as today, but as an intro to the park, I can’t think of a more scenic trail to begin with. Hat tip to John for the suggestion.
Snaps are here. I’ve never used panorama stitching of photos as much as I have today.
Oh wow, that really does look spectacular. My sister was in Seattle in May this year and she has been raving about the National Parks around there; she'd come to Seattle via the National Parks of Utah and Montana (places I have been to, too) and said that Seattle was just as beautiful. I'll get there... one day... sigh...
Posted by: Trish | August 31, 2009 at 04:12 AM
Hey Trish - Nice to hear from you!
There are bigger mountains in North America and (I daresay) more beautiful National Parks in the US, but few where I can drive from a major city with a hangover and still have that kind of experience all in one day :).
Posted by: misha | August 31, 2009 at 08:57 AM
and you will of course ping us when you're in Seattle, yes? It would be great to meet "The Trishes" in person some day! We'll make sure you all have a grand time...
Posted by: misha | August 31, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Wow, Mike, I didn't realize the Alps stretched 'way over here too. Thanks for posting -- gorgeous place, well captured.
YAA Jo
Posted by: Josette | August 31, 2009 at 09:38 PM
thanks Josie! Will bring you guys down there next time!
Hope all's well. It sounds like the M&P are a-comin' to GA. Brace yerselves...
Posted by: misha | August 31, 2009 at 11:02 PM
Hiking "Mount Rainier National Park" is itself a great experience to have...Watching the beautiful landscapes,awesome views and the greenery will in-turn forces you to fell in love with this park..Author i visited the link you given here and found the pics great...
Posted by: vakantiehuizen begur | April 19, 2011 at 10:24 PM