Remembrance and Rebirth: Visiting the Eastern Side of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted with a force exceeding 27,000 bombs. The excitement/dread/anticipation of the predicted eruption had consumed our kid minds. Now, nearly forty years later, we are finally visiting the site of the most significant geologic event of the 20th century, and tangibly experiencing the wonders of our childhood fascination. Continue reading Remembrance and Rebirth: Visiting the Eastern Side of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

Hiking the Naches Peak Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park

On our Naches Peak loop hike, we will walk through beautiful subalpine meadows dotted with evergreens and waves of autumn color. We will gaze at glacial ponds and lakes. We will get a taste of the Pacific Crest Trail. And last but certainly not least, we will take in more stunning views of “that mountain” we’ve fallen so hard for. Continue reading Hiking the Naches Peak Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park: Epic Hike to Third Burroughs

From Second Burroughs we see a trail winding down through a tundra meadow, up and over another peak. What’s this? We can get even higher and closer to Mt. Rainier?

We head down the mystery trail with these words in mind: “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” — T.S. Elliot Continue reading Mount Rainier National Park: Epic Hike to Third Burroughs

Mount Rainier National Park: Sunrise Visitor Center & Breakfast with a View

“You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen.” – René Daumal Continue reading Mount Rainier National Park: Sunrise Visitor Center & Breakfast with a View