Day hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park concluded midday Thursday. The itinerary for the final day included:
7 a.m.: Breakfast at the National Park Inn at Longmire and checkout
9:15 a.m.: Gather for Trail of the Shadows Loop hike
Trip leader Judi (trail name: Songbird) shared these details:
“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 hike is not quite a mile with 75 feet of elevation gain.
11:15 a.m.: Mt. Rainier Drum Circle — “The Heartbeat of the Mountain”
Songbird said, “We will meet again on the porch [of the National Park Inn] and saunter to the drum circle. Drums will be provided. So much fun!”
12 p.m.: Picnic lunch or order from the National Park Inn lunch menu
1:30 p.m.: Conclusion of Trip 7, Mt. Rainier Day Hikes
Songbird said: “Thank you so much for joining us and we hope to see you again!” She also provided a short list of tourist shops in Ashford, Wash., that hikers could visit on their way home.
Next up
Trip 8 begins Friday. The route for Trips 8 and 9 is affected by wildfires. We’re going to plan C. PasstoPass administrator Brian shared this information:
“[Llama wrangler] Charley has generously offered to host our base camps at his ranch with several day hikes in and around the Teanaway area. Rather than cancel the trips altogether, we feel this will be a great fallback and a chance to still get in a nice camping trip and some lovely hikes.”