More Mount Rainier, WA - Saturday Snapshots

Back to The Mountain! Last week my husband I spent a day at the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. But there was so much more we wanted to see. So, this past Thursday we decided to go there again and visit the Sunrise area this time. That section of the park is much closer to our home, and for one reason or another, we hadn't been there in years. I'm so glad we went. (Click on photos to enlarge.) 

Welcome to Mount Rainier

As is often the case, Mt. Rainier's peak remained shrouded in
clouds all day. Lots of wildflowers were in bloom. (A future blog post?)

Hiking trails abound within the park's boundaries, some more
challenging than others. I took a rather easy trail that led from the 
visitor's center to this dramatic overlook. That drop-off is steeper 
than it seems! That little white squiggle in the upper right-hand corner
of the photo is part of the Sourdough Ridge Trail.

People enjoying the overlook shown in the previous photo.

Me, catching my breath.

We stopped at this scenic overlook on the way down from Sunrise.
Still can't see Mt. Rainier's top!

Same overlook as in the previous photo but we're looking a different
direction. That's the White River running across the middle of the
picture, and a road running diagonally up the mountain across
the way. (We're guessing it's Highway 410 to Paradise.)

We stopped at the White River Campground on the way back
down from Sunrise. Still can't see Mt. Rainier's top.

I took 62 pictures in all during our day on The Mountain! If you're curious about Mount Rainier and would like to see webcams of the area, click HERE.

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads.

To enjoy a variety of beautiful pictures from around the world, 

click HERE or on the box below. 

Acting Like Tourists at Northwest Trek - Saturday Snapshots

Last week I posted photos of our day trip to Mount Rainier during a visit from out-of-state guests. While they were here, we went to several other nearby attractions, including Northwest Trek Animal Park near Eatonville, Washington, which I'm featuring today. 

I'd never been to an animal safari park and wasn't too sure what to expect, but this experience was delightful. Covered trams transported us through beautiful landscapes with a guide telling us about the animals and terrain, as well as the park's history. We also took advantage of walking paths that wind through the grounds, providing views of animals in naturalistic settings (including grizzly bears and wolves in huge areas surrounded by 12-foot fences.) Our group ranged in age from an 8-year-old to senior citizens, and we all had a good time.
(Click on pictures to enlarge.)

An example of the beautiful vistas within the 435-acre park.

A traffic tie-up!

Shedding his winter coat.

Our eight-year-old visitor on one of the walking trails.

This mountain goat waited by the tram, watching the human zoo pass by.

Senior members of our group, enjoying the cool June day, 
beautiful trees, and uncrowded pathways.

Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads.

To enjoy a variety of beautiful pictures from around the world, 

click HERE or on the box below.