Saturday, September 17, 2016

Mount Rainier Magic

Mount Rainier 
Leaving the coast we head to Mount Rainier for a few days. From I-5 South we take highway 12 east towards Packwood. From Packwood, we follow FS road 52 (Skate Creek Road) North to our campsite. We find a great pull-out near Skate Creek and Settle in. We immediately notice that the place is trashed. Picking up trash is part of what we do, but this site was ridiculous.
Annette and Lynn with the trash we removed from one camp site.
Once the trash was removed we could enjoy our site. A little side trail takes us to a beautiful swimming hole where we all jump in and scream as we plunge into the icy water.
Kristy enjoying the icy water of Skate Creek.
The following day, we drive into Mount Rainier NP. However, because dogs are not allowed on the trails in the national park, we first take Shug on a two hour hike near our campsite.
Selfie with Mount Rainier 

Our first stop within the National park is at Carter Falls Trailhead, a nice hike with a great view of Mount Rainier and a stop at the falls. Once back at the truck, we head for the Paradise visitor center with a quick stop at Christine Falls.
Carter Falls

Our final hike, before completing our loop back to camp, is the Grove of the Patriarchs, a short but beautiful hike that crosses a suspension bridge before entering an area containing ancient Douglas Firs and Red Cedars.
Annette crossing the suspension bridge 
Giant Red Cedar
Kristy holding up a tree! He he

We plan to return to Ranier in the future and explore more of the trails in the park as well as backpack the Wonderland Trail, a 93 mile hike around Mount Rainier.

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