There are over 260 miles of maintained trails in Mount Rainier National Park.
Really. 260 MILES. (sorry to shout.)
So many trails. So many views. So many experiences to, well, experience. Even hiking the same trail can be a totally different experience each time.
So which trail is the most memorable to you? Was it the first trail you ever hiked in a national park? Or maybe the first time you saw Mount Rainier? To me, the most memorable trail is the half mile from the Paradise upper parking lot to Myrtle Falls. Technically, it’s one of the starting portions of the Skyline trail but Myrtle Falls makes it a nice out and back all by itself. The first 2 times I walked this trail, I thought it was a nice walk. Interesting plants. The 3rd time, it was amazing. On a foggy morning, I strolled out to look at Edith Creek and the falls, when through the clouds, Mount Rainier loomed large and stole everyone’s attention. My first view of Mount Rainier was a stunner.
So what’s you favorite trail and trail memory? ~ams
Please note that none of these pictures are from this year. Please visit this website for current trail conditions https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm and for information https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-of-mount-rainier.htm
NPS/C. Roundtree Photo (top). Person stands at railing looking up at Ranger Falls. This is a spur trail off the Green Lake trail in the Carbon River corner of the park. May, 2018. NPS Photo (middle). Pond surrounded by wildflower meadows on Naches Peak Loop trail, on eastern border of park. Naches Peak in the background. August, 2018. NPS Photo (bottom). Person walking on boardwalk section Trail of Shadows in Longmire beneath towering trees. June, 2018.