Northwest Trek is a fun “natural setting” zoo set on 723 forested acres in Eatonville on the way to Mt Rainier National Park. Animals of many types and locations can be found wandering in the 435 acre bus/tram-accessible open space, and then there are naturally landscaped pens for up […]
Bench and Snow Lake Trail in Mt Rainier National Park is a pleasant and easy 2.5 miles roundtrip to pretty lakes surrounded by steep walled cirque valley mountains. Along the way are closeup views of trees and flowers, while Mt Rainer looms large in the background. It’s a […]
The Wonderland Trail circumnavigates the entirety of Mt Rainier in its park, and offers quite the variety. In this section, we went from nearby Cougar Rock Campground, crossed the log bridge over the Nisqually River, and then went up along the shore of Paradise River to pretty Carter Falls. […]
Stevens Creek Trail meanders gradually down to the river-carved valley formed by Stevens Creek and Maple Creek, passing small waterfalls and a beautiful forest along the way. At 1.7 miles, the backcountry Maple Creek Camp is reached and provides either a great overnight location for camping or a nice […]
On the northeast side of Mount Rainier National Park is a terrific car-accessible visitors center, café, and series of trailheads going off in multiple directions. There are many day hike options out to waterfalls, glacier overlooks, and views of Mt Rainier’s snow-covered flanks. Camping options are nearby, too, […]
Recycled Spirits of Iron, aka Ex Nihilo, is a wonderful experiment in both free expression and free public access to private art space. For many years, metal sculptor Dan Klennert has been creating works of rusting art that spring from junkyards, farm piles, and donations. He assembles overall […]
Narada Falls is a picturesque and easily accessible waterfall for visitors to Mt Rainier National Park. The falls are fed by Paradise River, then tumbling 168 feet on its main drop to a rocky jumble below.
Entrance signs are visible along Paradise Road, which is part of the main roads […]