I'm Absolutely in Love with Summer at Mount Rainier! 🏔️
After living in Seattle for so long, I never made it to Mount Rainier—until now! This road trip with my parents was supposed to be just a quick stop, but it turned into one of the most unforgettable parts of our journey. 📍 Route & Hiking Entrance: Eastside (via Sunrise Entrance ) Navigation: Head to Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center Scenic Stops Along the Way: - Inspiration Point - Reflection Lake (breathtaking mirror-like views!) 🥾 Hiked Paradise Area (Skyline Trail Loop) - Clockwise route (4 hours total: 2.5hrs up, 1.5hrs down) - Golden Gate shortcut on the way back saves time! - Terrain: Steep incline at first (icy patches!), then smoother sandy paths later. - Panorama Point Overlook has a short rocky scramble (not too scary—my dad raced ahead of me! 😆) 🅿️ Parking & Logistics - Visitor Center lot fills up fast! Arrived at 2PM and parked downhill (short walk). - Visitor Center: - 2nd floor: Gorgeous views + small exhibits + gift shop 🛍️ - 1st floor: Café (closes at 5PM) ✨ Why Summer at Rainier is Magic - Wildlife everywhere! Marmots digging holes, squirrels darting around 🐿️ - Fields of wildflowers + glacial views 🌸❄️ - That surreal moment standing on snow, breathing crisp air, watching mist swirl around the peak... - The descent: Evergreen forests ahead, the mighty mountain behind. One last look—veiled in clouds again. Grateful beyond words. #Seattle #MountRainier #DayTrip #HikingPNW #MountainMagic #Rainier #MtRainier #Wanderlust #NatureTherapy