backpacking at mt. rainier.

When we found out Michael’s old friend, Jonathan, from college was doing a huge cross country road trip with his girlfriend, Laura, and they were going to be in the pacific northwest, we had to take a few days to go adventuring with them!

We decided to meet up with them at Mount Rainier National Park and because we didn’t have service, we had to pre-plan our meeting site and approximate time. We chose the Paradise area around Reflection Lake.

“Is that them?!” was us every time we saw a small red car drive by.

In the short few days we were together, we hiked to our campsite in the dark, went waterfall hunting, hiked a few of our favorite trails, & had so much fun backpacking. Jonathan and Laura are incredible people and we were so happy to spend time with them. We can’t wait for these two to visit again! 💙

 

Pinnacle Peak hike, Mount Rainier National Park

*Hands down – this is our favorite hike yet.

Not too long, a little elevation change, & the most incredible views at every angle.

Our recommendation – hike up at sunset.
We started hiking later in the day now because the crowds are significantly less wherever you go, you usually get to witness a beautiful sunset, and hiking down in the dark isn’t that scary to be honest! Just don’t forget to bring a headlamp and a jacket in case it gets chilly.

Just look at that sunset!!! I can almost feel the sun-rays all over again.

Laura being adorable with her binoculars! We were watching the cutest little marmots.

We still can’t get over how beautiful this national park is. Probably our favorite so far!

Every single part of this hike had incredible views of Mount Rainier. She’s a beaut.

Cruisin’ along the mountains in our FJ. (We need to do a full post of our DIY converted FJ one day.)

Nickel Creek campground, Mount Rainier National Park

We didn’t take any pictures at our campground because we hiked in at night! And when we would be there, we just enjoyed spending time together that we forgot to take photos. That’s when you know you’re having a really good time!

This was on our way out of the campground after two nights here! We didn’t even bother to change out of our sweats and pajamas hahah 😋.

Love bridges like these.

 

Comet Falls, Mount Rainier National Park

Jonathan giving me a thumbs up!

Once we got here, we had a small cooler of snacks and just hung out here for a bit. It was so refreshing. Summer in the pacific northwest is one of a kind.

You always gotta get close enough to get sprayed by the waterfall!

 

Snow Lake, Mount Rainier National Park

Made it back to this lake, but this time in the summer instead of the winter. It was even more beautiful than it was the first time!

Look at those turquoise-y blues! We are standing right on an unoccupied campsite, so one day, we want to backpack here and stay a few nights.

Asian squat at its finest.

 

Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.
John Muir