A Trip to Mount Rainier, Part 2

 It took me forever to decide which photos I wanted to share today.  I really need to learn how to make photo collages.  After we left the Sunrise Lodge area behind we continued our drive around the park until we arrived at our next stop, The Grove of the Patriarchs. This magical spot was an easy 1.5 mile trail that looped through the forest. 

It looks like my hubby is getting his strength back!

 Eventually we had to cross the river on this suspension bridge.

 Once we were on the other side of the river we found ourselves on an island filled with magnificent old growth Douglas Firs, Hemlocks and Cedars, some over 300 feet tall and 40 inches in diameter.  Because so many people come through the park each year to see the trees, a boardwalk has been built to protect the roots.

This Red Cedar is estimated to be 1000 years old. Look at this knobby bark.  Even though it looked rough, it felt smooth under my fingers.

 

Looking inside a fallen tree. 

As we made our way back to the car we could see the signs of fall just beginning along the trail.

 On our way to Paradise we passed  Reflection Lakes.  On a clear day you can see Mount Rainier reflected in the water.  Unfortunately, today was not that day.  However, the spot is  beautiful and you could still see the reflections of trees and clouds.

 

 We finally made it around the park to the Inn at Paradise only to find the roads and parking areas were being repaved that day.  So we had to park our car a ways away and walk up the hill to take a look.  Although it was only mid-afternoon it seemed much later as the clouds had darkened and were beginning to threaten rain.  

The Inn itself was built in 1914.  Nestled 5,400 feet up the south slope of the mountain and with 121 guest rooms, it is considered one of  "the great lodges of the West". 
 

 I loved this rustic interior with the huge beams and massive stone fireplaces on each end. 

 

Once again because of the clouds we couldn't see the mountain but the views were still stunning.

 There were many wonderful trails that would have taken us through the alpine meadows filled with fall color.  You can see the trail beckoning off in the distance. 

Just at this point it started to rain and we began to make our way back down the hill.  By the time we got to our car we were soaked and ready to call it a day. 


 But we discovered one more lodge on our way out of the park and decided to make one last stop to see if we could dry ourselves out before hitting the road for a 2 1/2 hour drive home.

We were delighted to discover here at The National Park Inn this cozy little room with a fire crackling in the fireplace ready to greet visitors who needed a place to rest after the days activities.  It was the perfect place to get ourselves warmed up and dried out.

Once we were warmed up and ready to explore the lodge a bit more we discovered this log cabin style general store on the grounds.  I didn't buy anything but it's always fun to poke around.

I thought this jewelry was interesting.  Each piece is made from a real leaf that has been perfectly preserved and then dipped in copper. 

I really liked the pottery made by local artists too.  It was tempting to bring home one of those blue pieces but I am a retiree now and I have to watch the budget.  Besides, I am supposed to be getting over my pack rat tendencies.

And so our little journey around Mount Rainier has come to a close.  Even though we were a little disappointed that we couldn't see the mountain as well as we had hoped, we still had a wonderful day. I hope you did too.