Summer day hike in Mount Rainier National Park

Summer day hike in Mount Rainier National Park

by | Aug 2, 2017 | Landscapes

We needed adventure, so to the mountain we went! I love Mount Rainier because there are so many possibilities for hiking and scenery. We started driving, and hoped the clouds would clear by the time we arrived. Thankfully, once we drove up to the gate (and used our pass to get through the long line), the clouds had dispersed. We drove up to Paradise and luckily found a parking spot. From there we decided on the popular Skyline trail and started walking.

From the Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park

At the beginning of the trail there were many people out and about enjoying the summer weather. Once we got past Myrtle Falls however, the trail significantly thinned and the walking was much easier.

It doesn’t matter what side or direction you’re looking, Mount Rainier National Park is simply gorgeous!

From the Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From the Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From the Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From the Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From the Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From the Skyline Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From Lake Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From Lake Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From Lake Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park
From Lake Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
From Lake Trail, Mount Rainier National Park

We went through several forks in the road, deciding which way to go on a whim (note: please please always have a map and understand your own physical and time limits). We chose to descend to Reflection Lake using Lake Trail. The view was amazing, and the lake was glimmering! From there we had to get back to Paradise, and that involved a steep hike. However, it was worth the climb because of this gushing creek and waterfall along the way. As the sun got lower the bugs came out and we hustled our way back to the car. As always, Mount Rainier did not disappoint!

If you’re interested in learning more, Washington Trails Association is a great resource.

From Lake Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
Sunny March Days in the Pacific Northwest

Sunny March Days in the Pacific Northwest

by | Mar 29, 2016 | Landscapes

Mount Rainier and the Olympics during a few days of beautiful March weather in the PNW

Thankfully, my new lens came in the mail not long before the weather decided to let the mountains shine! I took full advantage of these two days and got to know my new 55-210mm lens for the Sony A6000. I shouldn’t have waited so long to upgrade from the kit lens! I know a lot of these Sonys came with the zoom lens but mine did not and boy was I missing out! Check out what a combination of beautiful weather and zoom can produce:

Cherry Blossoms and Olympics

I couldn’t decide between these two which worked better.

Cherry Blossoms and Olympics in focus

It is difficult to choose my favorite from these shots. I think they work well together rather than by themselves. This last one, however, stands out simply because Mount Rainier is absolutely amazing on its own. I have a few shots from this location and I love that whenever I come back the scene is different. When I first arrived I noticed the sail boat was further off and heading in the opposite direction. But as I waited for the light to change and the clouds to shift it turned around and headed straight across the mountain! Just proves that sometimes a better shot is worth waiting for.

So there you have it! I am thankful I was able to basically take two days off and spend them outside. This pacific northwest weather can be finicky, especially in the spring! We have to take advantage of the weather when we can.

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