Seattle Day Trip to Mount Rainier National Park
July 18, 2013
My niece, who is visiting from Israel, wanted to see some of our country’s national parks, so that was all the excuse I needed to made a day trip from Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park. We were on the road at 3:00 a.m. so that we could be at Sunrise Point in time for sunrise at 5:22 a.m. It was worth the early start. Sunrise, at 6400 feet, is the highest point reachable by car in the park. Mount Rainier with elevation 14,409 feet, looms majestically and dominates all views at this point.
I simply loved the cascading shades of blue vanishing to white on the most distant peaks of the Cascade Mountains. It was easy to see why the Cascade Range got its name, but when I read more about it, I was surprised that neither the explorer Vancouver nor Lewis and Clark called these peaks “Cascades.” The first reference to Cascade Range came in the writings of botanist David Douglas.
We didn’t do much exploring on the trails at Sunrise because they were still covered with snow, but the meadows were full of wildflowers. I will share more photos of the wildflowers in tomorrow’s post.
The trails along the Naches Peak loop were also blocked by patches of snow, so my plans to take my niece on this hike were thwarted. We salvaged the day by indulging instead in a touristy trip up a gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort. I had never taken the time to do this before, and it was fun. The views from the summit were stunning. We could see Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens, and, of course, Mount Rainier. Altogether a wonderful day trip.
July 18, 2013 at 7:06 am
I love the pictures of the cascading Cascade Mountains–I have never been that far north to see them. Just beautiful!!
July 18, 2013 at 7:27 am
I’ve really got to get off my butt and get down there one of these days. Beautiful shots!
July 18, 2013 at 8:22 am
I’m with Sarah! I used to hike there all the time, but hardly ever make the 2-hour drive these days. Your photos make me want to go! The purple pollen on the treetops! Who knew? I’m impressed with your 3:00 am departure time. Staying overnight is the only way I will see sunrise at Sunrise. 🙂
July 18, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Stunning photos. Thank you. Peace, John
July 20, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos!
July 18, 2018 at 6:10 am
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