Mount Rainier National Park ~ Washington State

This is my “official” first post using the new Live Writer.  Thanks, Rick, for all of the posts you have done regarding blogging and pics.  I’ve printed each of them out and I’m keeping them!

Mount Rainier National Park is in west central Washington State and it is an easy drive from Seattle, Tacoma or Portland, Oregon.  There are 4 main entrance points to the park, one in each corner.  There are also several campgrounds within the park, each providing space for tents and RV’s.  Check the official website for camping details:  by clicking here.

This past weekend on our camping trip with the “Grands” we drove East on Hwy. 12 for 30 miles to the Stevens Canyon Entrance.  We used our Senior Pass and got in for free.  Being a summer weekend in Washington, the park was busy.  There were a few vehicles waiting to make their way through.

It didn’t take long and we buzzed our way through.  First stop was a look at Silver Falls and it was beautiful.  There are many trails throughout the park, including here at the Falls, but we were here with a 5 year old and an 8 year old….and we weren’t hiking anywhere!

There are many beautiful turn-outs and overlooks on the main road through Mt. Rainier National Park.  We pulled over to get a view of this fantastic mountain and Zoey decided to pose for a photo.

In many places along this road you are given a treat of another great view of our state’s most famous feature and natural wonder. 

We stopped at a picnic area to eat our lunch.  While I got things ready, Bruce got out the park map and began showing the girls the different places within the park. 

Soon, Mackenzie leans over to say, “Papa….let’s eat lunch!”

Near Louise Lake I am able to get Mackenzie to post for a pic by another water fall.

 

On our continuing journey to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise, we just had to stop for a photo of this amazing view looking out at the Cascade Mountain Range.  It was awesome!

More driving along just enjoying our terrific day with the girls.

When we arrived at the Visitor Center near Paradise…OMG….the cars.  We were very lucky to score a parking space along the side of the road just as somebody pulled out.  They have a summer shuttle (free) that picks folks up near the campground areas to deliver them to the Visitor Center.  As I said, it is summer and the people are out in the beautiful sunshine in Washington enjoying nature.

We looked around in the Visitor Center and then went outdoors at the back of the building.  We saw lots of snow, even though it was mid-July.  The girls wanted to go up this path, so we obliged.  It looked like a mass of humanity making their way to somewhere!  We were dodging strollers and many people that just decided to stop in the middle of the path to discuss….who knows what???  There were people behind them waiting to get by!!!!   I was clearly trying to be patient, but it wasn’t working very well.

Zoey and Mackenzie wanted their pic taken with the snow.  They wanted to throw a snowball at me, but I persuaded them NOT TO. 

This is an amazing place to visit.  Some areas are handicap accessible, but many are not.  The buildings are all OK, but some of the trails have several steps to negotiate.  There are trails in the park as short as 1/2 mile and there is the Wonderland Trail which goes for 93 miles.  Plus, you can always climb to the summit at over 14,000 feet if you are able.  The National Park Inn near the Longmire entrance is open all year.  The lodge at Paradise is only open during the summer months.

You can check for more information by clicking here.

After playing in the snow for a few minutes we managed to get back down this path through all of those people…again….and we retreated into the café to get everyone an ice cream cone.  A good way to end the day.  Hope you enjoyed your trip to Mt. Rainier.

Until next time…..so long for now!