Took a beautiful drive up to Mt Rainier National Park today. Luckily most of the cars that had the same idea headed up to Paradise. I'm sure it was busy.
ENTRY: Due to fed government shut down there is limited amenities but the drive was pretty.
PARKING: There were quite a few cars at the Comet Falls lot. My guess if you get there past 10:00 it would be full.
SMOKE: Air quality was in the 60s moderate.
TRIP REPORT: The beginning of the trail is wide after the first 1/2 mile it starts becoming rocky with switchbacks. There is pretty vine maples turning color now. A few pikas greeted us here and there up the hill.
At Comet falls we enjoyed the views and lingering warm breezes. Also ran into a few people we know from the Mountaineers in Tacoma.
At Van Trump park we couldn't take our eyes off the mountain with the dusting of new snow and east and west Van Trump falls. We continued up the unmaintained trail until we reached about 6700' and watched a herd of about 10 goats enjoying the meadows.
Our trip to Mildred ended here. After enjoying the goats and watching their movement, we had little daylight left to ramble up to Mildred.
8 miles, 3300' elevation gain
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