Day trip to Rainier National Park

Thursday August 26 8 am - 6 pm

The park (http://www.nps.gov/mora/) surrounds Mount Rainier (14,410'), an active volcano encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice. The park contains outstanding examples of old growth forests and subalpine meadows. On this trip, you will be able to walk among giant exemplaries of Northwestern pine, look at the slow flowing Nisqually glacier from above, admire the snow cap of Mount Rainier from close by, have a commanding view of the surrounding peaks from an altitude of 4500 ft and even take a 2hr hike up the flank of Mt Rainier itself.

The trip will start at the Westin hotel at 8AM and return to the Westin at around 6PM, after a stop at the airport. The cost of the trip ($40) covers transportation and park admission charge, but not meals. However, we will make stops at nice places, some of them known only to locals, for coffee and lunch.

Below is the tentative trip schedule:

• 8:00 departure from the Westin
• 9:00 coffee stop
• 10:00 enter Mt. Rainier national park
• 10:00 - noon stops at old growth forests, waterfalls and vistas throughout the park
• noon - 2:00 pm stop at Paradise ranger station and visitor center for lunch, easy hiking, and mountain views
• [approx 11:00 - 2:00 if there is interest, an early dropoff will be arranged for the more determined hikers, allowing for a 3 hour hike in the Paradise area]
• 2:00 - 3:00 more picture stops on the way out of the park
• [4:00 coffee and gift shop stop, time permitting]
• 5:30 - stop at Sea-Tac airport
• 6:00 - return to the Westin hotel

At every stop there will be very easy, stroller and wheelchair accessible trails. Our destinations are favorites for families with children, so do not hesitate to bring yours. The final stop (Paradise or possible Sunrise ranger station) is an important trailhead for climbing Mt. Rainier, and longer hikes are possible there.

Weather in August is usually very beautiful and sunny, so sunscreen is highly recommended. But make sure to have a sweater or windbreaker, as mountain weather can turn suddenly to snow in every season.

For additional questions, send mail to Marina Meila mmp@stat.washington.edu