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Days 3-4: Mount Rainier National Park

I got to Mt. Rainier late in the evening on Day 3. I'd made a reservation at the National Park Inn, which is at the entrance to the park. But only when I got there at around 10 p.m. did I discover that they'd confirmed my reservation at Paradise Inn instead. Ah well, it turned out to be a better stay anyways.

Next morning, I went off on my first hike. Originally, I wanted to do the southern loop - from the Inn down around Reflection Lakes, then back. But on my way back, after having hiked five miles of a 1000' elevation change, I looked at the map, saw the upper loop and mention of the viewpoints up there, said "what the hell!" and went off to do the additional 4 miles with a 2000' elevation change.

Note for the future - "what the hell" is not a wise choice.

So after nine miles and five hours, I staggered back to my room.


Mt. Rainier


		A marmot

I also saw a fox and a couple of martens, but I didn't get good photos of either of them. All in all, even though I froze my ass off (8000 feet at the summit of the trail) and could barely walk the next day, I had a great time.

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