The Pacific Northwest 1997
Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks
July 26 - August 9, 1997
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The summer of 1997, Linda and I spent just over two weeks in the Pacific
Northwest. We had traveled through the area some years early and had said to
each other “we must go back when we can spend more time”. In the winter of 1997
we decided to make that our summer trip. As soon as reservations opened for
Paradise Inn on Mt. Rainier the project began. I was able to book 5 nights at
Paradise Inn for the end of July and a few days later another 5 nights at Sol
Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park. Early reservations are a must. They
came first followed by the flights and rental car arrangements.
On our last whirl wind camping trip through the area we had only scratched the
surface of so many places. We had camped in a national forest campground down
the road from Lake Quinault Lodge. While we slept in our little tent we always
ate at local restaurants. I remember the tasty food from that lodge, especially
the fresh berry cobbler. So it was decided to put 3 nights at the Lodge into the
agenda between Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Park. Perfect place to so stay
with great food.
We left Columbus on July 26, 1997 and traveled to the Paradise Inn on Mt.
Rainier via Seattle. The return was on August 9. We were damn lucky to
experience extraordinary weather. When we landed in Seattle you could see Mt.
Rainier off in the distance. And while driving there we could see it grow in
size. Upon arrival late that afternoon we were greeted with a nearly full
parking lot and lots of people. Turns out there’s a saying in the area: “If you
can see Mt. Rainier from Seattle, head there now.” And so they did. While we
initially had to park some distance from the lodge, once the “locals” departed
for the night we were able to park almost at the front door.
I have to say this was one of the best experiences. It was exhilarating to be
there for sunsets and sunrises and to be able to hit the trails before others
arrived. The food at the Inn was fabulous. And they would make nice sack lunches
for us to take on our day hikes. I remember the best whole grain bread I had
ever had at the time. Our room was so small that you had to duck under the coat
rack to get to the other side of the bed. But it was a perfect room for getting
a good night’s rest before another hike and the view out our window was
inspiring. I believe the last week of July and the first week of August (give or
take) is the perfect time to visit the mountains. You must experience this at
some point in your life.
These images are presented in two sets. The first is the Mt. Rainier experience
and the second set is from Lake Quinault through Olympics National Park.
Enjoy these many images! I have to say, it’s been fun recreating this trip.