This hike is one of a kind. As in one of a kind of punishment. It's worth it though. But it isn't easy. If however you enjoy hiking uphill, up a 20% grade in hot airless forest for the first part to reach alpine bliss, you will love it. It is 5.5 miles to the… Continue reading Pyramid Peak Loop
Tag: National Park
Palisades Lake
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
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