Washington
Chasing Mt. Rainier: Our Foggy, Snowy, and Sun-Filled Adventure
Washington has always held a special place in our hearts, especially with Mt. Rainier always towering on the horizon, no matter where you are in Seattle, Tacoma, or the surrounding areas. Brandon and I have been dreaming of getting up close to the mountain for ages, and we finally booked a trip to see its beauty in person!
The Adventure Begins: Clouds, Snow, and Fog
We stayed at the historic Paradise Inn, nestled right in Mt. Rainier National Park. It sounded like the perfect place for epic views, but on day one… well, the mountain had other plans. We stepped outside, excited to take in the scenery, only to be greeted by thick clouds, fog, and snow. Honestly, we had no idea where Mt. Rainier even was! The fog was so dense that it felt like walking through a whiteout.
But nature likes to keep you guessing, and later that evening, the clouds parted just enough for us to catch our first glimpse of the mountain. Let me tell you—it was magical. Standing there in the cold, watching Rainier emerge from the mist was worth the wait!
Day Two: Sunshine and Epic Hikes
On day two, the weather decided to play nice. We woke up to clear skies, with only a few scattered clouds and the sun shining brightly. Perfect hiking weather! We wasted no time hitting the trails, heading up the base of Mt. Rainier to about 6,000 feet. The hike? Absolutely stunning. Each turn brought us closer to those jaw-dropping snow-capped peaks and views that just went on forever. It was one of those hikes that makes every uphill step so worth it.
Soaking in Washington’s Beauty: Lakes, Kayaking, and More Hiking
After soaking up all that Mt. Rainier had to offer, we spent the rest of the trip with family, enjoying Washington’s natural beauty in every way we could. There were afternoons spent swimming and kayaking in the lake, the cool water refreshing after our hikes. And, of course, we found more parks and trails to explore—because in Washington, you can never get enough of the rain-soaked trees and fresh forest air.
From foggy mornings to sunny hikes, this trip was everything we’d hoped for and more. Whether you’re a mountain lover or just someone who enjoys the great outdoors, Mt. Rainier and the surrounding wilderness have so much to offer.
