The Trip 14 team started their day with breakfast at The National Park Inn at Longmire.
Then they drove about 20 minutes up the mountain to the Paradise Visitor Center. The Paradise area is the busiest area of Mt. Rainier National Park.
From there, they hiked to Mrytle Falls. Trip leader Judi says, “This is an easy ascent on asphalt trail.” Hikers could then choose to return the Visitor Center or continue another 1-3 miles along the Vista Loop Trail.
The team had a picnic lunch outside before exploring the Paradise Visitor Center and Paradise Inn. Judi says: “The Visitor Center has an excellent video presentation regarding Mt. Rainier, plus gifts and a coffee shop. The Paradise Inn is beautiful – a must see! It will remind you of other National Park Inns. It also offers an excellent gift shop and a grab n’ go shop for coffee and snacks.”
The afternoon drive back to The National Park Inn at Longmire included stops at a few roadside attractions and for short walks. Among them were Reflection Lake and Narada Falls.
Following dinner at The National Park Inn at Longmire, the team spent the evening with games, hot chocolate, and conversation.