Mt. Rainier
On Saturday, we went to Paradise in Mt. Rainier National Park. This approach to the mountain offers something for all ages and skill levels.
The view from the parking lot.
The first half mile of trail from the Paradise parking lot is paved. It is a very popular place to hike (with good reason!) so be prepared for traffic on weekends. We got to the park around 3 in the afternoon and killed some time until about 4:15 just to get a parking space in Paradise. A better alternative is to go out the night before, camp there and get to the lot early in the morning.
Climbing rocks is fun!
The way is steep, so we took a lot of breaks. We've learned that the kids' ability to make the hike is a combination of their energy level and the amount of interest the hike holds for them. In this case, the paved trail was not very interesting to them and it was very rough going the first part of the hike. We took a far greater number of breaks than we did later on. Also, starting out at 4:30 in the afternoon after a 3 hour drive wasn't exactly the best move. Next time we'll plan ahead.
Check out that view!
After the pavement ended, the trail continued as packed dirt and rocks. It was well maintained and still accessible to anyone who has the stamina to continue up the rather steep incline. The nice thing about it with kids is that there are no steep drop-offs near the trail. We have been on a few switchbacks that were hair-raising, simply because sometimes kids are senseless.
Anyway, the crowds thinned out somewhat, partly because it was later in the afternoon but also because it's not exactly clear what the continued climb promises to hold. It's well worth it, as the views get better and better!
The view of Nisqually Glacier from Glacier Vista.
Mt. St. Helen in the distance.
Mt. Adams in the distance.
Connor and I made it as far as Glacier Vista, which is about 2.5 miles round trip from the parking lot. The nice thing about these climbs is that the way down is so much easier than the way up. You really can go almostas far as you think you are able before you have to turn around and go back. Connor wanted to go farther, but he didn't complain too much when I suggested we let Daddy and Michael continue without us. He was beat, but we still had a nice hike down together.
Stop taking my picture!
Wildflowers in alpine meadows.
We saw a marmot, a mountain goat, and a bunch of deer.
Michael and Rick headed up the trail to Panorama Point, which according to the map would have been another 3/4 mile. They didn't quite make it, because the sun was going down and it was suddenly getting colder! They did make it far enough to get snowballs, which seemed to be a goal for a lot of young hikers.
Michael & Connor with snowballs from near Panorama Point.
What a great day! Link
The view from the parking lot.
The first half mile of trail from the Paradise parking lot is paved. It is a very popular place to hike (with good reason!) so be prepared for traffic on weekends. We got to the park around 3 in the afternoon and killed some time until about 4:15 just to get a parking space in Paradise. A better alternative is to go out the night before, camp there and get to the lot early in the morning.
Climbing rocks is fun!
The way is steep, so we took a lot of breaks. We've learned that the kids' ability to make the hike is a combination of their energy level and the amount of interest the hike holds for them. In this case, the paved trail was not very interesting to them and it was very rough going the first part of the hike. We took a far greater number of breaks than we did later on. Also, starting out at 4:30 in the afternoon after a 3 hour drive wasn't exactly the best move. Next time we'll plan ahead.
Check out that view!
After the pavement ended, the trail continued as packed dirt and rocks. It was well maintained and still accessible to anyone who has the stamina to continue up the rather steep incline. The nice thing about it with kids is that there are no steep drop-offs near the trail. We have been on a few switchbacks that were hair-raising, simply because sometimes kids are senseless.
Anyway, the crowds thinned out somewhat, partly because it was later in the afternoon but also because it's not exactly clear what the continued climb promises to hold. It's well worth it, as the views get better and better!
The view of Nisqually Glacier from Glacier Vista.
Mt. St. Helen in the distance.
Mt. Adams in the distance.
Connor and I made it as far as Glacier Vista, which is about 2.5 miles round trip from the parking lot. The nice thing about these climbs is that the way down is so much easier than the way up. You really can go almostas far as you think you are able before you have to turn around and go back. Connor wanted to go farther, but he didn't complain too much when I suggested we let Daddy and Michael continue without us. He was beat, but we still had a nice hike down together.
Stop taking my picture!
Wildflowers in alpine meadows.
We saw a marmot, a mountain goat, and a bunch of deer.
Michael and Rick headed up the trail to Panorama Point, which according to the map would have been another 3/4 mile. They didn't quite make it, because the sun was going down and it was suddenly getting colder! They did make it far enough to get snowballs, which seemed to be a goal for a lot of young hikers.
Michael & Connor with snowballs from near Panorama Point.
What a great day! Link
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on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 8:03 AM.
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