"The Mountains are calling and I must go"

John Muir wrote those words in 1873, and they have been a slogan for many ever since. I do love the mountains, but for me there is one special place, The Mountain! My paradise is that special place on the slopes of Mt Rainier, aptly named Paradise. 

With big projects behind us, it was time to heed the calling and go to Mt. Rainier National Park. Two weeks ago we reserved a room for one night at nearby Chrystal Mountain Ski Resort, hoping that our weather would hold for two clear days. Then we set out early Wednesday morning for Paradise. This is the beginning of a series of posts of our two days answering the call of The Mountain.

There are many glimpses of Mt Rainier in the two hour drive to get to the National Park, but as you get near, the mountain looms. 

Of course I was very excited to see that would be blooming in the mountain meadows which Paradise is famous for. I knew we would have missed the earlier blooms, like the Glacier and Avalanche Lilies, but it was pretty cool to see Mountain Gentians right along the parking lot walkway. 

Having arrived early enough to secure parking, with the Tatoosh Range looming to the south, 

Rosy Spirea

we settled into a slow mode, knowing I would have to take it easy in the altitude and with uphill hiking. We started out with coffee and a cookie at the Visitor Center to set the mood and the pace. Look at that blue sky!

 Our first destination would be Mytrle Falls, a beautiful location and not too long or strenuous a hike. 

Broadleaf Arnica and white American Bistort 

 Bear grass

A grouse hen hid in the shadow. 

Blue lupine and Alpine daisy

 Here we are at the base of Myrtle Falls. 

 And above the falls. 

 Partridge foot

 Yellow monkey flower

  

 White Valerian and purple heather

Yellow lousewort, mountain spirea

 Blue Lupine, yellow Arnica, Magenta Paintbrush, white Bistort. 

 Paintbrush and valerian

 Alpine daisy and Arnica

Time to turn around while others enjoy this wonderful place.

 Some plants are marked

Now it was time for some lunch and rest before our next hike.