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Day 2
Today was dedicated to Mount Rainier National Park. We were not able to see Mount Rainier herself, due to the weather and cloud cover, but did see many other spectacular sites. We were fortunate enough to arrive after they opened up more roads for the summer season (only a few days ago), so we were able to see a good portion of the park.
After a quick breakfast at the hotel, we hit the road. We drove out of Tacoma to the Park, taking about an hour or so. We stop at the gate, using our annual park pass for the first time and proceed on. Immediately upon entering the park, we notice the change in forest. It is a different kind of green – green everywhere. If the rain on the windshield was not evidence enough, the moss and ferns on the forest floor certainly tell you this place receives plenty of rain.
We stopped at the Longmire museum for a quick visit and information. The ranger was very informative and we took his advise about visiting a few of the sites. Most of the sites were next to the
road or only a short walk, which made the kids happy.
Along the way we saw several waterfalls – many over 100 feet tall with plenty of water gushing down. They were spectacular. The park is filled with canyons creating some great scenes as you drive. A notable stop is Box Canyon – a narrow deep canyon created by a river – pretty cool to see how it was formed. We stopped at a 2 lakes that were still covered in snow/ice. Many other pull-outs give way to different scenes, all different and amazing in their own way.
There was still a significant amount of snow in the higher elevations, keeping some roads closed a while longer – and the warning signs of tire chains and avalanche watches puts winter in the park all into perspective. It did snow on us a bit while there, which just seems so odd since it is May 28th. All day, it would rain a bit, snow a bit and the sun would come out a bit – no consistency, but just thankful it was not consistent rain.
We drove through Stevens Canyon and
made our way to the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail – a trail out to an island via a swinging bridge on a river containing huge trees – definitely worth the walk, even in the rain. Afterwards we returned back to the entrance of the park, retracing our steps.
We saw some wildlife today – a fox, deer, marmot, and a few birds. I am sure more animals will be out once the snow has melted more. After leaving the park, we stopped in a small town before reaching Tacoma and ate a late lunch/early dinner in a railroad car that had been converted to a restaurant. The food was good, and the atmosphere was different. I like those types of places – especially when traveling.
One of the things that surprised me most today was the lack of people. I was very surprised at how un-crowded the park was. Most other parks we have visited have been swarming with people, so it was a pleasant surprise, which made it so much more enjoyable. Tomorrow we are off to Olympic National Park and the Port Angeles area, hoping the crowds there are as enjoyable
as today was.
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