Mt. Rainier National Park, WA

July 14 & 15, 2010 -Driving 146 miles north of Portland, we arrive our campground at Cougar Rock in Mt. Rainier National Park.  Mt. Rainier, an active volcano in the Cascade Range was absolutely stunning, peaking at 14,411 feet and surrounded by 26 major glaciers.  We were blessed with crisp, blue skies for weather,  not too many people and a mosquito free camp!  Our 2 days here was perfect, with a camp shaded & surround by gorgeous stands of evergreens, spectacular hikes with Mt. Rainier at every view, and magnificent driving views of the park's subalpine/alpine terrain.  This park, we will definitely comeback to.

Our hike to Carter Falls, river crossing -with a massive Mt. Rainier in many of our background pictures.

Nisqually River rushing from Mt. Rainier, with glacial waters.

Charlie models his new Five Finger Vibrams.

Charlie poses with one of many gigantic trees in our hike.

The first of 3 incredible waterfalls we see at Mt. Rainier.  Carter Falls view from above.

 Mt. Rainier after our hike right before dusk.

The best camp to date at Cougar Rock.  Full shade, cute little bridge, no human noise, gigantic trees, no mosquitoes!!!

Our snow hike with Mt. Rainier at the base...Charlie and I are determined to peak this volcano next trip around!

The visible, mudded & backbone looking Nisqually Glacier just left of the tree, near the base of Mt. Rainier.

Unbelievable double rainbow at Narada Falls! The 2nd one is very light, above the bright rainbow.

Christine Falls.

Front side, rear mirrors of Pearl on a typical day with carcasses of insects splattered.