An Afternoon in Paradise

Mount Rainier from Paradise

This afternoon I took one of the most beautiful bike rides of my life. I have cycled most of the passes around Mount Rainier many times, but I had never done the south side to Paradise until today. In fact, it had been a few years since I had driven that spectacular road and I had forgotten the incredibly beautiful vistas one gets at almost every turn. Unfortunately I again forgot my camera and had to use my iphone for the photos below. They give a feel for the gorgeous scenes but do not do it justice.

It was a perfect day for a bike ride with sunny skies and temperatures in the sixties. I drove the 45 miles from our house to the Stevens Canyon entrance where I parked, pulled out my bike and started this unforgettable 43 mile (round trip) ride that had 4,600 feet of ascent. The first six miles were pretty, but mostly just heavy woods. Then around a corner majestic Mount Rainier jumped out.

First view of Rainier on this climb
Shortly beyond that corner is a turn off for cars to admire the view. When I stopped there was a lady taking pictures and I asked her if she would take one of me. We talked for a minute and I found out she was from Switzerland. I told her I thought Mount Rainier is an incredibly beautiful place -- especially on a day like this -- but not as pretty as Switzerland.While the main attraction on this route is obviously Mount Rainier, there are many other things that add to its beauty. Below is the deep, narrow, rock lined Box Canyon. Mount Adams is visible on the horizon between the two trees in the middle right of the photo.
There are a number of short tunnels like this one.About six miles from Paradise. Note the road on the right and left as it works its way toward Paradise and Mount Rainier.

With the Red Rocket in front of Reflection Lake. The wind was blowing and the ripples in the water eliminated the typical stunning reflection one gets.

I couldn't do one of these bike ride updates without what Stephen calls a "Red Rocket portrait shot". Here it is at the trailhead at Paradise.
The Red Rocket is without question the best "toy" I have ever had. I am grateful for the adventures we have taken together and I look forward to many more. I am always looking for partners for these adventures -- come join me for an unforgettable time.