Our much anticipated road trip through the interior west doesn't start in earnest for another couple of days. But due to circumstances unforeseen, we find ourselves unexpectedly with a "spare" day in Seattle. The riots and demonstrations of a few weeks back have subsided, the world-famous "occupied zone" just a few blocks up the hill from where we live, has long since been reclaimed by the city. But Seattle itself is still mostly in the grips of the Covid-19 lockdown with many shops closed, restaurants confined mostly to take away or terrace dining and just about all entertainment venues dark.
Contrary to popular myth, outside the winter months Seattle enjoys a great climate. Our "spare" Friday coincided with the start of another heatwave. And so taking advantage of cloudless blue skies and temperatures projected for this day to only to be in the mid-to-upper 20's C (upper 70's/low 80's F) we drive southeast for a couple of hours to Mt Rainier National Park.
Mt Rainier itself is a dormant volcano, the upper reaches of which are covered in snow year round. The mountain is actually th fifth highest in the lower 48 (14,410 ft; 4400m) and on clear days (like today) it is clearly visible from Seattle itself and much of the southwestern corner of the state. A magnificent sight and certainly from a distance, looks like what a volcano is supposed to look!
So we make for Paradise! "Oh, what a paradise!".....supposedly exclaimed the daughter of a late 19th century national park pioneer and obviously the name stuck!
At only 5400 feet (1700 metres give or take), Paradise is apparently one of the snowiest places on earth. Far too warm for any snow today though, but not too warm for hundreds (or perhaps thousands) of cars filling many of the car parks around Paradise's famous lodge (Covid closed for the year), wild flower filled meadows and stunning views of Mt Rainier's snow-covered peak. Many people for sure. But given the current state of America, it was lovely seeing so many families out enjoying this glorious location in perfect weather - no evidence we saw of people flouting social distancing rules and just everybody from small children on up, wearing masks
The numerous trails scattered throughout the National Park surrounding the mountain are perfect for hiking, there are many campsites and numerous motels and cabins which unlike Paradise Lodge didn't seem to be Covid casualties.
Lack of time, so none of that for us today. We mostly followed the "Scenic Byways Loop" and avoided the crowds. Definitely got us back in the mood though for the "main event" starting in just a couple of days....
Seattle-Mt Rainier National Park-Seattle: approx 250 miles