The title picture is a distant view of the summit of Mount Rainier taken from Mt St Helens National Park on the previous day.

Mount Rainier is a 14,410 foot ice-clad volcano with 35 square miles of glaciers, making it the largest single-peak glacial system in the lower 48 states and the tallest peak in the Cascade Range. It is a dormant, not extinct volcano and could conceivable erupt one day just as Mount St Helens did. The more time you spend in an area with geological uncertainties, the greater your risk; so, you should weigh the risk/benefit while visiting these potentially dangerous locations.

On the drive to Mount Rainier Natioanl Park via the southern route (highway 123), we came across an area called Cougar Falls; it was a short and easy loop trail that offered splendid galcier-cut canyon views...well worth the stop.

As we made our way to the first visitor's center we found it to be closed. Continuing on the next center at Paradise, we found the roads were under construction and somewhat bumpy but since we were in no hurry, we took our time and enjoyed the scenery. Once there, it reminded us of a ski resort...very busy with the hustle and bustle of tourist. The ranger staff at Mount Rainier's Paradise Visitor's Center was not equiped with a lot of information other than to say all the trails north were snow and fog covered and because of the steep snow slopes, hiking was not recommended. The visitors center didn't have complete trail maps - only portions of the southern region were available; they didn't have the Mt Rainier news guide; nor, did they seem informed about why certain conditions existed (tree line being at only 6,500 feet). The visitor's center does offer a 30 minute video about Mt Rainier but provided no additional information about current conditions regarding volcanic activity. Armed with little information, we set out to make our own adventure. The first stop was to see Narada Falls. Because we had no statistics about the falls (or anything else in the park), we could merely enjoy watching, feeling and hearing the water as it cascaded from about 200 feet. The Narada Trail went 7 miles to less impressive Madcap Falls and Carter Falls so we opted to forego that hike and seek out yet another trail.

As we approached what we thought was evidence of a major avalanche, we realized we were looking at the Nisqually River...bingo! We found our next adventure. After pulling off the road for a few photos we looked for a way to get to the huge boulder-lined river for a closer look. The closest we could get was still a fifty-foot drop to the bed...our search continued. We finally found a short forested area that we could make our way through and climb down to the water. It was a massive riverbed filled with large and small boulders with spots of smaller rocks and lava laced sand; the rushing glacial waters were fierce and frigid (Dan always has to touch the water) and yet it was so peaceful. Special care should be used when hiking in or along any riverbed especially if you feel shaking or hear roaring sounds coming from upvalley. They say in volcanic areas, 200 feet above the water should be safe...I did't think I could move that fast across the boulder field and make it back up the hill if either of those ocurred so I limited the time I spent there.

The drive offered beautiful views of cloud-covered treetops, thick forests with lush green undergrowth and spots where beautiful spring flowers were pushing up through the snow. As most often the case, Mount Rainier was hidden beneath the thick layer of clouds but I did get a picture of Mount Rainier's summit as it rose above the clouds from the view on top of Windy Peak at Mt St Helens National Park the previous day (title picture). The ocassional site of waterfalls glistening as they fell was always a splendid sight but none were in comparison to Narada Falls.

Traveling farther west we came to Longmire Museum (also closed) but the ranger, who was just leaving, was kind enough to provide us with more information, another trail map and a Mt Rainier Newsletter. He was suprised that we han't been given any information at the welcome center at Paradise or at the southeast entrance to the park (other than the no hiking above 5,400ft warning). He suggested a few trails in the area and we were satisfied that at least one park ranger took time to make our visit more informed and enjoyable. For the next few hours we hiked through trails that still had evidence of the heavy winter's coat - some trees had fallen across the paths - but it only made for a more rugged adventure. As we exited the park we saw a sign for Gifford Pinchot National Forest (highway 52) which was actually a shortcut back to our base camp in Randle. The drive crossed the glacier fed Nisqually River then picked up Big Creek, a shallow, crystal clear creek that rolled over rockbeds along a beautifully lined forest. Alongside the road, at every wide spot big enough for a car, there were tent campers - all enjoying the serene and peaceful sounds of nature. There were signs posted, "No Discharge of Firearms". I guess that would mean you had to physically fight off any wild animal that agressively came towards you. The road took us to the town of Packwood where we found a place to stop for a late dinner. As we left the restaurant, across the road was a couple of elk which welcomed our photo opportunity...noting that one of the elk was not fond of a cat that got too close and was quick to let the cat know to back away.

After we got back to camp we did a short recap of our day then showered; it was nearly 1:30am and past our bedtime. Morning brought chilly temperatures but it warmed as the day went on; it was another beautiful blue, cloudless sky in Randle, WA..

The Shady Firs RV Campground (having only four campers, including us) was quiet. Being our last day in the area, I wanted to enjoy the serenity that it offered and get caught up on my writing; Dan wanted to venture out on the motorcycle for a ride through the nearby forest.

If planning on visiting Mt St Helens and Mt Rainier via RV or tent, I would recommend staying at the Shady Firs RV campground; it is conveniently located between the two National Parks and offers a hospitable environment with clean facilities, nice shady or sunny campsites on a carpet of green grasses and spotted with beautiful wildflowers.