It took us a full day of driving and errands to arrive near our next destination, Mount Rainier National Park. Along the way we picked up a prescription at Walgreens, shopped at Trader Joe’s (my favorite!), and even got a new screen protector for my poor phone. Check, check, check. We were geared up and ready for our next set of adventures. And it was good to be back in the mountains.
Our first day at the park we enjoyed the Longmire area, which was about half an hour from our campground. This area is where the original resort retreat was created by the Longmire family over a century ago. A place for people to come and embark on a rugged adventure. Today it is managed by the park service which a focus on preserving the natural environment.
After gathering suggestions from a park volunteer, we meandered around the Shadows Trail to catch our first glimpse of Mount Rainier. We bushwhacked down a side spur, past a few trees, to see the mighty volcano rising across the meadow. While still a great distance away, its enormity was clear. Glacier capped, the gray mountain was stunning against the blue sky.
The other highlight of the Shadows Trail was spotting the springs bubbling up from the earth’s floor. Cool water popped up and left rust colored trails where is spilled over. These “baking soda” springs were once bathed in, but today are protected as an important natural element.
Back in the van, we headed further down the road for a waterfall hike. Carter and Madcap Falls were our next destination. Our hike started through a boulder field to the river. While roaring, the river was contained at this point in the summer, rushing down its most carved path. You could see how the river raged during the rainy season and snowmelt by the erosion on the embankment, a good 6+ feet high. I imagine none of the boulder field we were currently traversing would even be visible. How different it must be.
Once we crossed the river on the single log bridge, we climbed into the forest and into silence. It was a serene forest walk, gently upwards through shorter but no less beautiful trees. We first arrived at Carter Falls, partially hidden across the way. It makes me wonder, how many waterfalls are out there that we can’t see? That perhaps we don’t even know about? Nature certainly has some secrets she keeps all for herself.
A few minutes later we were at Madcap Falls, out in the open for us to enjoy its splendor. A fly fisherman was at the top, enjoying his solitude. A sunny spot, we settled in for lunch. After refueling, we wandered to the top of the falls to enjoy the spot the fisherman had vacated, and watched the water swirl and jump before launching over the edge.
Eventually it was time to pack up and head out, a slow meander down the trail and back across the river. I rounded out the day with an afternoon nap and quiet journal session. A great introduction to Mount Rainier National Park.
Tonelli's Travels 