Pacific Northwest Aug 2019 - Day 10 Mount Rainier National Park, Paradise

katiebaz · 17 Jun 20, 03:32 PM

After a fabulous sleep we were up at 6am again as we were heading to a different part of the park today called Paradise. We had a quick breakfast of croissants, juice and tea then headed out at 7am for the hour drive to the start of our hike. Again it was thick cloud, but this time we knew that once we got about the cloud line, it would clear so weren’t worried about hiking and seeing nothing.

As we got close to Paradise, the cloud cleared and Mount Rainier came into full view, looking magnificent again.

The car park at Paradise was quite full at 8.15am, so it definitely felt like the early start was worth it. We then set out on the skyline trail, which is one of the best known in the park, but with enough variation that it was easy to escape the crowds. The first section was very steep and did cause Daniel to have a bit of a meltdown - we just gently encouraged him to keep going, aware that the early hour and intensity of the hike was not the ideal start for a teenager. Before long the path evened out and the views of the Rainier and surrounding mountains were so spectacular that he soon cheered up.

As we walked onwards we got to see more Marmots, whose play fights and general cuteness meant no one could stay cross. This walk was quite strenuous so we were relieved to get panorama point for a rest and snack stop.

On the descent we decided to take what looked like the most direct route back and were so glad we did as we managed to spot a bear running down the hillside. Fortunately it was enough distance away for us to feel safe and there were plenty of other people around as well as rangers. It was amazing to see the bear so close and we felt very lucky.

The descent did feel quite long and our legs were starting to tire as we arrived back at Paradise and although this hike was quite strenuous it was very much worth it. Even Daniel agreed. By now it was lunchtime and we were all very hungry so went to the cafeteria, it was okay, not great but when you are hungry anything will do!
After lunch we mooched around the visitor centre which was extremely busy and decided to head back to our cosy cabin. As we drove out of the park, there were queues to get into the car parks and a ginormous queue to get into the park itself. Again we were thankful for the early start.

Back at the cabin we sat in the sun reading, chilled in the hot tub and felt very relaxed. We popped to the local supermarket and stocked up on steaks to barbecue for dinner that night, which were both very tasty and really cheap. After eating we sat around the fire-pit toasting marshmallows, listening to music as the sun set.

However once dark, we heard a rather disturbing noise, which sounded like a horse snorting, but as it was pitch black we decided not to take a chance and quickly get inside. Later on I was googling what it could be and discovered that black bears make a snorting sound too so was relived we went inside quickly.

We chilled out watching the Good Place on Netflix and reflecting on another awesome day.

CrispyA · 19 Jun 20, 07:30 AM

Sounds like another good hike and you all enjoyed, even if Daniel wasn’t convinced at first. We’ve had family walks where not everyone was having a good time at first . . .

The marmots look cute!

katiebaz · 20 Jun 20, 11:34 AM

Originally Posted by CrispyA

Sounds like another good hike and you all enjoyed, even if Daniel wasn’t convinced at first. We’ve had family walks where not everyone was having a good time at first . . .

The marmots look cute!

Marmots are our new favourite animals! The walk was amazing despite how tough it was in places and the views still stay with me now.

**smithlane** · 29 Jun 20, 10:54 PM

I'm so pleased you got to see a bear! The hike sounds strenuous but the views were totally worth it.

**Sparksy72** · 30 Jun 20, 08:24 AM

What an amazing hike, those marmots are adorable and what an absolute treat to see a bear!

katiebaz · 30 Jun 20, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by smithlane

I'm so pleased you got to see a bear! The hike sounds strenuous but the views were totally worth it.

It is always special to see a bear and although the hike was hard going at times it was well worth it.

katiebaz · 30 Jun 20, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Sparksy72

What an amazing hike, those marmots are adorable and what an absolute treat to see a bear!

The marmots were such a joy, we had never seen one before but they were totally adorable.

19 Jun 20, 07:30 AM	#2
	19 Jun 20, 07:30 AM CrispyA Imagineer
CrispyA Imagineer Join Date: Oct 11	Sounds like another good hike and you all enjoyed, even if Daniel wasn’t convinced at first. We’ve had family walks where not everyone was having a good time at first . . . The marmots look cute! __________________ West Coast July - August 2014, Howdy Texas! August 2015, Rocking in the Rockies July - August 2016, Bier, Bratwurst und Bahnsteige: Berlin 2017, Touring Tennessee 2017, Expedition East Coast 2018, Hola! Madrid 2019, Great Lakes Grooving 2019, It's Czech, Mate, Prague 2022, Veni, Vidi, Edi, Bibi Italy 2022