Here are some chilling sights for you. This is top of Mt. Rainier {14,410 feet}, Washington state’s highest peak.
The other day, Mr. Splendid found out about a rare last minute opening at the historic Paradise Inn on this mountain {6000 feet}, an ideal launch spot for climbing to Camp Muir {10,100 feet} or to the top of Rainier.
Our goal was to make it to Camp Muir, my husband has been up numerous times {as well as to the top}. Our chicks had flown the nest for a few days, so I swallowed my hesitations and agreed to go.
Not all who visit the lodge have such adventurous notions. Located in the Rainier National Forest, many come to just to stay in this beautiful old lodge to learn about the history, take in the fresh mountain air, the scenery and the wildflowers. Throughout the day and evening, Rangers conduct tours and talks so one can learn all about the lodge, as well as the flora and fauna.
Guest also come to linger and relax, the lodge offers many comfortable nooks and alcoves, where one can read, play games and visit. I especially loved all of the little desks that were on the mezzanine overlooking the main part of the lodge.
But, we really didn’t have time to linger. We arrived in the early evening {it’s about a 3 hour drive from Seattle}, just in time to enjoy a glass of wine, and the music played by a most talented pianist on this fabulously rustic looking piano.
They have a nice farm~to~table restaurant with local food and Northwest wines. After a tasty, fortifying dinner we enjoyed a fireside ranger talk before heading to bed. Our room was small, with a sink and a shared bathroom. The tiny window didn’t offer much of a view, but these rooms book up years in advanced, so I really couldn’t complain.
However, I did ask the front desk for the run down on the best rooms. Just in case you’re interested,
here’s the scoop: the best rooms are on the higher level {3rd or 4th floor} with Tatoosh mountain views, the odd room numbered rooms. The best room in the lodge is #462, it’s a double room with a bath and is the only room that actually faces Mt. Rainier.
I won’t tell you this climb was a breeze. I’m in decent shape and I’ve done a few other climbs, including Kilimanjaro and The Haute Route. Like on the haute route, I “toured” or “randonne” skied up the hill, click on ski touring for details {it’s a wonderful work out, in the some of the most beautiful settings} What made it all worth it for me was having a chance to get up above the clouds of Seattle,
the wildflowers,
the seemingly endless ski back down, including the occasional hikes across mountain streams {I felt like Heidi!!}.
Refilling our water bottles with fresh mountain stream water was a refreshing thrill as well.
Hmmmm…. these bottles remind me a little of the very interesting color combinations of the lodge. Don’t you love that intense mint green with the pinkish grey? It’s hard for me to dislike any color painted on rough wood.
It was also nice to spend time with Mr. Splendid in this beautiful setting he knows and loves so well,
and to finally have a chance to visit this charming lodge that I have heard so much about over the years.
Our National Parks are a treasure.
Have you visited any this summer??
Emily!
I am so impressed – I know for sure I could not hike that!!! But the details on the best rooms in the area are dually noted (in case my hubby gets a bug to go)! M.
GORGEOUS pictures!!!!!!! Looks like heaven.
God really placed us on one beautiful place. SO much to see, and this place looks amazing, Emily!Thank you for sharing.
Happy Monday.
Teresa
xoxo
Lucky you and you hit the perfect day for stunning weather! What an adventure. Thanks for the tips on the best rooms, etc. – we have yet to get there but it's definitely on our list as we explore the area. 🙂
Thank you for all of the nice comments, so sorry the post was quite perfected for you! I had been trying to upload those additional photos that were on at the bottom from my i-phone, using the blogger app for a couple of days. Somehow the appeared after I had given up. Thanks for understanding, and I hope you get to stay in room #462 someday!! I hope you are all enjoying the summer!!
Emily, first good for you on "swallowing your hesitations" and agreeing to go – Mr. Splendid has one great gal pal! 🙂
Second, after seeing the photo of you hiking over those boulders in your ski boots…. That will be my biggest hesitation if ever asked to go on a summer mountain ski trek. Oh, and that I have absolutely no experience hiking mountains.
Cheers!
Wow…what a beautiful place and gorgeous views!!
beautiful! i live in oregon, and this post made me turn to my husband and say 'maybe we should go hike mt rainier…' gorgeous shots.
Hi, Emily –
What an amazing first impression! Kilimanjaro and Mt. Rainier? You are awesome! I'm impressed 🙂 Thank you for visiting my blog. Delighted to find you.
Cheers from DC,
Loi
Good for you Emily! Mr. H and I were just talking about wanting to hike up to Muir. We did a little crawl at Paradise earlier in the season. Snow was everywhere but it was just gorgeous. You've inspired me to go further next time! I'll make sure to book at the Inn in advance. XO