On our Wednesday hikes at Mount Rainier, we covered about 5 miles and gained a total of 1300 feet in elevation. Will took a look at what I had planned for Thursday and quickly changed those plans. He thought we could manage the 5+ mile Rampart Ridge hike in the Longmire area with a 1339' elevation gain. When I read that we'd have amazing views of Mount Rainier, I was all in, so we were off for our longest, hardest hike yet.
We started off on the Trail of the Shadows, which took us around Longmire Meadow.
We found the trailhead for the Rampart Ridge Trail and started up the switchbacks. It was tough but really beautiful.
Red Indian Pipe plant
We made it to the peak! If you look between the boys, you can glimpse the parking lot where we started our hike.
Snacks at the top
We walked a little farther along the ridge and had the most amazing view of Mount Rainier!
We hiked along the ridge for about a mile before heading back down. The trail took us through old growth forests, which were spectacular.
Steller's jay
We were all exhausted after our 3 hour hike, but it was so worth it for the views and just knowing that we could hike so far and up so high. After lunch at the National Park Inn, we headed back to the cabin (Indian Henry's) to rest, finish laundry and pack up for our return to Houston.
Our summer vacation this year really felt like three separate trips, but each was unique and special and we are so lucky to have spent an incredible two weeks exploring Washington and Alaska with family and friends.
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