Looking for a 2-3 hour hike near Mount Rainier in late September.
Would appreciate any suggestions of what trails would be best during that time and also any driving loops that might be interesting.
Thanks,
Annie
Best moderate hike Mount Rainier
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http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/day-hiking-at-mount-rainier.htm
Thanks, I did see that site, but I wasn't sure which ones would be best in late September.
I assume the wild flowers will be gone by then....
I was just there a couple of days ago for the first time.
There are many great trails right behind the visitor center. The trails are all somewhat connected. So, if you get tired on the way up, you could cut it short or if you are feeling good, then continue on. Views are great. Several waterfalls. Flowers were outstanding, but I don't know how long they stick around(perhaps some bloom later). click on my trip report that I just posted for pics.
Ditto the above advice - many choices/trails behind the main Visitor's Center - and am next going to look at Spiro's trip report - which are always first rate - w/ pics.
It's also fun to drive around to the "back" side of Mt. Ranier and look at the "stairsteps" - an alternate way to climb to the top but it involves as named - just going up one stair step at a time. We stayed at a nice little place over on that side, or did we stay at the classic ski area - Mt. Crystal - where we did ski once. Must have been another time now that I think about it - as once was summer when we hiked and the other late spring when we skied.
Also some good hiking/meadows on the "back" - east side. http://www.crystalmountainresort.com/
If you have the time, you can drive into the park through the Nisqually entrance (Route 706), up to Paradise, then continue down to the Stevens Canyon entrance. From there, return northward via Sunrise (Routes 123 & 410). On a nice day, this is a great drive.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Some roads will be closed in September for construction. You may not be able to drive from Paradise to the Stevens Canyon entrance. Check with Park website before you go.
Most day hiking originates from either Paradise or Sunrise. Both are good, but I like Sunrise better, as you are on ridges next to Rainier, as opposed to the mtn itself. You therefore get better views of the whole mtn. Here's a map of the Sunrise area and descriptions of trails:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/sunrise-area-trails-aug11-2.pdf
You can do a nice hike by going from Sunrise lodge up to Sourdough Ridge, then over to Frozen Lake. From there, return to Sunrise on the Wonderland Trail. For a longer hike, extend the loop over to Burroughs Mtn.
If instead you go to Paradise, here is a description and map of day hikes there:
http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/upload/Paradise-Area-Trails-Aug11.pdf
As you can see, there are lots of choices, but the Skyline Trail loop seems to be favored by most visitors. You can take the Skyline trail and then decide to explore various spurs and shortcuts.
Have fun! The wildflowers should still be in bloom! The first half of this Facebook album has photos shot in late September from the Skyline Trail, and the second half is from the Wonderland Trail out of Sunrise:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.502502317121.518.295000001&type=3