The Mountain Is Out Today

Mount Rainier is actually visible from Yakima, about 100 miles or so away. Oddly enough, though, there really isn’t another view of it until you’re right on top of it. At least not coming from Route 12 anyway.

We were a bit surprised at how quickly and suddenly we arrived at Mount Rainier National Park. A ranger at the entrance station suggested Ohanapecosh Campground, recommending it for its old-growth forest. Neither one of us has ever really spent any time in an old-growth forest. It’s just different. Peaceful. Spiritual. Our campsite is perhaps the most secluded one in the grounds.

The ranger offerings and hikes are much more plentiful than at Crater Lake. Of course, we arrived on the 25^th and the first ranger programs of the season were given on the 22^nd.

Apparently, it’s not all that uncommon for the peak of Mt. Rainier to be obscured by weather. We’ve been very fortunate thus far.