May 2018

We camped just 1/2 mile outside of Mount Rainier National Park. As we set up camp we noticed the back-up from the park entrance all the way to our campground. It was a beautiful Mother’s Day Sunday and everyone had decided it would be a good idea to visit the park today. Luckily our plans were to go the the park the next day and it did turn out to be much less crowded.

We entered the park at the southwest corner Nisqually Entrance with no delay and proceeded to drive to the Paradise Inn, near the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. Past there we were informed the road to Stevens Canyon was closed due to Winter conditions. On the way we stopped near the National Park Inn, with its great views of Mt. Rainier, to hike the Trail of the Shadows.

Next we drove to the Visitor Center in Paradise and were again surprised by all the snow! We passed many waterfalls and other beautiful scenery on the way.

On the way back we stopped at Narada Falls and I walked down the slippery slope in the snow to see this glorious waterfall. It was well worth is. Check out that rainbow!

The next day we decided to approach the Stevens Canyon Entrance via a road outside of the park that was not covered by snow. We took a 45 minute scenic drive to the Ohanapecosh (don’t ask me to pronounce that) Visitor Center. We made it as far as the Stevens Canyon Entrance after which the road was blocked. (not sure who did that crazy paint job)

We were able to hike the Grove of Patriarchs, a scenic loop trail through the tall trees with a cool suspension bridge over the river.

What a beautiful park!