Mount Fremont Lookout Hike - Mount Rainier - 8/27/17

Today we were joined at Sunrise by friends Jill, Juliet, and August to hike to the Mount Fremont Lookout point in the Mount Rainier National Park. This 6.3 mile hike was a tough challenge for the kids, but they all did great and climbed the 800 foot elevation gain up to nearly 7200'. The weather today was hot and lots of sun. We made sure to carry enough water for everyone on this dusty trail. The Mount Fremont lookout post was built in the 1930's to serve as a fire lookout, and was a fun place to visit and explore. The location offered a 360 degree view of the mountain and surrounding areas. This hike is highly recommended for experienced hikers. 

Layers of mountains.

Most of the meadow flowers have lost their color.

Jessa, Jill, Juliet, and Claire.

The start of the Fremont Trail, at Frozen Lake.

The four kids, hiking together.

Frozen Lake with mystery red plant.

Mystery red plant.

The climb up the Fremont Trail.

A look back at Little Tahoma.

Great mountain views.

Rocky trail climb.

If you look carefully, at the end of the trail is the lookout tower.

A view of the mountain, from the Fremont Trail

Giant rock formations protruding from the other rock formations. Science.

Arriving at the Fremont Lookout Tower.

That's me.

In the lookout tower, getting some food in the bellies.

This was hanging in the lookout tower, interesting. 

Mr. Levi and Ms. Juliet, on the lookout tower.

Claire, on the lookout tower.

Sign at the tower.

On top of the world.

Interesting clouds forming.

A look back at the tower, from the trail.

Those beautiful red mystery plants again.

Levi, contemplating his next step.

A nice clear day at Sunrise.

Mount Rainier - Paradise and Louise Lake Hikes - 8/14/17

Today, the kids and I made the trek around the east side of Mount Rainier and up to the Paradise Visitors Center. This location is clearly the most touristy part of the park, and it did not disappoint. We were the rare visitors in hiking boots and using trekking poles. The parking lots were absolutely full (on a Monday) and we had to trade in some luck for a parking spot. All of the trails were paved with asphalt for easy walking, although it was uphill. We chose the Alta Vista trail since it was challenging and offered a view. It was fine, and the uphill was steep but manageable. The clouds came and went today, so the views were often blocked.

After the Paradise adventure, we drove down to Louise Lake. This short hike down to the lake was easy and was part of the Wonderland Trail. The beach at the lake was empty, we had it all to our selves. The shore was fun and the kids enjoyed running and playing. This part of the trip was nice, and felt more adventurous and in the wild. Enjoy!

Mount Rainier, near Paradise Lodge

At the back of the truck, just finished lunch.

Map, we went to the spot marked Alta Vista 5940'

Trail sign for the view point.

Walk along the paved trail.

No clouds blocking the view.

Looking South, back down towards the lodge.

Up he goes!

Mount Adams peaking up over the range.

Hey kids!

Clouds moving through.

Clouds

Clouds

On the descent. 

Claire Louise!

Down to the lake.

At the lake shore.

Happy kids!

Don't mess with her.

Hey dude!

Running wild.

That girl.

Trees

She is holding back her hair, it was really windy.

Me.

Levi, future Forest Fire Firefighter.