The Trip 14 team spent the morning together before concluding their day hiking adventure. They again enjoyed breakfast at The National Park Inn at Longmire.

Trip leader Judi elaborated on yesterday‘s experience: “The mountain was calling and we hiked. We arrived at 9 a.m., stretched, then sauntered to beautiful Myrtle Falls. From there, we continued around the Vista Loop, taking in glorious views of the mountain, breathing the sweet air, and admiring the beginning color blanket of the fall season.

“Lunch was in front of the Visitors Center. A hungry chipmunk tried to join us. We stopped at Reflection Lake and Narmada Falls in the afternoon before we all collapsed back at the lodge. What a glorious day on the mountain!”

Today, the team hiked the Trail of the Shadows Loop. Judi shared this description: “This short hike has so many wonderful perks! The trail begins directly across the road from the front porch of the National Park Inn. It is one of the easiest hikes in the park but still showcases park history and several interesting natural features. Walk back in time to visit the Longmire cabin, the oldest structure in the park; discover colorful mineral springs; learn about the old Longmire Springs Hotel; and challenge each other to find evidence of beavers by finding teetering trees sitting precariously on hourglass stumps carved by strong front teeth.”

This is an easy .8 mile hike with 75 feet of elevation gain.

Next on the itinerary was a Mt. Rainier Drum Circle, “The Heartbeat of the Mountain.” Judi said, “Drums provided – so much fun!”

Trip 14 concluded with lunch outside The National Park Inn at Longmire. Judi’s concluding remarks were, “Thank you so much for joining us and we hope to see you again!” She also provided the hikers with a list of fun tourist shops to stop at in Ashford, Wash., on the way home.

The last scheduled PasstoPass hike of 2025 is a new hike: car camping/lodge-based day hikes in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Sept. 26-28. This outing will include hikes on the Big Meadows Loop, Limberlost, and Upper Hawksbill trails, and a side trip to Luray Caverns.

Planning is already underway for our 2026 trail adventures.