Moving fast to get out of the heat in California we focused on getting back into the cool clouds of the Pacific Northwest. Without air conditioning, we were done with the 100 degree days of central California.
The Randolph Collier Rest Area is one of our favourites so we stopped for breakfast and a quick birding tour.
Morning Cloak
Western Kingbird
We kept the pedal down as we passed through the green forests of Oregon. The varying shades of green were a welcome sight after the dry yellow-gold grasses of California. By nightfall, we were in Washington State and approaching Mount Rainier.
June 30
Sunrise found us in a land of mist and forests. It was a welcome change from the hot blue skies of California.
Mount Rainier
Highway 12 got us into Mount Rainier National Park and we arrived at the Ohanapecosh Campground in the early afternoon.
Ohanapecosh Visitor Center
After securing a campsite for the night we drove to the Grove of the Patriarchs
Trail to the Grove of the Patriarchs
The trail led through a forest of tall Cedars and Douglas Fir trees.
Boardwalk to Grove of the Patriarchs
It was a warm shady pleasant walk through old growth forest.
Mosses and mushrooms were abundant in the shady darkness of the forest floor.
Ohanapecosh River
The Ohanapecosh River and bridge were the only openings in the forest canopy which let us know that there was a blue sky above us.
We finished the day with another of Emmas great stir fry dinners.
Super in the RV
July 1
At the crack of dawn, we were away and climbing up to Paradise on the southern slopes of Mount Rainier. We needed to get up to the parking lot early so we had a spot to park our 28 foot RV.
Road to Paradise
However, its hard to pass all the cool sites along the way so we stopped for a short hike along the Box Canyon Trail.
Emma stretching by the Box Canyon Trailhead
The views up the mountain side and down into the canyon were memorable.
Box Canyon
Tiger Lily
It was a short pleasant one kilometre walk up over and back along the rim of the narrow canyon.
Bridge over Box Canyon
Mount Rainier
Back in the RV, we continues along the ascending switchbacks toward Paradise.
Road to Paradise
Walk to Reflection Lake
Just short of Paradise we stopped at world famous Reflection Lake.
Reflection Lake
On a calm day, this lake provided a mirror sharp reflection of Mount Rainier.
Reflection Lake
Today, there was a slight breeze that created a ripple effect on the water.
Mount Rainier Reflected in Reflection Lake
Jim, Emma and Sonaa by Reflection Lake
Mount Rainier Rising Above Reflection Lake
When we arrived at Paradise the parking lot started to fill up but we still found a good spot.
Paradise Parking Lot
Henry Jackson Visitor Center
The heavy winter snows required the Visitor Center to have a very steep roof. It was now July but large patches of snow were still covering the meadows and blocking some of the hiking trails.
I took Sonaa on a perambulation around the visitor center while Emma prepared second breakfast.
We got lots of attention from the local marmots. They whistled their alarm calls as we walked around the parking lot.
Hoary Marmot
This marmot was on sentry duty and took his responsibility seriously. His whistles echoed around Paradise.
In short order, we were walking up the Skyline Trail. This is a magnificent hike as the following pictures will attest.
Pasqueflower
Despite the large patches of snow, flowers were blooming wherever the ground was clear.
Avalanche Lily
This Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel was panhandling for snacks along the side of the trail.
Forest and Mount Rainier
As we gained altitude along the Skyline Trail the patches of snow became more prevalent and the open meadows smaller.
Emma taking a break along the Skyline Trail
Mount Rainier
Near the crest of the Skyline trail the snow was thick on the ground. This is ideal for Gray-crowned Rosy-finches as they thrive in this terrain.
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch
This industrious Rosy-finch was diving head first into the snow and coming up with taste grubs. To see a Gray-crowned Rosy-finch you need to hike to the snowy patches of the high alpine meadows. It always excites us when we get to see a unique bird in a hard to reach ecosystem.
Mount Rainier dominated the skyline but it was not the only interesting peak.
Mount Adams
The visibility was good and we could see 100 miles or more. Looking south both Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens were clearly visible in the distance.
Mount St. Helens
Emma near the high point of our hike along the Skyline Trail
We loved the panorama from the top of Skyline Trail. The combination of the awesome views, hot summer day and refreshingly cool snow patches really made us feel like we were in paradise.
Mount Rainier
Glacier on the South Side of Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier
Fog and Snow on Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier Summit
It was hard to leave this magical place. We slowly wound our back down to the RV where we had a celebratory lunch and afternoon nap that lasted till evening.
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