Books, Bites, and Sights

June 4th – June 8th

As the old saying goes, “You get a lot of bang for your buck.” And this sentiment rings true with Mount Rainier National Park. Whether you’re looking for once in a lifetime feats, jaw-dropping views, waterfalls on waterfalls on waterfalls, or accessibility, Mount Rainier has you covered. And how can we not mention that it is one of the easiest parks to get to in the Pacific Northwest – only a 4 hour drive from Seattle.

Month 8 readers. I am currently in month 8 of this 63 in 365 journey. Which means I have been living out of the 4Runner, constantly on the go, and eating out of plastic packages and cans for 8 months now. I have learned to adapt to all these things – and have even come to enjoy most aspects of this lifestyle – constantly reminding myself that I am quite literally living others’ dream. But one thing that is always heavy on me and hasn’t seemed to fade is being away from my community. My friends, my family, my yoga studio, my colleagues, my students. It is hard. It has given me a lot of insight into what I need to be the best version of myself – yes, it is good to be independent. To not need others’ company nor validations. But (for a lack of better words, sorry) let’s cut the shit. Humans need their community. We need one another. I feel most satisfied, most whole, and most at peace when I am in and amongst my people. Serving them, laughing with them, crying with them, or just occupying the same airspace as them.

Kin by Tayari Jones explored this idea of community through themes of friendship, kinship, and found family. And point blank, this book made me miss my mama. “No matter who your mama is, or how long she’s been gone, you can’t help but miss her,” rang all too true. Additionally and oddly enough, this book also made me miss the semi-maternal role I serve in my nieces’ and nephew’s life with quotes like, “If you have ever experienced motherlove, you can never forget the fragrance of it.” These relationships have shaped me – deeply, to my core. And you may be reading this and feeling you lack these types of relationships which is why Jone’s novel is so powerful because the main focus in the novel is not only how our relationships can shape us but also how a lack having any can.

Over the last 8 months I have grown much more mindful and much more appreciative of the communities I left behind in January. Like Jone’s overarching theme in Kin, ultimately, the lack of the relationships had this outcome – not the presence of them. With only 2 more months left in our journey, I am reminding myself to be present. Reminding myself of how fickle the situation is. Of how everything is temporary. But boy does it feel good to utter those three little words when talking with friends and family on the phone – “See you soon.“

And for those of you here only to build travel itineraries: Start here lol.

Camping

• Cougar Rock Campground (Southern Region): Affordable and in-the park with all the amenities: flush toilets, sinks, potable water, for sale firewood
• White River Dispersed Camping (Northern Region) found on the Dyrt app: Free and less than 10 minutes from the park entrance with a more isolated, rugged feel

Trails (Southern Region)

• Lower Lakes, Wonderland, Mazama, Skyline, and Dead Horse Creek Loop: 8.5 mile loop
  • An encompassing, busy trail that starts at Paradise Inn and is conveniently located by the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center
  • Books, Bites, Insights? Get to the trailhead early to get a parking spot. This is one of the most popular destinations in the park. Also note that this trail was still partially snow covered in June – yes, you read that right, June. Bring the right gear. Spikes and trekking poles helped a lot.
  • Highlights: Glacier Vista, Panorama Point, Faraway Rock, Reflection Lake

• Comet Falls via Van Trump Trail: 3.6 mile in-and-out
  • A shorter trail nearby the picturesque roadside Christine Falls that will take you through diverse landscapes: forests, meadows, rivers, creeks, waterfalls, bridge crossings
  • Books, Bites, Insights? This trail has the tiniest park lot – seriously. Maybe 15 spots total. Plan accordingly.

• Myrtle Falls Viewpoint: 0.5 mile in-and-out paved pathway
  • A very accessible stroll from Paradise Inn and a MUST on a clear day

• Carter, Madcap, and Narada Falls via Wonderland Trail: 6 mile in-and-out
  • A moderate to strenuous hike that follows the alongside Paradise River that will take you to three waterfalls – all of which are strikingly different from one another
  • Books, Bites, Insights? You can access Narada Falls using a shorter path (0.2 miles) via a pullout viewpoint trail along the main road

• Bench and Snow Lakes Trail: 2.3 mile in-and-out trail
  • A winding, up and down trail through meadows and huckleberry shrubs that ends at Snow Lake – a snowmelt fed lake that is cozily nestled in the Tatoosh Range
  • Books, Bites, Insights? This trail has some stellar looking campsites – and I would 100% consider this an option if I were looking to tent camp in the area

Trails (Northern Region)

When we visited, a lot of the Northern Region was still snow-covered or closed. Sunrise road was still closed for the season (sad face), but we were still able to find a few hikes worth doing in the North. As always, check NPS’s website for road closures (both seasonal and temporary) and trail conditions prior to planning your trip – and be aware that when visiting in June most of the epic stuff is still inaccessible.

• Silver Falls Loop: 3 mile loop
  • A nice wind-down trail that felt uniquely different than other trails in Mount Rainier with natural (and a bit stinky) hot springs and thermal areas, old growth moss, a waterfall in a canyon, and multiple bridge crossings

• Emmons Moraine Trail: 4.2 mile in-and-out
  • A moderate trail with sweeping views of a milky turquoise glacial lake and the Emmons Glacier that starts at the White River Campground and requires river crossings (when we went the bridge was out) and navigating up steep gravel switchbacks
  • Books, Bites, Insights? The end of the trail (if using AllTrails) is not worth the extra trek through the ridge line forest. Once you see the glacier, the views don’t get better. Just stop and turn around there.

Bites

• As far as bites go, the Paradise area of Mount Rainier is your best bet. We snagged early morning coffees, lattes, microwavable vegan breakfast sandwiches, and handcrafted biscotti cookies from Northwest Biscotti inside Paradise Inn at the Tatoosh Cafe.

Like I said at the beginning of this post – with proper planning, Mount Rainier National Park can offer you a lot of bang for your buck. Great hikes. Epic waterfalls. Accommodating accommodations. All within a short day drive from Seattle.

And as a side note readers, if you haven’t noticed, I started uploading reels of Amory and I’s 63 in 365 journey to both my Facebook and Instagram page. Check them out! I am a newbie when it comes to making them, so go easy on me. The new age kiddos make it look easy – but I have actually struggled making them lol. It is harder than it looks. Or maybe I am just getting old?

Next week – the last of the Pacific Northwestern parks: North Cascades National Park. Where I almost died – kinda serious, kinda joking. But more about that later. Xoxoxo, talk soon.