3-Days in Mount Rainier National Park

Just me, 3 days, 5 hikes, and some 30 miles later and I returned home from a satisfying trip to Mount Rainier. Last year's visit my only objective was the Summerland Trail to the Panhandle Gap and that trip I only spent one night while it was a good visit, I learned my lesson and did 2 nights this year and left time to do more hiking. 

As I would expect in the Pacific Northwest there was plenty green and I was surprised by so many wildflowers, clear skies and the temperature was just right. To make it even better I lucked out with one of the better campsites at The Dalles Campground which is just down the road from the Sunshine entrance to the park.

I had a few specific trails in mind but was also just going to see where I ended up.

Started my trip at Paradise and hiked the Panorama Point Loop along the Skyline Trail. The views were amazing, even with all the people. After that, I drove through the park over to my campsite.

The next day I started early, hoping to not see anyone on the Owyhigh Lakes Trail. The small lakes were a great place to have my cold pizza breakfast. On the way back I was talking to another hiker and he recommended that I do the Naches Peak Loop. Checked the map and it seemed like as good of an option as any so I headed over there next. It was busy, but the views were worth the crowds. Soon I was back at my camp where I did a smaller trail along the river next to the campground.

The next morning I got packed up and headed back over the Cayuse Pass and hiked up to Sheep Lake along the PCT. An early start is recommended if you don’t want to run into people. Lake was tucked back in a perfect spot.

Looking forward to visiting again! Possibly I will climb Rainier next time?

Mount Rainier from the top of Cayuse Pass