Planning to hike the Skyline Loop Trail at Mount Rainier National Park? I’ve hiked this trail in spring, summer, and fall, and its panoramic mountain views make it Washington’s best day hike—and my personal favorite. I’ll never forget my first glimpse of the Tatoosh Mountains across the meadows. That was the moment I fell in…
Looking for things to do in Mount Rainier National Park? I’ve experienced more mountain magic here than anywhere else, but one moment I’ll never forget is seeing my mom double-fist pump with joy after we finished the easy Sunrise Nature Trail. In just 1.5 miles, with Rainier commanding our view, we hiked through stunning subalpine…
Wondering how to avoid crowds at Mount Rainier National Park? I wake up early, caffeinate, and get to the Nisqually or White River Entrance before 7am. When the timed entry reservation system was piloted, I expected to encounter long lines of early arrivals without reservations, but I never did. Things have changed as the word…
Wondering the best time to go to Mount Rainier to catch the national park at its most stunning? Every summer, my greatest ambition is to catch wildflowers at peak bloom — a worthwhile pursuit to see the “most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens,” as famed naturalist John Muir once said. While the time…