Autumn at Mt. Rainier: Let Your Breath Belong to the Wind 🍂🏔️

Washington State’s three national parks are truly in a league of their own—even compared to the best of the East Coast. Mt. Rainier’s two most famous trails are Sunrise and Paradise. Though we didn’t make it to Sunrise in the north this time, Paradise alone left us utterly mesmerized. As an “East Coast country bumpkin,” standing before the snow-capped peak, watching colorful wildflowers stretch toward the horizon, with rugged pines reminding you of the high altitude—it’s hard not to feel your heartbeat quicken. Words just can’t do it justice. 💚 Along the way, surprises kept coming: we spotted mountain goats 🐐 and even chubby, adorable marmots 🐿️! It felt like the meadows had saved up all the autumn energy just for us. If not for the clouds, the snowy peaks might have shone even brighter—but watching mist rise between the mountains, blurring earth and sky into a moving ink-wash painting, was just as magical. 🖼️☁️ The name “Paradise” is no exaggeration. Between golden slopes, blooming wildflowers, and silent snowy summits, you naturally slow your steps… and let your breath sync with the wind. 🌬️✨ Have you been to Mt. Rainier in the fall? What’s your favorite national park for autumn colors? Share your story below! 👇 #NaturePhotography #DistantSnowPeaks #HealedByTheMountains #WalkingTowardTheSummit #MtRainier #WildernessVibes #AutumnWanderlust #NationalParkMagic #PacificNorthwest