The plan was to go to Mt. Rainier National Park with Lori, Jeanette and Merlyn and hike around and see the wild flowers. What was not planned for was late snow melt, record setting hot day and altitude. We ended up with a short hike at Paradise with still some flowers and lovely views but still much covered in snow. We did a short visit to Paradise Lodge and headed off for lunch. Our second hike was to be at Longmire but did some stops on the way. By the time we got to Longmire the temperature was in the 90’s so we did a visit to and lodge and headed on. Even on food stop at Papa Bears was hot and did not go a planned. If it wasn’t for the fact that it was just so darn beautiful there it would have been a bad trip but seeing the majestic beauty of Mt. Rainier and the Tatoosh Range with good friends for a while makes it all good.
We arrive at Paradise and find parking, off to a good start
The ladies are ready to go
Off to see a waterfall on Edith Creek
Edith Creek with Mt. Rainier
Waterfall on Edith Creek and Mt. Rainier
Paradise Lodge and the Tatoosh Range
Avalanche Lilly
Still snow on the trail
Deadhorse Creek and the Tatoosh Range
What flower is that?
Maybe Western Spring Beauty
Some of the meadows were still snow covered
Trail completely under snow
Heading back to the parking lot and on to the lodge
Heading into Paradise Lodge to find Lori
Having a rest in the Lodge before going for a picnic
Mt. Rainier seen from Inspiration Point
Mt Rainier at Reflection Lake
We did a lot of standing in the shade
Navada Falls
To hot hike down there for a look
Lori and Jeanette going over the bridge
Paradise River
Impressive stone work
The benches inside made you think this place had another purpose
Arriving at Longmire
Heading in to check out the Inn
There are many historic photos in the public areas
We finished off a Papa Bears but it was not the same
