Aug 6 - Silver Falls (Mt Rainier)

Today I flew to Seattle to start my vacation to Mt Rainier and Northern Cascades. Flight got off to delayed start.

Plane was there but we were missing one flight attendant. She was paged 3 times as out flight time was closing in.

Then we were boarding; saved by a standby male flight attendant. Us folks in the back where he was stationed let him know he was the hero. Yes, we left late by 1/2 hour but we were on time - yea!

Sat next to nice elderly man heading for a fishing trip with some buddies (also on the plane) in Alaska. We chatted on and off.

The rental car was surprisingly quick - I was the only one in line.

Everything going smoothly (other than the overcast weather) until I pull out of the rental parking garage. My phone Google Maps did not sync with the car so I had a map on my phone and no voice and I'm on a highway that spawns many other highways. Almost missed my 1st turn and then missed my second turn. Shoot. I turned around and did manage to get myself with phone audio & map to the Walmart I was looking for -- Yea!

And I found a Jimmy Johns for lunch - Yum!

Onward to Crystal Mt. I should get there about 1 hour before check-in. Hoping to go up on the Gondola. 

Stopped at Skookum Waterfall which is basically dried up.

And surprise, the sun came out. I had a quick roadside stop because Mt Rainier was out!!!!

And the trees are starting to change; goes with the Fireweed that is almost bloomed out --- Winter is near. :(

I arrive at Crystal Mt around 1 pm but it's packed. Hmmm, guess I head to Silver Falls. I was planning on going tomorrow but I need to go today. Off I go - it'll definitely kill the hour I need AND I do want to see it.

I head into the Stevens Entrance and the trail is right around the corner. It's a bit over 1 mile one-way.

Heavily forested trail. See Vanilla Plant, Bunchberry, Trillium, etc.

In spots in the start, lots of Devils Club - it was in bloom.

Cross 2 bridges; the first

the second bridge has a waterfall below


and above it.

Eventually, I reach the final bridge which spans the gorge/river. Lovely look downstream.

Lovely Falls!!

Would be more awesome if people weren't crawling all over it :(


Good stop!

There was a Ranger walking around when I got there. I asked him about heading into Sunrise around 5pm. He said I should be fine. Awesome, now I just need to convince myself to go.

When I returned to the lodge, I saw Frits and Lorquins Admiral in front of the Lodge. Unfortunately the Admiral flew when I brought out the camera.

Great start!

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