Don’t miss opportunities on Mount Rainier this summer

Sara Kellerman

Guest columnist

“The mountain’s out!” It’s a proclamation we’ll be saying more often now that clear, summer weather is approaching.

It refers, of course, to Mount Rainier showing herself to us in all her glory.

It’s easy to sit back and enjoy the view from afar on a beautiful day, but we’ve found that the mountain’s true magic is revealed when visiting her, up close and personal.

While our family’s personal experience of Mount Rainier extends only to the areas in and around Paradise, a tiny sliver of what Mount Rainier National Park has to offer, we are always awed by what we experience there.

Mount Rainier is the most prominent and heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states, sitting poised and statuesque at 14,411 feet, with 26 major glaciers and 36 square miles of permanent snowfields.

John Muir, the famous naturalist, recognized the special grandeur of the mountain and was among many who advocated her protection. On March 2, 1899, President William McKinley established Mount Rainier National Park as America’s fifth such park.

How fortunate we are to have it right here in our backyard.

With the two exceptions of extreme altitude and isolation, Mount Rainier offers mountaineers with every condition and challenge found on Everest, K2 and any other peak in the world.

So, naturally, thousands attempt to climb it each year.

Early last year, a good friend of ours, who’s lived in Gig Harbor for about six years, decided to summit Mount Rainier. With no previous climbing experience, he studied techniques, conditioned and trained himself relentlessly, dropped 60 pounds and successfully made the climb with several friends, along with a professional guide service. He still maintains his level of fitness a year later, and climbing has become his passion.

The mountain inspired him, and he, in turn, inspires us!

Unfortunately, not all who attempt the climb make it look as easy as he did. Only about half of the summit attempts are successful, and, on average, three mountaineering deaths occur each year.

For those of us who prefer less death-defying thrills on the mountain, a day hike around Paradise is worth the 1 1/2-hour drive. Many family-friendly hikes can be found at the base at Longmire and all along the beautiful, scenic route to the top. Just the old growth forest that surrounds you as you enter the park is worth the trip.

Among our favorite hikes is the trek up to Comet Falls. At 320 feet, Comet Falls is one of the tallest in the park, given its name because it resembles the tail of a comet. The hike is about 4 miles round-trip and accessible to most (we’ve run into children as young as 5 on the trail and plenty enjoying the ride via backpack, courtesy of a willing parent).

Keep an eye out for the furry little Pika, Mount Rainier’s version of an adorable hamster, often seen scampering around old rockslides. Get an early start for this hike, or come during the week if possible, as it is one of the most popular in the park.

One of the most spectacular features on Mount Rainier is its world-renowned wildflower meadows. In late July to early August, when the flowers are at their peak, strolling among the dazzling array of colors is a must-do.

At Paradise, a network of 16 trails skirt around the meadows. A great choice is the paved Skyline Trail, which departs from the beautiful new visitors center. It provides fabulous flower views and is suitable for strollers, as well.

Aside from the Pika, Mount Rainier is teeming with wildlife and birds. One hundred sixty-five species of birds live within the park’s borders. Amazingly, there have been bird sightings at the summit, and hummingbirds have been known to buzz climbers on the mountain’s high glaciers.

Sixteen species of amphibians, five species of reptiles, coyote, foxes, elk, cougars and bears all call this habitat home.

The park entrance fee is $15 per vehicle, which makes an annual pass at $30 a bargain, if you anticipate going more than twice a year. The park is open year-round, with wonderful opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the park and sledding/tubing at Paradise.

So, among all the options and activities there are to enjoy during our beautiful summer season, don’t forget to visit our mountain. Pack a special picnic lunch and make sure to wrap your sandwiches with waxed paper and string — somehow, they taste better that way.

At the end of your day, as you head toward home, treat yourself to a coffee or ice cream at Whittaker’s Bunkhouse. You’ll see it by the roadside — look for the big, pink ice cream cone.

For more information about Mount Rainier National park, visit www.visitrainier.com.

Have a grand adventure!

Sara Kellerman is a guest columnist for The Peninsula Gateway. She can be reached by e-mail at sarakellerman@comcast.net.