Hiking The Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier in Washington State, iconic peak reaching 14,410 feet above sea level, is the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest. It is also categorized as an active stratovolcano which generates large debris avalanches and mud flows called lahars. They emanate from masses of glacial ice. In fact Rainier is graced with twenty-six glaciers, more than any other mountain in the forty-eight contiguous United States.
These glaciers spawn rivers, like the Nisqually, which is the result of run-off from the Pyramid, Van Trump, Success, Wilson, South Tahoma and Nisqually Glaciers.
Mt. Rainier Debris Flow Area
The dramatic landscape has attracted climbers since 1870. Part of the thrill, hiking around Mt. Rainier, is the unpredictability of Mother Nature. The U.S. Geological Survey warns of a future eruption that could cause extensive damage due to lava and mud flows, just like when Mount St. Helens suddenly blew her top in 1980. That possibility is far from one's mind, in the midst of such beauty.
The Skyline Trail/Mt. Rainier National Park
Hiking the Skyline Trail up from Paradise, constantly gaining elevation, rewards the determined hiker with stunning views of Nisqually Glacier, up to five hundred feet deep, about four to five miles long, encompassing roughly two square miles. The trailhead is just north of the Henry Jackson Visitor Center and bears an inscription by John Muir, etched in stone.
Skyline Trail/Mt. Rainier/Paradise
With an elevation gain of 1700 feet, this 5.5 mile loop is a stunner from first to last step. I was lucky enough to have picked a perfect day for this hike, mixed sun and clouds with constant views and moderate temps at the beginning of July. Still some small snowfields to traverse, streams and waterfalls flowing all around. Come prepared! This mountain is so vast that it can produce its very own weather systems including unexpected thunder storms. Hikers should always carry the proper clothing, a map, water, snacks and emergency gear for changing conditions. There is also the option of taking the Golden Gate Trail on the downhill part of the loop, shortening the walk by about a mile.
I like to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for picnic lunches along the trail. Fresh fruit and dark chocolate for dessert! There is nothing better than finding a cosy spot with an insane view and savouring your favorite mountain lunch, whatever that may be.
There are two historic lodges within the park, the National Park Inn at Longmire, and Paradise Inn, which is just a few steps from the Skyline Trail. Book way ahead if these appeal to you, or take advantage of other lodging just outside the park in towns such as Ashford. There is a very unique restaurant serving the traditional Sherpa-Himalayan cuisine of Nepal in Ashford, Washington. Called Wildberry, it is owned by Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, holder of the world speed record for the ascent of Mount Everest, which he accomplished in 2003. He climbed from base camp to summit in 10 hours, 56 minutes and 46 seconds and is currently still working as a mountain guide.
Wildberry, Sherpa-Himalayan Cuisine/Ashford, Washington
My dinner at Wildberry was hearty, delicious and healthy, exactly what hungry mountaineers need to fuel the body before and after trekking/climbing. I ordered Thali, a whole meal served on a platter and the Sherpa Stew, delivered to the table next to us, looked beautiful and smelled so fragrant. Must try that someday.
Wildberry Restaurant/Ashford, Washington
Camping is also an option to be explored. And for the ultimate backpacking experience, the renowned Wonderland Trail makes a full circle around the stratovolcano, a total of 90 spectacular miles passing below all of the glaciers with huge amounts of elevation gain and loss. Gotta be strong of heart and mind for that trek.
As for me, I'm super happy, totally proud to have walked the Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier. I would rank it up there along with my favorite scenic walks in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland, where I hiked in the summer of 2017.
Alpenglow/Wengen, Switzerland
Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park
Whenever I enter a National Park I get goose bumps anticipating the discovery of new peaks, lakes and forests. But I also experience great joy returning to a place where I have previously felt wholly healthy in body and mind. Content placing one foot in front of the other, exercising lungs and legs and stopping to admire the scenery at appropriate points...this makes me happy. Mount Rainier has definitely piqued my interest. I imagine this is a place one returns to again and again for peace and renewal.
Skyline Trail/Paradise/Mount Rainier National Park
