Mt. Rainier – Skyline

October 9, 2022

Four Wild Walking Women, along and hundreds of other people from all over the world, descended on Mount Rainier for the fall colors and beautiful weather Sunday. The day did not disappoint us in anyway!

Joan and I left our town of Montesano at 4:30 AM picking up Kris and Laura on our way through the Olympia area. I have to say, I received a lot of dissension about the early start, but by the end of the day, when we had missed most of the crowds, the half mile long wait at the ranger station (we were there before the rangers) and the rise in temperature in the afternoon, we all agreed that a trip to Mount Rainier must be in the morning.

We arrived at daybreak and were on the trail by 8:05 AM. It was perfect.

Heeding the advise of a few hikers that had posted recently, we took the counter clockwise approach to Skyline Summit. I think it was a good decision although there were some difficult down hills after the summit. I, being 5’3”, found the tall steps were a bit of a challenge at times but with the help of my poles I was able to conquer the trail. My quads are telling me today that I gave them quite the work out!

I found her self still climbing, with aching legs and hopeful that summit was near. Unfortunately once switchback turned into another and another but as always we eventually reached the top.

After food (and no wine!) we headed down. Possibly it was a good thing about the no wine; the trail had a few pretty tricky spots. I was in such awe the entire day, I spent a lot of time taking pictures and just standing, gazing at the views. What a wonderful day! It is a gift to live in the Pacific Northwest!