Settling into life at Mt Rainier Park. This is one of the older parks, it was established in 1899. National Park Inn at Longmire was built in the early 1900's with an associated Hiker's Cabin. Paradise Inn at the top of the road was built in 1916. 2 million visitors are expected in 2016. I share an apartment with 2 other ladies, and this is certainly the nicest employee housing I have lived in. When I arrived the landscape looked like this photo to the right.Flowers are blooming abundantly.
The yellow flower is Arnica, somewhat bedraggled by a recent rain shower.
Then the sun came out and the clouds melted away. Mt Rainier has 25 active glaciers. Wonderland Trail travels 93 miles around the base of the mountain, and is completed by many hikers in 10 - 12 days.
photo taken during a hike at the Paradise area. Paradise in the sun. Alpine meadows are dominated by Red Heather, Lupine, Paintbrush and Huckleberry bushes.
The Longmire area is about 2500 ft, and the Paradise Inn area is 5400 ft. Rainier's summit is 14,410 ft.
