Washington - Seattle, Olympic and Mount Rainier NPs

Sunday, Sep 17

Weather: Clear travel day, 60s and partly cloudy in Olympic National Park in the afternoon. Perfect for traveling and hiking.

Travel

This was a trip for me and Jake. We had planned it early in the year and were finally excited to go!

Early direct flight on American Airlines. On time departure at 8:05a and, with the time change, arrived Seattle ~10:00a. Rented a nice Toyota Tacoma 4wd pick-up, to handle any rough roads in the parks, and stopped about half way to Sequim for a quick lunch at Carl's Jr (yea me and Jake travel low cost!). It was fast food.

Arrived at our Inn in Sequim around 2pm and checked in. The place (Sequim West Inn) is was kind of dumpy (like the rest of Sequim) but it had two bedrooms which is nice.

Olympic National Park - Heart O' The Hills Section - Heart O' The Forest Hike

Headed to the visitor center in Port Angeles just outside the park and talked to the Ranger about hiking today and tomorrow. Since it was late in the day we picked a rain forest hike 15 minutes from the visitor center in the Heart O' The Hills section of the park.

We were both glad to finally get on the trail about 4:30p after a long travel day. It was a great trail in the rain forest among HUGE Cedar trees, moss covered treess and rich undergrowth. These impressive Cedars can be up to 1000 years old and grow to 175' tall. It was an out and back, 4.6 mile / 800' elev gain, very lightly trafficked hike. Nice start to a good week!

After the hike we did a grocery run and had dinner of sandwiches at the hotel.

Monday, Sep 18

Weather: 60 and sunny perfect. Cooler and windier on the ridge.

Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge Area - Hurricane Hill Hike

Due to a fire at the lodge on Hurricane Ridge total cars to the area was limited to 430 cars per day so we got an early start to be sure we could get to the Hurricane Ridge hiking area. The last parking lot, where the trail head is, was parked up already and we had to drop down two more parking lots to find parking. No problem, just added a little extra to the hike!

Up at the top of the ridge we got some close-ups of deer that were not bothered by the hikers and let us get pretty close.

This is the most popular hike in the park with lots of nice views. Interesting that the whole trail right up to the top was paved and mostly a steady incline. Traffic was moderate but the trail was wide so not to big a deal. A nice hike. Relaxed at the top and enjoyed the views.

Also, from some of the pictures and videos below you will see a couple small forest fires that did create a smokey haze in that direction. Fortunately they were small and in a remote area of the park. Still sad.

A few short videos

Olympic National Park - Hurricane Ridge Area - Circ Rim to Sunrise Point & High Ridge Trail

The hike started at the main parking lot and was made of two short hikes Circ Rim going up to Sunrise Point and High Ridge coming back down to the parking lot. Traffic was light-moderate. Another great hike in the Hurricane Ridge Area with nice views at Sunrise Point.

A short video

Olympic National Park - Crescent Lake Area - Merymere Falls Hike

We ate lunch on Hurricane Ridge and then took about a 45 minute drive to Crescent Lake section of the park. Crescent lake did not disappoint. A very pretty lake surrounded by mountains and giant trees. Hardly anyone around so we found some Adirondack chairs on the beach and relaxed for a while before our last hike of the day.

A short hike up to Merrymere falls and then extended the hike a little by doing part of Barnes Creek Trail. Very lightly trafficked.

A few short videos

Total Hiking for the day was 10 miles and 2000 feet in elevation gain. Not bad for our first full day of hiking!

After our last hike we went back to Sequim and had dinner at the local Applebees and stayed a 2nd night at the, not so lovely, Sequim West Inn.

Tuesday, Sep 19

Weather 60 sunny - nice (but humid in the rain forest!).

Mount Rainier - Carbon River Section - Green Lake Hike

Did the ~3hr drive from Sequim to the NW corner of Mount Rainier National park Carbon River Area. Met with the ranger and picked the Green Lake hike with the trail head close to the visitor center. The other hike we wanted to do was Tolmie Peak but, this was another hour drive to the trail head and also adds another hour to get to our airbnb so we opted for the closer hike. Green lake is an out and back, 10 mile / 1500' elev gain hike that starts easy for 3 miles on the abandoned logging road along the Carbon River and then turns into the forest for a steep 2 mile climb up to Green lake. I really felt the humidity in the forest and sweat my way up to the lake (I don't think Jake broke a sweat at all). When we got to the lake it took my breath away. We did not see another person on the trail in the forest and found ourselves next to a secluded dazzling green mountain lake surrounded by forest covered mountains. Spent a little time (not enough) at the lake and ate a late lunch. Going down I moved quite a bit faster than on the way up! An excellent hike with a mountain lake destination as a reward.

A few short videos

After the hike it was another 2 hour drive to our Airbnd in Ashford, which is the closest town to the Paradise Section of Mount Rainier Nat Park. Unfortunately, we did not realize Ashford was a tiny town and barely got meager and expensive groceries at the gas station. Stock up before you get there!

Finally arrived after dark at our Airbnb. Very much improved over the Inn in Sequim. We highly recommend this bnb called the Little Creek Cabin in the woods. Clean, comfortable, modernized two stories, 2 big bedrooms upstairs, 2 baths, a hot tub, fire pit, full kitchen, laundry and a nice family room. Definitely stay here again. Just stock up on groceries before you get there.

Wednesday, Sep 20

Weather 50s and light rain all day

Mount Rainier Nat Park - Paradise Area - Dead Horse Creek and Nisqually Vista Trails

Today is pretty socked in (our only poor weather day) but we had already planned this to be a lighter day to spend time at the bnb and a little less hiking. Jake made breakfast (eggs, bacon and pancakes!) and we headed to the park. Because of the rain the busiest section of the park (Paradise) was not busy at all but, of course, no views of Mount Rainier today either.

We did get two nice hikes in and I didn't mind hiking in the light rain. First we did the out and back, 4.8mile / 1000' elev out back Dead Horse Creek Trail. On the way back down we added the short, loop 1.2 mile / 200' elev Nisqually vista loop trail. At the vistas we had to imagine the view as we were in the clouds all day. Still nice hikes with no traffic. Crossing my fingers hiking tomorrow would be in the clear.

After our short day at Paradise we went to the nearest town with a real grocery store and stocked up for the rest of the trip. Then, back to the bnd to relax, Jake made dinner for us (ground beef, rice and veggies..thanks Jake!) and we watched some youtube on ascents of Mount Rainier.

Thursday, Sep 21

Weather 60 and sunny!

Mount Rainier Nat Park - Paradise Area - Skyline Trail

Mount Rainier did not disappoint! An earlier start today as we pulled into the Paradise parking lot a little before 9a we were treated to our first spectacular view of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade mountain range.

Our first hike was the most popular in the park a loop, 6.5 mile / 1850 elev moderately trafficked trail. This was awesome. The first half of the loop hike was uphill directly facing the mountain up to Glacier Vista and then Panorama point. Mount Rainier out front the whole way! At panorama point and on our way down facing South we had views of more of the Cascade Range including Mount Adams, which is the largest volcano in Washington, and off further in the distance Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens. At our distance the mountains were a little hazy still in the mist from the rains yesterday but still a nice view. We were also treated with lots of different views of the colored landscape and rolling foot hills.

And some videos

Mount Rainier Nat Park - Paradise Visitor Center

After our hike we hung out at the visitor center and had lunch looking up at the mountain. PB&J, Pretzel nuggets, trail mix (and a diet coke for me)! I texted Steve, Diane and Kathryn pics of the view just to make them jealous!

Mount Rainier Nat Park - Paradise Area - Deadhorse Creek (prtl) and Nisqually Vista Trails

For our final hike of the day we went back and re-did a portion of Dead Horse Creek and Nisqually Vista Trails from yesterday and were treated to great views of the Mountain and the Nisqually Glacier and river. Although the glacier is receding the exit is further down than it appears as the lower section is covered by rock and dirt. 4 miles / 440' elevation lightly trafficked.

And some videos

Mount Rainier Nat Park - Paradise Area - Reflection Lake

Our last stop of the day was Reflection Lake right on the roadside. No hiking but a great view of the Mountain. You only see the mountain reflected in the lake in the morning but still a great spot. We met a woman who was painting the mountain and she let us take a picture of her painting. Pretty cool and pretty good.

Total hiking for the day was 10.5 miles and 2290' elevation...Nice!

Back at the bnb Jake made a nice dinner of sirloin steaks, rice and veggies. Thanks Jake!

Friday, Sep 22

Weather 41 - 60 clear, nice!

Leisurely morning enjoying the airbnb. Jake made bacon and eggs again for breakfast and we hung out by the fire pit drinking coffee until check out time at 11:00a.

Mount Rainier Nat Park - Longmire Area - Wonderland Trail to Carter Falls

Headed back to the park for our last hike of the trip. This was a short drive to the Longmire Nat Park Inn and Museum parking lot not to far into the park. Hiked the Wonderland Trail mostly in the woods next to the Nisqually River (the river bed is wide but the water flowing filled just a fraction). Was cool to cross over the river on a bridge made of a tree log (and a railing thankfully). After the river crossing the trail headed up into the forest to our destination at Carter Falls. Out and Back, 6.1 miles / 600' elevation lightly trafficked. Note- the full trail is 12 miles and 2700' elevation but limited time today for hiking.

Seattle and Dinner with David and Alex at Toulouse Petit Restaurant

After the hike we said goodbye to the park and drove the 2 hours to Seattle and checked into the Comfort Inn about 20 minutes from the airport.

In the evening we went downtown to meet David and Alex for dinner at Toulouse Petit, one of their go to restaurants. Jake had fish, Alex had mussels and David and I had shrimp, crawfish and grits. All tasty. It was great to see them and we all had a relaxing, enjoyable dinner.

Saturday, Sep 23

Weather: Didn't notice... it was dark!

Travel Day

EARLY day today. With our 6:05a flight we were up at 3:00a and on the road by 3:30. Early to the gate which was nice and an on time departure. We both took a snooze and the flight was uneventful. Kathryn picked us up at O'hare and even with the time change we were back home by 1:00p.

Home Sweet Home

Summary

Weather. We got really lucky with the weather. Early autumn weather can be rainy and overcast in WA but, except for Wednesday, we were free of rain and Thursday, our biggest day of hiking in Mount Rainer, was perfect with spectacular views of the mountain all day. Often you can spend a week in Mount Rainier Nat Park in the fall and never get a glimpse of the mountain.

Hiking. Excellent! 46 Miles and 8,190 ft in Elevation in 5 1/2 days with a rich mix of rain forests, lakes and mountains in two National Parks with good weather and light hiking traffic. Can't get better than that!

Trees. If you like trees you will like Washington. Huge cedar, pine, hemlock and spruce trees dominate the landscape wherever you go and the temperate rain forests were excellent for hiking.

Driving. It was nice having the pick up truck but we didn't need it for the roads we were on. Total miles was around 600 for the week with much of it on two lane winding roads through the hills and mountains. Enjoyed Jake's Spotify playlists all week and shared the driving.

Sequim and Port Angeles: Both pretty dumpy smaller towns but, big enough for a walmart and grocery stores for supplies.

Sequim West Inn: A little rough and run down but not much to choose from if wanting two bedrooms.

Olympic National Park: A great park with lots of rain forest hikes and the Hurricane Ridge area is a great place to view the mountains.

Ashford: We were expecting a bigger town so close to Mount Rainier. It is a tiny town with groceries only at the gas station! Best to Stock up before you get there.

Ashford Airbnb (Little Creek Cabin): Excellent find. Clean, comfortable, modernized two stories, 2 big bedrooms upstairs, 2 bath, a hot tub, fire pit, full kitchen, laundry and a nice family room. Definitely stay here again. Just stock up on groceries before you get there.

Mount Ranier National Park: Excellent park! Mount Rainier dominates the view but the mountains are all around and there is a ton of great hiking. This is a park I plan to visit again.

Fun Facts: Mount Rainier is a 14,410' high active volcano in the Cascade Range, is the highest point in Washington, is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US with 25 major glaciers, was first climbed in 1870 and last erupted in 1894.

Seattle: We were only in Seattle a few hours so did not get a feel for the city. However, we did meet up with my nephews David and Alex for dinner downtown, which was great, and they had lots of good things to say about Seattle and the surrounding area.