The stars FINALLY aligned, I made it up to Mt. Rainier National Park for a winter hike! Winter hiking at Mt. Rainier (Tahoma) has been on my bucket list forever, but schedules and weather never seemed to sync up—until now.
So, even though it was kind of spur-of-the-moment, I did my homework. I made sure I was up to speed on all the park rules and packed everything I needed to stay safe and cozy up on the mountain.
Let me tell you, the park was busy on this bluebird day! It felt like everyone and their mom had the same idea. But while most folks were strapping on snowshoes, I stuck with my trusty microspikes over my waterproof boots. Worked like a charm, especially since I didn't have any grand plans for making it to a specific viewpoint or anything. Instead of sticking to a rigid plan, I decided to just go with the flow and see where the trails took me. It was surprisingly peaceful and relaxing, despite the crowds.
And can we talk about the weather? I was sweating up a storm! Who would've thought I wouldn't need my down jacket or gloves? Mother Nature sure keeps us on our toes.
But amidst all the fun, I couldn't help but notice some folks who were totally unprepared—wrong shoes, no water, you name it. A little reminder: always pack the ten essentials, especially in extreme conditions like a snowy mountain. You can truly never be overprepared!
As the day wound down, I treated myself to a well-deserved stop at Mill Haus Cider in Eatonville. Absolute bliss after a day on the trail!
Overall, it was one for the books. Tahoma never ceases to amaze me. Here's to more spontaneous adventures and countless memories in the making!
Have you visited Mt. Rainier National Park in the winter?
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