Known for it's beautiful skies and fields of wildflowers in the summer, Mount Rainier National Park is by far a one-of-a-kind experience.
Myrtle Falls in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
If you have not yet, go read my previous post about my trip to the Pacific Northwest! Keep reading to hear about my experience in Mount Rainier National Park.
Having narrowly avoided a potential crime scene in the Enchantments and having hiked to the most beautiful lake I have ever seen, I was ready for the mountains.
I got into the park at about 9:00am, having little difficulty with traffic on the Paradise side of the park. Once inside, I had no idea where to start. I decided to try to start off slow, so I whipped out my map and made my way to Narda Falls (pictured below).
Narda Falls was an easy 0.2 mile hike from the parking lot, so I was happy to start with something less daunting. The falls were calm and the rainbow was an added benefit, I would definitely recommend.
Up next: Myrtle Falls. I knew this would be a challenge to get to, considering the popularity it has gained for being one of the most photogenic spots at Mount Rainier National Park.
I waited in line for almost an hour to get a shot of Myrtle Falls with the mountain in the background. The problem here is that I was there and ready for almost 45 minutes, but I had to patiently wait and eventually just fight my way to the front of the crowd for a shot. It was 100% worth it though.
By the time I got back to my car, it was almost 2:00pm and I was ready for a break. The thing that nobody tells you about traveling alone is the mental exhaustion you will experience, constantly being aware and alert of what is going on around you – noted. I had a site that night at Cougar Rock Campground within the park, so I headed west to check-in.
After about an hour of laying in a hammock and contemplating everything I was doing, I got up and headed to the main visitor’s center for some food. I grabbed a pin (a collectible must), hiked the Skyline Trail for some much-needed views, and made my way to the Reflection Lakes.
Although the sunset was less than impressive at the Reflection Lakes due to overcast conditions, I was thankful for the time I had to journal and reflect on my time on the West Coast so far. I also met a nice family that also got attacked by a bird – fun fact, we were in it together.
Making up for the dire view from Reflection Lakes, driving back to my campground made up for it.
The sun casts over the valleys in all the right ways, and I got some of the best shots in the park this hour.
I was left speechless on a few occasions during this trip, and this was the first. The universe knows what we need, when we need it. Listen to her.
Little did I know, the skies would only get better. Alongside the views, I formed a newfound appreciation for a lack of cell service during this trip & since have adopted a habit of having my phone of Do No Disturb quite often – what can I say? it’s healing.
After a night of editing photos in my hammock under the stars and actually getting sleep, I spent the morning letting my reality set in. Around 10:00am, I left for Olympic National Park. Read more about that adventure here.
Taylor Kurer 