First Visit to Tahoma

On our way back to Seattle, after climbing Loowit, we made a quick detour to visit Tahoma. Also known as Mt.Rainier, this is the largest volcano in the Cascade Range standing at 14,411 ft. She towers over the Puget Sound and the city of Seattle with epic majesty, and everyone who lives here, who is remotely interested in mountains, hopes to spend time on her icy slopes.

We cruised through the National Park entrance and twisted back and forth up a beautiful road to Paradise, a significant launching point from which many hikers and climbers begin their adventures. Our plan was a casual hike to shake out after climbing Loowit the day before.

It was noon when we arrived and my dad had been planning on a 4pm ferry from Seattle. “Do you think we have time to go for a hike?” I asked. He replied, “Well, I was thinking we could hike and then spend a night out here, do you need to get back?” I didn’t and was grateful to have the freedom to extend our trip, to take our sweet time and enjoy the view.

The Tatoosh Range

a sweet french couple

This was my first visit to Tahoma and I cannot wait to return. I have been playing with the idea of doing the Wonderland Trail this fall, a trail that circumnavigates the entire volcano. It is 93 miles long with 22,000 feet of total elevation gain. Stay tuned.

the end.