A Weekend at Mount Rainier
Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout Viewpoint
WOW. A commonly used word when visiting Mount Rainier in all her glory. Being on this mountain is truly magical, the feeling it gives is unlike one I have experienced anywhere else. This was a trip I would recommend every single human do at-least once, ideally every year. I had visited a couple times before but always in winter, which was still beautiful, but the summer months are unbeatable here.
We started the trip by heading up to the mountain on a Friday afternoon around 2-3 pm, stopping in Morton for some pizza at Timber Patch Brewing Taproom and arriving in Ashford around 7 pm, we decided to make our way to the top to see if we could catch the sunset. Driving up to the paradise area is remarkable, the forest really does give you this feeling of peacefulness, along with the glimpses of the mountain. It is hard not to be grateful here. We made it to the visitor’s center parking lot and due to the excitement of our unintended sunset timing ran our way up to the Dead Horse Creek Trail.
Dead Horse Creek Trail
Length: 2.3 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation: 725 Ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Along this trail is a creek and lots of wildflowers. Behind is the Tattoosh Mountain Range, another amazing sight to see and this trail gives you a perfect view of it. Once you reach the top of the trail… there she is. A remarkable view of Rainier with a perfectly placed meadow of flowers and trees below. I could not have asked for a better spot to experience a sunset. Afterwards, we headed back to Ashford and set up camp at a family friend’s cabin.
The next morning, we arrived at the same location of the visitor’s center (Henry Jackson to be specific, most people know this as Paradise because of the lodge) around 7 am. This parking lot seems big, but on a Saturday morning, it’s not. Always get there earlier than you think you should. Once we found our parking spot we hiked up to Myrtle Falls.
Myrtle Falls Viewpoint
Length: 0.7 Miles Roundtrip
Elevation: 154 Ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Fun fact: I ended up naming my car Myrtle. It’s truly a sight to see when you have a waterfall AND a mountain. This is a must for Mt. Rainier even with the crowds, it’s also completely paved. We saw Marmots on our way up and down, not having a clue what the heck it was until another hiker informed us.
After the falls, we drove to Bench and Snow Lakes which was about a 20 minute drive. Another popular hike so prepare to arrive early and expect friends. I really enjoyed this entire trail from start to finish. The views are exactly what you’d expect hiking around a mountain, plus lots of flowers, some small bodies of water and views of snowcapped hills. Passing Bench Lake we made our way to Snow Lake.
Snow Lake
Length: 2.2 Miles
Elevation: 449 Ft.
Difficulty: Moderate
Now this has got to be the best place I’ve eaten lunch. This lake is beautiful, it’s basically a little alpine cove with the small mountain surrounding half, the turquoise water, hemlock and alpine fir trees. I saw photos of this lake before visiting but I just couldn’t quite find the view I was expecting. When we decided to start hiking back there is a sign indicating a toilet, so we figured we’d take the opportunity and on our way… the view! It was amazing and the photos really didn’t do it justice, they never do. Who would have thought a trip to the toilet would be so rewarding!
After making our way back to the car we decided to head back to the camp (a tent in the yard of a family friends cabin) and relax. At dinner time, we decided to go to Rainier Basecamp Restaurant and Bar near Ashford, of course ordering more pizza. This was an awesome place, the outdoor seating has fireplaces and live music, I believe this is a type of lodge/inn as well.
On our last morning we woke up early, packed up and headed to Tolmie Peak. Arriving at around 10 am on Sunday the trailhead parking was PACKED! Which made sense, this hike was incredible and the highlight of the trip.
Length: 5.6 Miles
Elevation: 1,555 Ft.
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
This trail is strenuous, I won’t lie. Once you climb out of the forest you reach beautiful Lake Eunice. What a sight! We had a snack here, fed the birds and watched other happy hikers swim and enjoy the destination we had all worked our bodies to reach. After spending some time at the lake we continued on, more uphill, making our way to the Tolmie Peak fire lookout! The view of Mt Rainier and Lake Eunice is unreal, this was the most rewarding hike I have ever completed, also my first fire lookout.
One of my favorite adventure partners and human in general, Crystal, and I with Lake Eunice peaking through the back
Summary
Well I hope I have convinced you to plan your trip to Rainier! This was a small handful of what the mountain has to offer, meaning there is still so much more to look forward to. There are multiple campgrounds in the park itself, book early if you plan to camp. Tons of cool airbnbs/rentals as well! From the lakes to wildflowers to mountain views this is truly a perfect trip for anyone wanting to experience hiking during the summer in the most beautiful, fulfilling way.
