Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Category: National Parks
A Forgotten View of Mt. Rainier – from Crystal Mountain
I was reminded by Facebook Memories that once upon a time we took the Gondola at Crystal Mountain. I’d heard of Crystal Mountain before but since I don’t ski, I’d never been there. But one day on a trip to Mt. Rainier, we saw… Continue Reading “A Forgotten View of Mt. Rainier – from Crystal Mountain”
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No Sheep but Plenty to Love on our Hike to Sheep Lake
I’m not sure where the name came from as there were no sheep to be had. But every time we crossed Chinook Pass to the other side of the mountains, Bob had noticed the trailhead and the hikers ascending, so we finally made the… Continue Reading “No Sheep but Plenty to Love on our Hike to Sheep Lake”
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A Trip to Sol Duc for the Falls and the Swallows!
It started out as a trip to Sequim for the Lavender Festival, but we wanted to be there early on the first day. So we booked our lodging in Sequim for the night before and then added a few days at Sol Duc Hot… Continue Reading “A Trip to Sol Duc for the Falls and the Swallows!”
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Enjoying the Great Outdoors in Olympic National Park
When I stepped outside this morning, the air was fresh and cool, mingled with the fragrance of evergreen trees, summer was in the air and it reminded me of our camping days. Waking up in the middle of the forest, to a roaring fire,… Continue Reading “Enjoying the Great Outdoors in Olympic National Park”
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Walking in a Riverbed at Mt. Rainier – Following the Nisqually River
The promised sun and highest temperatures of the year finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest after an interminably cold and rainy spring. You may ask why we’d wish to go to a snow-covered Mt. Rainier on such a warm and lovely day to which… Continue Reading “Walking in a Riverbed at Mt. Rainier – Following the Nisqually River”
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Washington my Home – Waterfalls from the Evergreen State
I was born and raised in Washington, and I LOVE being surrounded by green! Though officially known as the Evergreen State, you wouldn’t be wrong if you called it the Waterfall State; it has more waterfalls than any other state in the country, over… Continue Reading “Washington my Home – Waterfalls from the Evergreen State”
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Tipsoo Lake and Little Naches River
One day last week we were looking to get out of the house and chose Tipsoo Lake, where we had views of Mt. Rainier and no crowds. After an easy walk around the lake, surrounded by abundant wildflowers, we continued on over Chinook Pass… Continue Reading “Tipsoo Lake and Little Naches River”
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Hiking in Paradise – Reflection Lakes, Bench Lake and Snow Lake
Our last day in Paradise had a bit of everything – mountain views, crystal clear lakes, wildflowers and wildlife. We woke up early and left the Paradise Inn for the trailhead to Bench Lake and Snow Lake, just a few miles down the road.… Continue Reading “Hiking in Paradise – Reflection Lakes, Bench Lake and Snow Lake”
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Hiking in Paradise – Nisqually Vista and Myrtle Falls
We covered a lot of ground in Paradise last week for the short amount of time we spent at Mt. Rainier; just one night at Paradise Inn gave us access to many wonderful hikes without the crowds. We managed to take 3 of them… Continue Reading “Hiking in Paradise – Nisqually Vista and Myrtle Falls”
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Waking up with the Mountain – A Night in Paradise
Location – location – location. Look closely and you’ll see the Paradise Inn where I spent the night earlier this week. Yes, I know. I’ve posted about Mt. Rainier again and again; twice in the last month alone! But this is wildflower season and… Continue Reading “Waking up with the Mountain – A Night in Paradise”
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales 