Mt Rainier visit

We were so disappointed when we learned that the hotel up at Mt Rainier (which we booked a year ago because we enjoyed our trip so much) was closed for the season due to COVID. Luckily, we found a cabin literally right outside the park entrance that had availability so our trip was back on the books, plus it was cheaper too. Score!

We woke up bright and early and left the house by 6am on Saturday so that we could beat the crowds in the park. It's about a 2.5 hr drive to the Paradise visitor center and when we finally pulled into the parking lot, we were pleased to see that it was probably about only half full.  

We selected a hike that we've done parts of in the past but not the particular loop we did this time around. It starts off on a paved path past Myrtle Falls, but then quickly becomes switchbacks going through snow fields, waterfalls and rocky terrain. All told, we climbed about 1400 feet and hiked for 4.5 miles, but it look us about 6 hours to do what with all the candy breaks, snowball fights and picture taking. The kids did awesome - not a lot of whining at all. I think its because the trail is so interesting with things to see and rocks to climb over. 

The way back down was pretty steep and we were extremely annoyed at how crowded it got and how many folks were not wearing masks. The early crowd was MUCH better about social distancing and following park guidelines to not walk off the trails etc. 

Myrtle Falls

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All smiles at the beginning of the hike

I was surprised at how much snow there was still along the trail. 

You can see that the trail is that muddy line across the snow that crosses the little stream. 

Nora did great on the hike! She insisted at being in front.

Beautiful wildflowers along the trail

The kids enjoyed sliding through the slushy snow and throwing snow at each other

Getting above the treeline now

Rocky terrain

Couldn't NOT take a picture with this view right? Way off in the distance we spotted Mt Adams, Mt Hood and Mt St Helens.

That's the top of Mt Rainier! Looks close doesn't it?

Another view that puts the distances in perspective. See the waterfall there on the left?

Evie took this one of Scott and me

Family selfie on top of the mountain!

Daddy and his big girl

Heading back down now

Lots of little waterfalls to walk through

Beautiful wildflowers everywhere

I just want to eat her up!

The kids hanging out at the hotel that night

The next day, we drove over to the south east corner of the national park to Ohanapecosh to check out what's over in that neck of the woods. The visitor center is adjacent to the campgrounds there so it was pretty crowded even thought we got there before 10am. After parking and grabbing a Junior Ranger pack from the visitor center, we set off on a hike to the nearby Silver Falls. The hike ended up being boring after all the beautiful scenery from the day before. It was also much shorter - 2.7 miles round trip but we stopped for a picnic lunch so it took us a couple of hours to make our way through and back. 

A lovely view of the mountain from Reflection Lake, on our way to Ohanapecosh.

A tree outside the visitor center that was 1,000 years old!

There were natural hot springs along the route.
Some of the more adventurous kids decided to check it out.

Silver Falls

After completing their packets, the kids had to recite the oath to get their Mt Rainier Junior Ranger badges.

We had a really fantastic time (again) this year and have already decided to go back next year and try even more hiking trails! Who wants to join us?