It’s been 15+ years since visiting the Paraside side of Mt Rainier in the summer, when the “flying saucer” visitor center was in place and before the Henry Jackson visitor center was open. This is where you brought visitors or new transplants to be awed. Anyone remember that? Today’s visit seems to be the same, except - the masses have multiplied. 8:30am Wednesday already the main parking lot full – youch 😦! – even with light rain and forecast of morning snow showers at higher elevations. Being on a micro-vacation myself, I enjoyed the new visitor center amenities and waited for afternoon clearing.
1:30pm started up the Avalanche Lily trail which was almost deserted compared to the other trails leading out of Paradise (perhaps because it’s steeper). Continued to Dead Horse Creek trail; then, to Skyline and Pebble Creek trail toward Camp Muir. “Fell field” new term learned from the “Danger Zone” info sign (see Alpine Zone section). Indeed, did find one of these alpine pocket habitats where flowering plants remained while elsewhere there was only alpine scree (top picture)
The mountain makes its own clouds; so, the moment of my 360º video it was shrouded. But until it popped out again there were ample views to enjoy including audacious, sunbathing marmots and bright-eyed ground squirrels. Skyline Trail was busy on the way back to Paradise with trail closure south of Waterfall trail due to presence of foraging bear and volunteer Rangers working to keep eager gawkers from getting too close.
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