Naches Loop in Winter

Most days this time of year in western Washington are gray and rainy. But today was gorgeous -- sunny and clear with bluebird skies. One must take advantage of a day like this. So Kim Judd, a new member of our ward, (Rosie had a meeting and was unavailable) and I headed to Mount Rainier National Park for an unforgettable afternoon.

One of our family's favorite hikes in Washington is the Naches Loop trail. It is an easy five mile hike at the summit of Chinook Pass with a gorgeous view every step of the way. In summer it has the best wildflowers meadows I have ever seen. It is the hike we usually take to introduce visitors and friends to the magic of Mount Rainier. But I had never hiked it in the winter and wanted to see what wonders it would hold in the snow and ice.

Here is what I found -- truly breathtaking. The white gray and blue were stunningly beautiful.

As a contrast, this was taken from virtually the same spot in August.Part of the trail goes along a ridge that has a wonderful view of Dewey Lake and surrounding peaks.
We even found a frozen waterfallChinook pass is also one of my favorite climbs on my bike. In the lower right you can see the road as it cuts its way through the mountain. In the upper right is Sunrise, one of the most beautiful spots on God's earth.

Days like today make up for those gray days that are such a big part of Seattle this time of year. I wish you all could have joined me.