Mt Adams

Mt. Rainer has been on my must-do-list for a long time. As my time in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest winds down, I am a bit more urgent about achieving some of those must-visit goals. Mt. Rainer did not disappoint. Fairly last minute, I was able to get a hotel room at the Whittaker Hotel & Bunkhouse. The nightly rate was “reasonable” given high season, the rooms were rustic and the staff friendly. I also liked that the hotel was an homage to Lou Whittaker, who died in Ashford at the age of 96 and summited Mt. Rainer at the age of 12!

I left Portland at 6 a.m. and went right to the park, with no timed entry at the Nisqually pass. I started at the visitor center and did the Skyline Loop (5.5 miles). This loop trail is the quintessential Paradise area trail. It starts at the main visitor area up through subalpine meadows. Along the way I viewed Mount Rainier, glaciers, Panorama Point, Myrtle Falls and the Tatoosh Range, with glimpses of Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens. It was full sun exposure with 1700+ elevation gain AND beautiful!

On day two, I hiked Tipsoo Lake and the Naches Trail to Dewey Lake (about 5 miles) in the morning. Wildflowers and four different lakes rewarded me with the challenging uphill climb. And, of course, Mt. Rainer was present from all angles.

Reflection Lake to Narada Falls on the Lakes Trail Loop (about 6 miles). This large lake was another beauty with Mt. Rainier front and center (and its reflection on the lake) but the real reward were the multiple falls on the Lakes Trail Loop.

I met several people along the way that could not believe the natural beauty that I live in daily. I agree the world is a beautiful place and the lush, green forest coupled with larger than life mountains makes the Pacific Northwest a pretty special place.

I hiked Killen Creek trail to Mt. Adams on a beautiful fall day. The Killen Creek trailhead was about a 2.5 hour drive from Portland. The trail is 3.1 miles with elevation gains of about 1400 feet. The trail ends at the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) junction. The Killen Creek trail is fairly well groomed just an uphill hoof with a beautiful meadow and first glimpse of Mt. Adams that will make you want to keep going!

Once you get to the PCT trail and hike to the High Camp trail, you will quickly realize the first 3.1 miles was a piece of cake compared to what is next. The rocks are pretty steep and a little slick given the snow that was present. We made it, though, and landed on a beautiful glacier. With the right equipment and bravado, it would have been fun to get to the top but we felt good with what we accomplished! And 6900 foot elevation was certainly something to celebrate.