We’ve been visiting Mount Rainier National Park for decades. We’ve stayed at all kinds of lodging on the west (Ashford) and east (Packwood) side of the Mountain, from campgrounds to B&Bs. Here’s how I break down lodging near Mount Rainier. … Continued
It’s a hiking fact: the most beautiful hikes are usually the most crowded. This can present a conundrum for hikers who want gorgeous scenery as well as solitude. But you can score both with a little homework and some advance … Continued
It’s summertime and the living’ ain’t easy if you’re trying to wedge your way into Mount Rainier National Park. That’s because this spectacular park sees upwards of two million visitors a year, mostly in the summer. Sure, park trails are … Continued
“The Mountain is out.” No words sound sweeter to the ears of a Rainieraholic like me. It’s a favorite phrase in the local lexicon, because any day Mount Rainier is out means cloudless blue skies from here to eternity. And … Continued
As Great Outdoors Month winds down, we thought we’d wind up with four fire lookouts from Mount Rainier National Park. These trails are in a class by themselves. They’re among the most challenging day hikes in the park. But the … Continued
From loop trails and waterfalls to alpine aeries and meadows marinated in wildflowers, Mount Rainier National Park is an awesome place for family hiking. But some trails are more kid friendly than others. What are the best Rainier trails for … Continued
Hello SUMMER! School’s out! Pacific Northwest skies have finally stopped drooling. The thermometer is flirting with “warm.” And it’s time to Get Outside. Continuing our series on Great Outdoors Month, here are 20 ways to celebrate this sunny season: – … Continued
Walking is a natural activity with many health and mental benefits. So is hiking. Hiking offers all the health and other benefits associated with walking. Think of hiking as walking with attitude. In the Great Outdoors. Here are 15 Pacific … Continued
Going from sea level to 7,000+ feet overnight may not require bottled oxygen, but it’s like going from whole to skim milk “cold turkey.” Especially if you’re hiking to an old fire lookout opposite the north face of Washinton’s Mount Rainier. … Continued
Ready to adventure through so much green you’ll think you’ve landed in the Emerald City? How about rollicking waterfalls, towering conifers, twittering song birds, laughing creeks, and shoreline views of one of the largest lakes on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula? Look … Continued