Palisades Lake is one of the "no mountain" hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, which often translates to having less people on the hikes. (That meaning no views of the mountain once you get going. The last view of the mountain is as you dip down to the first lake.) It also sports a few… Continue reading Palisades Lake
Category: National Park
Badger Valley Loop
The first time Ford and I hiked the Badger Valley Loop in Olympic National Park Ford was a small child, I think we did it in the late summer/early fall of 2002. The drive out to Obstruction Point is big reason some never do the hike. The drive up to Hurricane Ridge goes fast, but… Continue reading Badger Valley Loop
Shriner Peak Trail and Lookout Tower
Shriner Peak/Lookout is tucked away on the quiet side of Mount Rainier National Park. Reached via Hwy 123, it is a very long drive no matter where you are coming from. That isn't necessarily a bad thing for scoring a permit to spend the night at the top of the peak. There are two sites… Continue reading Shriner Peak Trail and Lookout Tower
Mother Mountain Loop
A dayhike to burn the legs. The Mother Mountain Loop, going through some of the lesser used sections of Mount Rainier National Park, packs in around 17 miles and a lot of scenery....we started at Mowich Lake, and jumped onto the Wonderland Trail. The weather was cool and socked in, but better weather to do… Continue reading Mother Mountain Loop
Backpacking to Olallie Creek Campground
When the high country isn't melted out, but you really want to spend a night in the woods. The Cowlitz Divide Trail is one of the lesser used trails of Mount Rainier National Park. For one, it is located on the far side of the park, near Ohanapecosh and the Stevens Canyon entrance off of… Continue reading Backpacking to Olallie Creek Campground