Quick overnight at Mt. Rainier featuring driving through Stevens Canyon, a tailgate dinner at Reflection Lake, a ramble in Paradise to catch sunset from Glacier Vista with special guest appearance by mountain goats, a last-minute camping spot at Ohanapecosh, a five AM wake up for hiking the Summerland to Panhandle Gap section of the Wonderland Trail, and a quick drive home afterwards. Stats: 12 miles and 3000’ - didn’t need spikes as most of the snow is gone but poles are helpful. All the bridges are in place to make stream crossings straightforward. This trail was great - it had kinds of elements to it: 4 miles through deep woods, 1 mile through wildflower-filled meadows criss-crossed by brooks (where Summerland Camp and shelter are located), and one-mile through a boulder-filled glacier valley with a couple tarns, snowfields, giant waterfalls off of cliff faces. Once out of the forest, Mt. Rainier was an awe-inspiring backdrop through the clouds moved in and out and it wasn’t always in view. I also saw several chubby marmots doing cute marmot poses on rocks and eating - they are so dang cute and always make me giggle. Extra bonus: my knee cooperated the entire way!
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