Mount Rainier
When we travel, our first priority is to seek out the natural wonders at our destination. Mount Rainier looms large over Seattle, and it casts a magical spell on us. So to the mountain we went, the second day after we arrived.
(Click on each image to see the high-resolution version)
As we entered the park, the tumbling Nisqually River greeted us, with Mt. Rainier in the background
As we climbed higher, we passed by Narada Falls, a pretty waterfall with a rainbow at its waist.
It was in the parking lot at Narada Falls that I photographed two new birds of this trip: Red Crossbill and Gray Jay.
As most tourists, we reached the Paradise Visitor Center. We took (part) of the Skyline Trail, which begins at what I call the "John Muir Staircase".
As we climbed higher on the trail, Mount Rainier became even more beautiful and imposing, dominating the sky.
Looking back, the jagged Tatoosh Range was clearly in view.
The most interesting encounter on the mountains was with the surprisingly vocal Hoary Marmot (they make a whisling sound when excited).
We ended our visit at Reflection Lake.
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier
Narada Falls
Red Crossbill
Gray Jay
John Muir Staircase
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier
Tatoosh Range
Tatoosh Range
Hoary Marmot
Hoary Marmot
Hoary Marmot
Reflection Lake
