Information gathered on September 23, 2009……………..
Don’t forget to click on “Archives” for OTHER JOURNALS with PHOTOS! There are postings dating all the way back to May of 2007. If you are visiting Mt. Rainier check out the journals for the season you are coming for more information. Feel free to email with questions.
With all the gorgeous weather this September, driving to Mount Rainier is a nice trip! An early morning rise means being able to experience the sun’s warming rays while watching the morning light bring the mountain to life.
This particular morning when we arrived at Reflection Lake, which is one of our favorite early morning destinations, it was not particularly cold. Therefore, the fog mist that hovers over the top of the lake when the temperature is colder was missing. But the glorious morning rays were already dancing across the landscape turning green trees to a yellow-green hue and placing soft yellow and pinkish tones on the mountain. On this particular morning Mount Rainier was sporting an unusual see through foggy veil over its summit. It looked like the mountain was wearing a Halloween veil mask. My camera tried hard to capture this sight but it could not do justice to what I was seeing in person.
After watching the sun wake Mount Rainier from Reflection Lake, we moved farther down the road to the Snow and Bench Lake Trail. This is another favorite place especially in September and October. There was a nice display of fall colors in the silver tree meadows that precede both Bench and Snow Lake. The low lying mountain blueberry bushes had already turned to dusty deep red. The huckleberry bushes that stand taller than the mountain blueberry bushes had leaves that were yellow which made the dark huckleberries easy to see for picking. The fall orange color had not yet appeared but the many elderberries amongst yellow leaves were a shiny bright red in the morning sunlight.
We climbed down the short path to Bench Lake for a wide open view of the mountain and the lake. As we stepped onto the sand along the water’s edge, neither of us could speak until our eyes were completely filled with the overwhelming beauty in front of us. Everything was reflecting in the still water of Bench Lake! Words could not describe what we saw nor could the camera lens. We will have to put this sight into our memory because my attempt at capturing everything in one photo was impossible.
Continuing with our planned early morning sightseeing, we moved on and up to the Paradise. However, by the time we reached the Paradise picnic area the early morning had long gone and it was now noon time. After lunch we headed down the Valley Road to enjoy the Paradise Valley, see the autumn colors on the surrounding hills and stop for more magnificent views of Mount Rainier. At a rocky area alongside the Valley Road we watched the marmots that always sit on the rocks during sunny days. Momma marmot was lazily laying on her flat rock and the three baby marmots were playing various games in between sunbathing. We enjoyed spending time watching the marmots run around, venture across the road close to us and carry grass in their mouths either to eat or use in their home.
Since afternoon was upon us our sightseeing adventure was at its end. But before leaving, we stopped at a small parking lot on the right side near the end of the Valley Road. We wanted to complete our day of sightseeing by going to one more special place and hear one more favorite mountain sound. At the far right corner of the small parking area there is a section of the Lakes Trail that junctions into the Narada Falls trail. It is here that we love to spend time viewing the Paradise River as it cascades down from the mountain in waterfalls. There is a small bridge that crosses the river providing good viewing along with the rushing water sound that is so peaceful. This last sight and sound was a pleasant way to end a perfect day in the mountain.
Our northwest fall weather continues to be dry and sunny. Hopefully, you’ll get a chance to do your own early morning sightseeing at Mount Rainier National Park before winter arrives.
Experienced by Sally & Tom Johnson
Written and photographed by Sally Johnson
