With Pierce in Paradise

Yesterday, Thursday August 21, my soon to be son-in-law, Pierce, joined me for a hike and photography session at Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park. My initial plan was to concentrate on photography and not take a major hike. However, plans change...

We left at 7:30AM in misty rain and, of course, cloudy skies. The forecast for Paradise was partly sunny, so we were hopeful for some good weather in spite of all the rain hitting the windshield as we drove down I405. Arriving in Enumclaw, the rain continued. We reached the park entrance and it was still coming down. As we gained altitude on the approach to Paradise, the fog (clouds actually) thickened until we could see nothing but the road ahead and not much of that. Finally, a few minutes before our arrival, the clouds parted, the sun came out, and our optimism returned. As we arrived at our destination, the fog came back but it seemed to be thinning out. The Mountain, however, was well hidden in the haze.

We consulted our hiking book and decided to set out on the Skyline Trail (5.5 miles, 1450 ft elevation gain), thinking that at least we could get some exercise while waiting for the sun. We got occasional glimpses of the surrounding meadows and mountains early in the hike.

Also, we came across a couple of fearless marmots who allowed me to get close enough for some portrait photography.

This fine fellow is a Hoary Marmot posing about 10 feet from me

As we gained altitude, the fog thickened again

We arrived at Panorama Point in heavy fog significantly degrading, I believe, our panoramic experience.

Here is the panorama. Underwhelming, right? I want a refund.

However, the chipmunks seemed unfazed by the fog.

Moving on through the gloom, we came across a rustic toilet facility which seemed to be doing a brisk business. Neither of us being in dire straits, we decided not to patronize this establishment.

I wonder how this was built? Were helicopters involved?

As we reached the high point of the hike and started our descent, the fog seemed to have second thoughts about sticking around and visibility gradually increased. The curtains parted and we had our panorama after all!

Mount Adams makes its appearance about 40 miles to the southeast

That bump on the horizon is what remains of Mount St Helens after the 1980 eruption

Of course, the star of this performance had yet to show itself. Where Mount Rainier should be there was nothing but impenetrable clouds. However, given the mountain's sense of drama we knew this would not last long. Finally, we were favored with the beginnings of a view.

The Unveiling

Pierce and Mountain

After being such a tease all morning, Rainier finally appeared in all its glory offering some iconic views that I could not resist.

During the final few miles of our hike, another marmot paid us a visit.

Below is a monument to the first people known to have summited Rainier in 1870, the aptly named Hazard Stevens and a guy named Trump whose name has now been sullied beyond repair by the 21st century idiot of the same name. I notice their more sensible Native American guide waited here while the crazy white dudes did their thing.

We made it back to the car and headed for home. Of course, we made the obligatory refreshment stop at Wapiti Woolies in Greenwater and arrived home around 6:30PM.

A good day in the mountains.