Mt Rainier National Park - A Quick Souothside Trip
I was surprised that I could get a backcountry permit with one week's notice in August. Camp was at the Paradise River camp, which is only 3.7 miles from the trailhead at Longmire. That would be an easy hike after the four hour drive. I got it for two nights and used the free middle day for a dayhike up the spectacular Pinnacle Peak Trail, which starts a few miles further up the Wonderland Trail that I was camped at. The weather was nearly perfect: warm days in the 70s, moderate nights in the mid 50s, and little wildfire smoke in the immediate area.
Lots of mileage signs in a national park.
The trail initially follows the Nisqually River until crossing it to follow the Paradise River tributary. This is a typical seasonal bridge in this park, taken down every winter to prevent spring high water from washing it away.
My campsite hidden deep in the forest.
The next day, 3/4 mile up from camp, was a short turnoff to Narada Falls.
Here I am on the Pinnacle Peal trail. It does not go to the peak, it goes to the notch besdie the peak, visible up just ahead.
Looking back at Mt Rainier from the well maintained trail.
This is from trail's end at the notch, looking across at the other side. That is Pinnacle Peak in the upper left and the visible trail is a social trail that heads up there for climbers and scramblers.
Although there was little wildfire smoke where I was, looking south, I could barely see Mt Adams in all the smoke farther south.
Another view of Rainier from lower on the trail, on the way back.
On the way out the next day, Rainier and the Nisqually River.
