Exploring Mt. Rainier National Park

A glorious and rainy day was spent in Mt. Rainier National Park. En route to Seattle we wanted to make the most of the adventure. We decided instead of the quicker trip up through Boise, Tri-Cities, and Snoqualmie, we would go up through Missoula down to Yakima and up through Mt. Rainier National Park.

We arrived coming up through the Naches Valley and up along the river. It was amazing how quickly it went from barren brown hills to lush, dense pine forests. 

As we pulled into the park we stopped for some photo opportunities along the PCT that crosses along the Park’s entrance. The area around us was shrouded in clouds and fog with the beginnings of some moisture. 

We made the descent down from Tipsoo Lake towards White River. We then proceeded above White River to Sunrise Point.

We enjoyed the 3-D map and information in the visitors center. Mostly, it was nice to get in out of the cold and rainy weather. 

From the Sunrise visitor center I took off on an 8 mile point to point run.

The scenery was amazing (at least when I could see it).

I first came across Shadow Lake. It was gorgeous even though the views were limited around me.

Shortly after the lake I passed the Sunrise backcountry campground and began my ascent up towards the Burroughs. I was really looking forward to the Emmons Glacier Overlook, but it ended looking like a blanket of clouds as you can see below. 

The Burroughs are a pair of rocky outcroppings off of the north ridges of Rainier. The Wonderland Trail runs along the top of these. I followed the trail to the top of the Burroughs.

Atop the Burroughs the storm had hit its climax. I was hit with rain from the west and the temperature had decreased as well. In shorts and a rain jacket I did not want to stay up high for very long. I grabbed a video and a couple of photos at the top and then made my way down towards the Glacier Trail.

While coming down I came across several backpackers who probably though this guy in a light rain jacket and small vest pack was nuts. Yeah, I wondered the same thing as well a little bit. I certainly questioned my overall sanity while in the thick clouds, rain, and cold at the top.

On my way day I recanted on those thoughts as some of the clouds began to break, I saw the tremendous views of glaciated hills, and was able to enjoy amazing wild flowers. This made it all worth it.

The descent along the White River was spectacular with waterfalls all along the trail and the river rushing by. Well worth it. 

I met back up with my family at the White River Campground, making this an excellent point to point run with a variety of terrain differentiation. A solid 8 miles and though Rainier never showed herself the views and surroundings were still very worth it.