Rainier Hikes

Every year we try to visit Mount Rainier with the kids, but over half the time clouds obscure the view of the mountain. This time we knew the clouds would be out in full force and instead focused our visit on the surrounding nature. We first did the short loop hike along the Nisqually Vista trail. The girls loved looking at the abundant wildflowers and seeing tadpoles in the Fairy Pool. On our way back we came across a deer and her fawn. Rachel was very excited to see them as she had never seen a deer before.

Next we drove around to the Stevens Canyon entrance and hiked the Grove of the Patriarchs trail. A flood a few years back had destroyed the bridge to the grove, but it has now been rebuilt. It seemed like an old tree had recently fallen over, perhaps from the flood's storm. The girls had fun running along the boardwalk trail and checking out the huge trees.

Though there were no mountain views the trip was a great success.