My wife and I recently relocateed back to the Puget Sound area and want to explore Mt Rainier. We are planning a car camping (we’re in our mid 70’s) visit in Sept/Oct and are looking for camp locations that also work reasonably well for photo opportunities. We are fine doing moderate hikes. Any suggestions
Hi Pat. I haven’t done too much camping in the park, but White river is a good one. It’s season ends in late September, so you’d have to plan around that. The Glacier Basin trail leaving from the campground is fairly mellow as I recall and you’re only s short drive (or steep hike) from Sunrise with all the trails radiating from it, some of which are pretty nice. I recall one pretty mellow one where you go up the main trial uphill out of Sunrise and turn right at the fork. From there it stays relatively level moving along the ridge. If you don’t have them already, I’d recommend picking up the Green Trails maps for Rainier which help a lot on planning hikes (available at REI).
As for good photo ops August to early September are probably est for wildflowers, though I think I’ve gotten some good ones into late September. Perusing the Washington Trails Association trip reports can give you a good idea of timing and there are people who keep an eye on the wildflowers up there and post the information on the web.
For scenic images, I’m not very good at picking sites, but I believe there’s at least one photo guide to Rainier (probably more). The one I’m thinking of was produced by one of the earlier NPN members.
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Dennis
Thanks for taking the time to share your great ideas. I was not aware of the Green Trails maps…will definitely get them. Thanks again.
Pat,
Within the national park, there are three campgrounds, Cougar Rock, Ohanacopesh, and White River. They are all very popular so check right away for reservations availability.
Cougar Rock is closest to the Paradise area, Reflection Lake, and a couple of waterfalls and roadside viewpoins, so probably the most popular and hard to get reservations for.
White River is closest to the Sunrise area, Ohanacopesh puts you near Grove of the Patriarchs and some waterfalls.
If I had a week to spend, I’d do two nights at each campground.
In September/October the wildflowers will likely be done, but you’ll find some nice fall color.
For photo guides:
“Mount Rainer” by photographer Don Geyer, from Hancock House Publishers.
“Mount Rainier National Park Impressions” by Charles Gurche, from Far Country Press.
“Photographing Washington” by yours truly. Link in my profile or do a search.
Greg, thanks so much for sharing this really helpful information. It is exactly the kind of informaiton that will assist in makeing this both a good photo and family trip.