📍 Seattle 4-Day Itinerary Day 2: Mt. Rainier

⚠️ Important Notes Weather: Check the official website’s live cameras before departure. Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle for national park entry (consider buying the "America the Beautiful" annual pass if planning multiple visits). Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from black bears and marmots. 🗺️ Itinerary Overview Departure Time: We left Redmond at 5 AM. Total Drive Time: 3 hours to the Paradise entrance. Parking was already scarce by 8-9 AM. Total Hiking Duration: 5-6 hours (including breaks and photos; longer due to children). Recommended Gear: Waterproof hiking boots, windproof jacket, water (2L/person), high-energy snacks, sunscreen, camera. 🚶 Route Combination 1️⃣ First Stop: Skyline Trail Loop (switched to Golden Gate Trail midway) Starting Point: Jackson Visitor Center (Paradise). Distance/Duration: 5.5-mile loop (moderate difficulty). Highlights: ✔️Up-close views of Nisqually Glacier.✔️Summer wildflower meadows.✔️Optional extension to Panorama Point (higher elevation for broader views). 2️⃣ Originally Planned Second Stop: Naches Peak Loop Trail (canceled due to tired children) Location: Near Tipsoo Lake (~40-minute drive from Paradise). Distance/Duration: 3.5-mile loop, ~2 hours (easy to moderate). Highlights: ✔️Reflections of Mt. Rainier in Tipsoo Lake.✔️Lakeside loop trail for a shorter walk.✔️Picnic-friendly area. 3️⃣ Third Stop: Reflection Lake Drive Time: ~10 minutes from Skyline Trail. Highlights:A small loop trail around the lake. #MtRainier #SeattleTravel #HikingGuide #NationalParks #FamilyTravel #OutdoorAdventure #TravelTips