Mount Rainier N.P.

We pulled into Mount Rainier N.P. around 5 pm on Friday. Our campground was on the Ohanapecosh River. There were only 3 loops open for the season so far. It was packed and on a self-serve type of system for reserving. You find an open spot with no tag on it and go to a kiosk to pay for it. Then you hang your paid tag on the post so everyone knows it is taken. A very cool idea except most of the large spots that RVs could fit it were occupied by tents. We squeezed into a place in Loop C by the restrooms and set up camp for a few days. There were several families camping across from us and plenty of kids to hang out with. The river was very powerful and you could hear the swift water running through the campground. A large area of trees on the mountain were missing from a landslide that happened in 2006. They had record rainfall in 2 days
that caused flooding in the park. The roads were under water and there was a lot of damage from the rains/flooding.

All of the families we camped by were from the Tacoma area. We had a great time hiking and hanging out with the Magnusons, Uhlers and Klevjers. Time was spent discussing our faith in God and laughing about silly stuff that we have all experienced.
Isn't it great how God puts people in our path? 








Saturday we joined the other families in a hike called Silver Falls which was about 3 miles. The plants along the path were mostly ferns with very little flowers. Once we reached the falls area, everyone sat for some snacks and a little rest. The men thought it would be fun to jump in the water which registered around 45 degrees. That started a line up of kids who wanted to do the same. No women were crazy enough to follow suit. LOL!

Later that evening, Justin set up some repelling by the bridge. Jason and Jason Jr. loved it and now want to get their own gear. After dinner, we had smores and sat by the campfire till late.

Sunday morning, we said our goodbyes and SamBob got his junior ranger badge before leaving the campground. We drove to Paradise Visitor center further into the park to get our passport stamp and get some souvenirs. Everything was under snow up there. It was very beautiful but freezing. and rainy again!