The sunny scramble to camp Muir at 10,000ft elevation on a clear day is one of Washington’s best day trips.
the trail gives way to glacier
A trip to Mt. Rainier National Park is well worth the drive and the entrance fee and the crowds for a look at Washington’s other iconic volcano.
Paradise lodge is at about 5,000ft. The beginning of the path up the mountain and into the meadows is swarmed with tourists who’s numbers quickly dwindle after a half mile of meandering until the trail begins to pitch upwards and is not paved.
My favorite part of this brisk hike is the moment when the trail ends and the glaciers and scree slopes begin. When cataracts open to reveal fast moving crystalline water.
Speak up!