Northwest Passage Part 4: Mt. Rainier

Sept 15th

Drive on to Mt. Rainier, and the mountain is shrouded in clouds. You're supposed to be able to see the peak from 100 miles away, but we can't see shit. 

pictured: shit

We drive up to the first visitor center to get some trail recommendations but they tell us we won't be able to see anything today. There's a fog all around, and a rainy mist that lasts all day. We drive up to the next visitor center and walk around a bit. 

at least it's a nice drive

We're bored by now, but on our way back down we stop at a 4 mile hike to a beautiful waterfall that makes us feel much better. 

wha-bam! big ass waterfall

Then I made the executive decision to stay at the lodge instead of camp because I don't want to sleep in a wet cold tent. hopefully tomorrow there'll be some sun so we can see the peak. 

Sept 16th 

Awoke and opened the window, and could see the peak of my rainier for the first time it's a huge, imposing thing, towering over everything around. 

It's amazing that we couldn't see it at all yesterday, and now you can't miss it. We drive back up to the paradise vis center and do the hike up to panorama point. Most of the way we're in thick fog again. When we get to the top, it's cold and foggy. Lisa wants to leave, but I insist we stay a couple minutes. 
After a few minutes spent huddled in the cold, the clouds leave, and we can see it. From this distance we can see all of the glaciers close up. It's an impressive sight. 

the other view in the park

We hike back down, and jump in the car, and head off for Seatac. Three more national parks completed. Until next time...