Though Mount Rainier is the closest National Park to us, a day trip requires a two-hour, one-way drive plus hike time and drive home, which often makes for a very long day. With two lodges in the park, we secured a night at the Paradise Inn near the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, which is at approximately 5,400 feet on the south slope of Mount Rainier. For reference, Mount Rainier is a 14,410-foot active volcano.
The plan was simple, on day one drive down and hike Skyscraper Mountain via Soudough Ridge on the Sunrise side of the park, then post-hike drive to the Paradise area to spend the night in the lodge and hike Skyline trail on day two. When do things go as planned?
Upon arriving at the Sunrise gate, the estimated entrance time was 2 hours! Now... we were the idiots who planned to hike on a Saturday, in peak summer season, at a National Park, who also decided to casually arrive around 11:00 am. Fearing that this was going to be our experience for the rest of the day and seeing packed trailheads we turned the car around to hopefully find a different option near the Ohanpecosh section of the park (no gate check required).
Though it was just as packed with cars and people, we were able to snag a parking spot and hike Naches Peak, an easy 3.5-mile stroll with views of Mt. Rainier, vistas, green ponds, and rolling meadows filled with magenta paintbrush, purple aster, white morning glory, and yellow lazy susans.
Thankfully the drive to Paradise Inn was a breeze. No traffic and easily found parking, because the lot looked very similar to the image below! The lodge is beautiful, with a large sitting area filled with oversized couches, comfy chairs, and tables. We sat in the lofted area in the evening and listened to the crackling fireplaces below - truly movie magical.
Amazing view from our room, looking south.
Day two was a hike we've always looked at during our winter snowshoe hikes to Glacier Vista but never attempted. The Skyline trail has a summer and a winter version, and to be frank, the winter version looks miserably steep.
The 5.6-mile Skyline Trail Loop did not disappoint, catching bluebird vista views, observing two mountain goats, watching the clouds roll, and enjoying a Van Holtens pickle purchased from the gift shop. If you are unfamiliar with Van Holtens they are a pickle maker from my hometown!
Until Next Time, Give a Hoot and Don't Pollute.