Helen and I have visited five National Parks on this journey through the Pacific Northwest. We stood in awe at Mount Rushmore, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, and Glacier, and as grand and as stunning as each of them are, none of them surpassed the beauty of Mt. Rainier National Park. We were blown away by the staggering scenery we witnessed there.
We drove from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to spend the next four days visiting with my sister, LeAnn, and brother-in-law, Marty, in Yelm, Washington. Le and Marty are RVers, like us, and make their home on the Florida Coast. They escape the Florida summer heat by parking their motorhome at the Cascade Mountain base, where they own two lots alongside a lake surrounded by large Douglas Fir trees. I’ll go deeper into the details of their summer home in next week’s Easin’ Along, so come back for more.
The drive from Yelm to Mt. Rainier takes about 45 minutes, and we were up and out early to beat the crowds to the hiking trails. Before our visit, my sister told us that we would LOVE Mt. Rainier if we enjoyed Glacier and Yellowstone. I passed this comment off as local bias…I was wrong.
As soon as we arrived in the parking lot at the Visitor Center, we could see the summit of Mt. Rainier towering over us nearly 14,500 feet above sea level. Several information markers explained that this region receives more snowfall than any area in the United States. The moist winds moving east from over the Pacific Ocean rise over the Cascades and meet the cold Northwestern air, and the result is enough snowfall to bury trees and buildings. We arrived in August, and snow remained on the ground.
The trail rises sharply from the parking lot, and immediately we were struck by the dense covering of wildflowers on both sides of the path. The colors varied across the spectrum from bright red to deep blue and grew in clusters that resembled bouquets from a florist. I wished that I knew every flower’s name, but only recognized the Heather and the Aster. I encourage readers to help me. If you see a flower that you recognize, send the name along.
In addition to the wildflowers, we saw several Marmots beside the trail. These rodents are the western version of the Groundhog, but they look like a cross between a Groundhog and a fat Persian cat to me. The thick coat probably comes in handy in the snowy winter. A couple of these furry creatures came right up to as we met them on the trail.
At another point, Marty stopped to take some pictures and then paused to talk to a couple standing nearby. In one of those “small world” moments, it turned out that they were from Knoxville. Helen and I introduced ourselves to John and Tammy and discovered that we had had mutual friends from my homebuilder days. Like Helen, John has a passion for pickleball, and they engaged in a lively conversation about the game. John and Tammy also are RVers and are on a year-long trip across the country.
As is evident in our pictures, the weather on this day was perfect. Admittedly, we began our hike in cold weather–temperatures in the low 40’s (remember, it’s August), but there was no wind, and the sky was a deep blue. Nevertheless, as we neared the end of our hike, we noticed that a mist was gathering below Mt. Rainier’s summit, and, by the time we returned to the parking lot, the clouds and fog obliterated our view of the mountain. Often in life, timing is everything, and I’m so grateful that we got to see this stunning National Park before the curtain fell. Please visit the picture gallery to see more of the incredible scenery that fills this National Park (click here).
I’ve stated many times; our National Parks are the greatest gifts we’ve given ourselves. On a clear day, Mt. Rainier made that statement even clearer.
Thanks for joining us. We’re Easin’ Along.
Joe and Helen, it was fantastic that you guys could join us for a few days and share this wonderful region. Now you understand what we have been squawking about! Truly a Summer Paradise. Hope you will come back next year.
This weekend is really hazy with smoke filled air. Should dissipate Monday. Sad loss of acreage in WA, OR, and CA. So far, none in Rainier.
We will leave in 10 days and will catch you back East. Safe travels!
Good morning!
Mt. Rainier and visiting with you folks was the highlight of the trip! Thanks for the hospitality and the guided tour. I’ve got one more blog post coming on the visit so, stay tuned. See you soon. Give the twins a hug from BeBe and Big Daddy! Joe
iPad timed out before I could edit our post, to prioritize the sad loss of lives and homes in addition to wildlife and acreage due to wildfires. Local news stories are heartbreaking. Praying this ends soon and does not become a new normal. It has been amazing to see how quickly lush green turns bone dry in two weeks time. We are told it turns around just as quickly when the rains return soon.
We drove through a lot of smoke and ash coming out of California. Drove within a mile of the San Bernadino fire and so glad we got out of there. When we got to Las Vegas, we couldn’t see the mountains due to the smoke and the same here in Flagstaff. We’re told the smoke will shift and dissipate tomorrow. Hoping and praying that you all are out of range. Stay safe out there. Joe
Stunning !!!
Amen!!
Hi, Joe and Helen – You have had such an incredible journey this summer. Thank you for sharing this with us, along with your stunning photos.
The current fires and smoke are terrifying. Sending prayers to all affected by this devastation.
Donna,
We’re blessed beyond comprehension and my heart goes out to those in the path of the wildfires. So sad for this to happen in such beautiful country. We join you in prayer for them and for the brave firefighters. Stay safe and have a great week. Joe
Joe, I feel exactly the same way about our National Parks. John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt are my heroes, as are the other presidents who supported the creation of National Parks and Monuments during their tenure. I had to laugh at your “small world” story. While camping at the KOA in West Yellowstone on our honeymoon, Alan went to the restroom at 5:00 a.m. and didn’t come back. After a half hour or so, I went looking for him and found him talking with a guy from a town less than 15 miles from our home here in the northeast. You never know who you’ll meet when you’re traveling! Mt. Rainier National Park IS gorgeous – so glad you all had a wonderful visit!
Good morning, Mary,
We just passed through Flagstaff, AZ and visited Walnut Canyon National Monument, the home of a small group from the Hopi Tribe for 125 years starting around 1075. They lived in caves similar to the ones in Mesa Verde, but much smaller. The experience was fascinating and I will do a blog post on it in a couple of weeks. While there, I bought a window sticker proclaiming me a “National Park Geek.” It’s already on the rear window of our truck. Great to hear from you. Hope you’ve had a great summer. Loved your “Alan goes missing” story. Indeed it is a small world. Joe
I have so enjoyed your blog and inspiring photos. Would you please consider posting the routes you chose to visit the five National Parks and Couer d’Alene? We will be retracing your road trip next August/September, but will be starting from Texas and staying at inns. My husband was an Eagle Scout who long ago had the privilege of participating in the Boy Scout Jamboree in that beautiful area and it’s finally time for us to rediscover it. Thanks again
Hi, Colleen,
Thank you for the kind comments. You will love visiting the Pacific Northwest and will be struck by the beauty. I will send you a map of our route by email. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or would like additional information. I was a Boy Scout back in the day and treasure the experience. I can understand your husband’s desire to re-visit the area and re-live the memories of the Jamboree. Thanks for checking in. Joe
Hello Joe and Helen. Your pictures are awesome. Great photographer! We have enjoyed following your trip. Diane and I have been in Steamboat Colorado since July. It has been hot and very smoky here from both local and California wildfires. I guess you got some smoke as well. Be careful and have a safe journey home.
Hello, Chris,
We had an awesome experience and made it back to Knoxville this afternoon (9/18). We had some smoke in Las Vegas and drove close to the wildfire in San Bernardino. Not many COVID problems except that we had our reservations cancelled in Banff NP in Canada. Look forward to seeing you when you get home. Stay safe out there. Joe