#Longmire Meadow

[mountrainiernps]

NPS Photo of Soda Springs in 2013.

The Longmire area was first settled by James Longmire, who’s family went on to run a health resort in the late 1800s to early 1900s using natural volcanic mineral springs found in the area. Two mineral springs built during 1920s remain from the original resort development in the Longmire Meadow.

NPS/D. Schnute Photo of Soda Springs in 1986. Soda Springs is named for the soda, magnesium, iron, and sodium chloride content of its waters. It has a stone masonry enclosure surrounded by a wooden plank walkway with a short spur trail edged by stone parapet walls.

Mount Rainier National Park Archives Photo of Iron Mike circa 1940s (left). NPS Photo of Iron Mike in 2017 (right).

Iron Mike Springs has high iron content in the water, giving the spring both its rusty color and its name. Iron Mike has a circular stone masonry enclosure with concrete steps enclosed by a U-shaped parapet wall.

Both springs are contributing structures in the Mount Rainier Historic Landmark District. Have you viewed these springs along the Trail of the Shadows in Longmire?

[b00inazkaban]

I have no idea what to post but can people give me like ideas for fics for?

Master list: :)

IM NOT USING THIS MASTER-LIST ANYMORE! Head over to my second one on my navigation page and request from that one please and thank you my lovelies!

Who/What I'll write for:

Most kinks,

Fluff,

Angst (I’m not a fan of angst but I’ll still write) ,

Aged-Up characters,

Any/All genders

Poly relationship’s (3 -5 Character’s)

Harry Potter/ Marauders / Fantastic Beasts:

Ron Weasley Hermione Granger Neville longbottom Cedric Diggory Ginny Weasley Fred Weasley George Weasley Blaise Zabini Pansy Parkinson Theadore Nott Luna Lovegood Cho Chang (maybe depends on request) Bill Weasley Fleur Delacour Tom Riddle Mattheo Riddle Nymphadora Tonks Bellatrix Lestrange (Younger and Older) Lucius Malfoy (Younger and Older) Narcissa Malfoy (Younger and Older) Severus Snape (Younger and Older) Sirius Black (Younger and Older) Remus Lupin (Younger an Older) James Potter Peter Pettigrew (maybe and young and with the good fancast(s) Lily Evans Marlene McKinnon Mary McDonald Dorcus Meadowes Newt Scammander Thesus Scammander Jacob Kowalski Sweathearts; Queenie Goldstein Tina Goldstein !Young! Albus Dumbledore Gellert Grindelwald (Mads or Johnny)

Stranger Things:

Steve Harrington Johnathan Byers Billy Hargrove Argyle Eddie Munson Nancy Wheeler Chrissy Cunningham Robin (fem aligned only) Eleven Hopper (fluff only) Dustin Henderson (fluff only) Lucas Sinclair (fluff only) Max Mayfield (fluff only) Mike Wheeler (fluff only) Little!mike x Cg!reader; Will Byers (fluff only) Joyce Byers Jim(James) Hopper Enzo Antonov Karen Wheeler Murray Bauman Dr. Alexie Phil Callahan

Marvel/ DC/ Guardians of the Galaxy:

Tony Stark (Ironman) Steve Rogers (Captain America) Bruce Banner (Hulk) Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) Thor Odinson Clint Barton (Hawkeye) Loki Laufeyson (Odinson) Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) Peitro Maximoff Bucky(James) Barnes Pepper Potts Peter Parker Dr. Stephen Strange Carol Danvers (Captain Marvel) Scott Lang (Ant-Man) Sam Wilson (Flacon) Eddie/Venom Peter Quill Gamora Drax Rocket Yondu Arthur Curry (Aquaman) Orm Marius Barry Allan (Flash)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

Leonardo Raphael Donatello Michelangelo April O’Neil Casey Jones

Longmire:

Walt Longmire Victoria Moretti Ferguson Henry Standingbear Cady Longmire Branch Connolly Jacob Nighthorse Mathias

Twilight:

Carlise Cullen Esme Cullen Charlie Swan Jacob Black

Bella Swan

Edward Cullen

Jasper Cullen

Emmet Cullen

Rosile Cullen

Alice Cullen

Flash:

Barry Allen

Cisco Ramon

Harry Wells

Caitlin Snow

Iris West

Julian Albert

Oliver Queen

Captain Cold

Who/what I don’t write for:

Draco Malfoy (Only character I’m so sorry I just can’t write anything for him unless it’s fluff still don't like writing for him tbh)

I won’t write for Rape,

Smut for agere,

Smut for minor x adult

Non-con

Kidnapped (maybe tho depends on character and other things)

A/n: Ik minors are on here and still read stuff so I'm not putting a age warning on here, people don't really read age warnings usually but I'll put age warning on the one with smut or suggestive themes. Also, please make suggestions with enough detail for me to imagine and make something with, and this is a safe-space for any and all genders and agere, thanks have a good day!

[mtrainiernati6]

Exploring the Charm of Mt. Rainier Lodges and Cabins for an Enchanting Getaway

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier stands tall as an iconic symbol of natural beauty and adventure. For those seeking a retreat into the serenity of the mountains, Mt. Rainier lodges and cabins offer a perfect blend of comfort and proximity to the stunning landscapes that surround this majestic peak.

Paradise Inn: A Historic Haven One of the most renowned lodges at Mount Rainier is the historic Paradise Inn. Situated in the Paradise area of the park, this rustic yet elegant lodge provides an immersive experience into the charm of the early 20th century. With its towering windows offering panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding meadows, Paradise Inn is a haven for those looking to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort.

National Park Inn: Tranquility at Longmire Located in the Longmire area, the National Park Inn is another gem that captures the essence of Mt. Rainier's beauty. Surrounded by old-growth forest, this cozy lodge provides a peaceful escape with its comfortable rooms and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can explore nearby trails, participate in ranger-led programs, or simply relax on the porch, taking in the sights and sounds of the wilderness.

Mt. Rainier Cabins: Intimate Wilderness Retreats For those seeking a more private escape, Mt. Rainier cabins offer a perfect solution. Nestled in the forested areas surrounding the park, these cabins provide a cozy and intimate setting for couples, families, or small groups. With amenities ranging from hot tubs to fully-equipped kitchens, these cabins offer a home-away-from-home experience, allowing guests to create lasting memories in the midst of nature.

Sunrise Lodge: A High-Elevation Adventure For those who crave a high-altitude experience, Sunrise Lodge is the highest point in the park that can be reached by vehicle. Offering stunning vistas of the sunrise over the mountain, this lodge provides a unique perspective of Mt. Rainier. Sunrise Lodge is the starting point for various hiking trails, making it an ideal choice for avid hikers and those seeking an active exploration of the park.

Activities and Adventures: Beyond the Accommodations Mt. Rainier lodges and cabins not only serve as a comfortable base for exploration but also provide access to a myriad of activities. From guided ranger programs to hiking, wildlife viewing, and snowshoeing in the winter, visitors can tailor their experience to match their interests and the season.

A stay in Mt. Rainier lodges and cabins is not just a vacation; it's an immersive journey into the heart of one of the most stunning natural landscapes in the United States. Whether you choose the historic charm of Paradise Inn, the tranquility of National Park Inn, or the intimacy of a secluded cabin, your Mt. Rainier getaway promises to be a memorable and enchanting experience, where the beauty of the mountain becomes a part of your personal story.

For more info ;-

Mt Rainier Lodges Cabins

Mt Rainier National Park Dogs

Rainier National Park Cabins

[dan6085]

20 famous people who were born on September 27, along with some details about their lives and achievements:

1. Lil Wayne - Born in 1982, Lil Wayne is a Grammy-winning rapper and songwriter known for his hit songs like "Lollipop", "A Milli", and "6 Foot 7 Foot".

2. Gwyneth Paltrow - Born in 1972, Paltrow is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in films like "Shakespeare in Love", "Iron Man", and "The Royal Tenenbaums".

3. Avril Lavigne - Born in 1984, Lavigne is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her pop-punk hits like "Complicated", "Sk8er Boi", and "Girlfriend".

4. Meat Loaf - Born in 1947, Meat Loaf is a rock singer and actor known for his theatrical performances and hit songs like "Bat Out of Hell", "Paradise by the Dashboard Light", and "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)".

5. Shaun Cassidy - Born in 1958, Cassidy is an actor, singer, and television producer known for his roles on hit TV shows like "The Hardy Boys Mysteries" and "General Hospital".

6. Mike Schmidt - Born in 1949, Schmidt is a former professional baseball player who played for the Philadelphia Phillies for 18 seasons and was inductedinto the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.

7. Carrie Brownstein - Born in 1974, Brownstein is a musician, actress, and writer who is best known as the guitarist and vocalist of the indie rock band Sleater-Kinney and for her work on the television show "Portlandia".

8. Samuel Adams - Born in 1722, Adams was a political philosopher and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, who played a key role in the American Revolution and helped draft the Declaration of Independence.

9. Sofia Milos - Born in 1969, Milos is an Italian actress known for her roles on TV shows like "CSI: Miami", "The Sopranos", and "NCIS".

10. Jayne Meadows - Born in 1919, Meadows was an actress and television personality who appeared in films like "Undercurrent" and "David and Bathsheba" and hosted several game shows.

11. Greg Morris - Born in 1933, Morris was an actor best known for his role as Barney Collier on the TV series "Mission: Impossible".

12. Wilford Brimley - Born in 1934, Brimley was an actor known for his roles in films like "Cocoon", "The Natural", and "The Thing", as well as for his work on television commercials for Quaker Oats and Liberty Medical.

13. Thomas Nast - Born in 1840, Nastwas a German-American caricaturist and editorial cartoonist who is considered the "Father of the American Cartoon" and is known for his political cartoons that helped shape American politics in the late 19th century.

14. Shaun White - Born in 1986, White is a professional snowboarder and skateboarder who has won three Olympic gold medals and multiple X Games medals in both sports.

15. William Conrad - Born in 1920, Conrad was an actor, director, and producer known for his deep, distinctive voice and his roles on TV shows like "Cannon" and "Jake and the Fatman".

16. Lillemor Arvidsson - Born in 1923, Arvidsson was a Swedish athlete who won multiple medals in the discus throw and shot put events at the European Athletics Championships and the Olympic Games.

17. A Martinez - Born in 1948, Martinez is an actor best known for his roles on TV shows like "Santa Barbara", "L.A. Law", and "Longmire".

18. Don Cornelius - Born in 1936, Cornelius was an American television host and producer who created and hosted the popular music and dance show "Soul Train" from 1971 to 1993.

19. Cheryl Tiegs - Born in 1947, Tiegs is an American model and actress who appeared on the covers of numerous magazines, including Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, and is considered one of the first supermodels.

20. Louis Auchincloss - Born in 1917, Auchincloss was an American author and lawyer who wrote more than 60 books, including novels, biographies, and essays, and was known for his portrayals of the American upper class.

[thorsenmark]

A Meadow View to Enjoy (Mount Rainier National Park) by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: Unfortunately Mount Rainier was covered in a low cloud cover at this time...

[adventurealldays]

The road to Longmire’s house

[rainiervolunteersnps]

It was with great sadness that we recently learned of the passing of Dixie Gatchel, a lifelong friend of Mount Rainier National Park and the architect of its modern volunteer program.

Dixie’s connection to Mount Rainier began in 1948 with her husband Clay, “in a leaky tent in the snow and the rain at the old Longmire Campground,” she said in a 2006 interview, “and so from that time on, that park was our playground... our special place.”

As the Gatchels hiked, camped, climbed and skied over the years, volunteers were not unknown in the park. Community members had helped out in ad hoc ways all the way back to the early days of the 20th century, when Boy Scout troops built trails, university scientists conducted research, and mountaineers delivered lectures and campfire programs alongside the paid rangers. The Gatchels, too, helped out from time to time, in visitor centers and on trails, between careers and raising a family. In 1970 Congress passed the Volunteers in Parks Act, formalizing the ways we work with volunteers throughout the National Park Service. Still, Mount Rainier’s program remained largely disorganized and unregulated.

In 1992, Superintendent Bill Briggle went looking for someone to bring order and direction to the park’s growing numbers of volunteers. He found two for the price of one: Dixie and Clay Gatchel, now retired and spending their summers since 1985 at the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout.

The deal was really two for the price of none, because the Gatchels agreed to manage the volunteer program as volunteers themselves. They launched into the job with gusto, first bringing the park’s existing volunteers into alignment with standard practices and regulations, documenting and tracking volunteer work, and unifying volunteers in common uniforms. Then, they set about growing the program, finding new ways for volunteers to extend the work of paid staff and recruiting community members to fill the roles. Partnerships with the Student Conservation Association and Geologic Society of America brought interns to conduct research and work in visitor centers. Volunteers helped organize the park’s library and cultural resource collections. Hiking and riding clubs came to work on trails, and schools to restore meadows. The popular “Meadow Rover” program was born, with volunteers on the trails above Paradise and Sunrise to educate people about the importance of staying on the trails in those fragile subalpine environments; today, 200 people a year help out, and studies show they make a positive difference. The Gatchels even facilitated a partnership with Waseda University in Tokyo, leading to a twenty-year relationship through which hundreds of Japanese students came to Mount Rainier for a few weeks each summer to work on projects and live with park employees or other community members.

Over the course of eight years, Mount Rainier’s volunteer program grew from 335 people to 833, and more than doubled the number of service hours documented. By 1999, the Gatchels, alone, had contributed almost 34,000 hours of time. With the celebration, that year, of the park’s centennial, it seemed like a good time retire again, and to leave on a high note. Clay and Dixie arranged 5,000 hours of volunteer time in support of the Centennial Celebration, and handed out 1,356 personalized Centennial Appreciation Certificates. Then they carefully organized their records – by now, computerized on floppy discs – and published their last newsletters and reports.

Not that they stopped volunteering, of course. Over the years, as the volunteer program was managed by others, they returned to help with trail patrols and planting parties and events on National Public Lands Day. In 2003, Clay and Dixie were selected as some of the first to receive one of the National Park Service’s most prestigious awards, the George Hartzog Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, which is presented to only a single volunteer or couple each year. In typical fashion, when the award was announced at a park gathering, Dixie launched into the room, pointing out volunteer after volunteer who, she said, was equally deserving of the award, until Clay, bemused, finally stepped up to the microphone and said, “Dixie, I love you. Please come home.” A few years later, in 2007, those volunteers were recognized when the program the Gatchels helped build was selected for the comparable annual award for Outstanding Volunteer Program.

Clay passed away in December 2005, but as recently as September 2018, in her 90s, Dixie was helping out with her usual enthusiasm at the park’s booth in the Washington State Fair. She remained active, as well, in other community projects, working tirelessly on behalf of the Foothills Rails to Trails Coalition and Puyallup Riverwalk Trail. She wrapped up her service at Mount Rainier with 17,307 lifetime hours of service, but her legacy goes far beyond her own numbers. Today more than 2,000 people volunteer at the park every year when there isn’t a pandemic going on, each of them contributing in their own ways to the mission of preserving and protecting their national park for the enjoyment of current and future generations, and each of them making the kind of personal connection to a place that only comes from getting your hands dirty.

Dixie’s time on this good earth finally came to an end, but her generous and giving spirit lives on. ~klb

To learn more about Mount Rainier’s volunteer program, visit http://www.nps.gov/mora/getinvolved/volunteer.htm.

Photo: Dixie and Clay Gatchel, in their volunteer uniforms, at a ceremony in Washington DC to receive the George Hartzog Jr. Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 2003.

[emphatic-nomadic]

Hi! I was wondering if you could suggest your favorite hikes that are located in Mt. Rainier NP? Rainier is my favorite place to visit and I would really appreciate any suggestions you might have

Hello! I’d love to share some of my favorite hikes with you. The hike I do almost every year is Naches loop, if you go in late July or early August it is covered in wildflowers and if skies are clear you get incredible views of Rainier for a lot of the hike! It’s a short hike, only 3.5 miles, without a ton of elevation gain so it’s pretty great as just a day trip, though it does get very crowded on weekends during peak wildflower season so if possible I definitely recommend going on a weekday when possible or off season in the fall

I also love Rampart ridge in the Longmire area of the park, I think it’s like 1000 feet or so of elevation gain and about 5 miles long, really lovely hike that starts through the little meadow swamp area at longmire and then you go up and up until you’re on a ridge overlooking the valley below. You get one very cool view of rainier if you’re lucky enough to have clear skies as you start to descend from the ridge.

The highline trail to Panarama point is one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done! You access the trail from the paradise area which can get incredibly crowded but the people start to thin out as you make your way up this trail. It’s 5.4 miles and 1700 feet of elevation gain but the views and wildflowers are well worth it! You also see lots of marmots and I was lucky enough to see a fox at the top once! Your high point on the hike is 7100 feet, which is dope!

Hope this is helpful! I have a few other hikes I can reccommend as well but hopefully this is a good start 😊

[perfectbooklibrary]

^DOWNLOAD [PDF] Day Hike! Mount Rainier [Epub]$$

^DOWNLOAD Day Hike! Mount Rainier [Epub]$$

Day Hike! Mount Rainier

[PDF] Download Day Hike! Mount Rainier Ebook | READ ONLINE

Author : Ron C. Judd Publisher : ISBN : 1632171570 Publication Date : -- Language : eng Pages :

To Download or Read this book, click link below:

http://read.ebookcollection.space/?book=1632171570

PDF eBook

Synopsis : ^DOWNLOAD Day Hike! Mount Rainier [Epub]$$

Discover the best day-hike trails in and around Mount Rainier.Now fully updated and featuring full-color photography, the Day Hike! series was written for people who want to spend their days in the mountains and their nights at home. Whether you start from the Paradise area or Longmire or Mowich Lake, the 51 incredible hikes in this popular guidebook feature the stately forests, mountain vistas, alpine meadows, and glacial meadows unique to Mount Rainier. Each trail is rated from easy to extreme, giving first-time or veteran hikers the variety they want, as well as topographical maps, trail descriptions, and more.

[xbrooklyn99x]

Brooklyn Nine-Nine 5x01 Press Release

**SEASON PREMIERE**--"BROOKLYN NINE-NINE" - (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) CC-AD-HDTV 720p-Dolby Digital 5.1

JAKE AND ROSA ARE BEHIND BARS ON THE ALL-NEW SEASON PREMIERE OF "BROOKLYN NINE-NINE" TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, ON FOX

Lou Diamond Phillips ("Longmire") and Tim Meadows ("The Goldbergs" & "Son of Zorn") Guest Star

Jake and Rosa assimilate to their new lives behind bars, but both are coping in very different ways. Jake bonds with his cellmate, Caleb (guest star Tim Meadows), and is forced to join a prison gang led by notorious inmate Romero (guest star Lou Diamond Phillips), in order to gain his protection. Meanwhile, in the women's prison, Rosa puts Holt and Terry to the test by having them complete outrageous favors for her. Back in the precinct, Amy and Charles are doing all they can to exonerate their colleagues in the all-new "The Big House Pt.1" Season Five premiere episode of BROOKLYN NINE-NINE airing Tuesday, Sept. 26 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (BRK-501) (TV-14 D, L, V)

Cast: Andy Samberg as Det. Jake Peralta; Andre Braugher as Capt. Ray Holt; Terry Crews as Sgt. Terry Jeffords; Melissa Fumero as Det. Amy Santiago; Joe Lo Truglio as Det. Charles Boyle; Stephanie Beatriz as Det. Rosa Diaz; Dirk Blocker as Det. Hitchcock; Joel McKinnon Miller as Det. Scully

Guest Cast: Lou Diamond Phillips as Romero, Toby Huss as Warden Granville, Tim Meadows as Caleb

[onastyamiga]

EW has learned that Meadows will play Caleb, cellmate of Jake (Samberg). And, oh, one more thing about Caleb: He’s a cannibal. “He cares about Jake, but they are put into a bind because they are both taken out of protective custody and thrown into general population,” Brooklyn co-creator Dan Goor tells EW. “So he also has to look out for himself a bit.”

Phillips will pop up as an “erratic” criminal mastermind with whom Jake crosses paths, says Goor. Phillips’ recent TV credits include The Ranch, Longmire, and Blindspot.

Both will appear in multiple episodes. Brooklyn Nine-Nine returns to Fox for season 5 on Sept. 26.

[mountrainiernps]

Landscape Language

 Aestival (adj) – relating to summer

Hiemal (adj) – relating to winter

Which do you prefer? The aestival (summer) season includes long days, wildflower meadows, and lots of hiking. During the hiemal (winter) season, hiking is replaced by snowshoeing and shorter days, and the landscape is decorated in a blanket of snow. What do you enjoy about the different seasons?

NPS Photos of the Longmire meadow in summer (top) and winter (bottom). ~kl

[tvtracker]

Brooklyn Nine Nine Episode 5.02 'The Big House Pt.2' Press Release. JAKE BECOMES A DOUBLE AGENT PRISONER ON AN ALL-NEW "BROOKLYN NINE-NINE" TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3, ON FOX Lou Diamond Phillips ("Longmire"), Toby Huss ("King of the Hill"), Tim Meadows ("The Goldbergs") and Gina Gershon ("Showgirls") Guest-Star When the warden (guest star Toby Huss) asks Jake to investigate Romero's (guest star Lou Diamond Phillips) drug smuggling operation, Jake and Caleb (guest star Tim Meadows) find themselves caught between the loyalty Jake has sworn to both of them. Meanwhile, Amy is offered a deal by a local mobster who claims he can prove that Hawkins (guest star Gina Gershon) is guilty, but Holt and the rest of the gang think they have a safer plan in the all-new "The Big House Pt.2" episode of BROOKLYN NINE-NINE airing Tuesday, Oct. 3 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (BRK-502) (TV-14 D, L, V) Cast: Andy Samberg as Det. Jake Peralta; Andre Braugher as Capt. Ray Holt; Terry Crews as Sgt. Terry Jeffords; Melissa Fumero as Det. Amy Santiago; Joe Lo Truglio as Det. Charles Boyle; Stephanie Beatriz as Det. Rosa Diaz; Dirk Blocker as Det. Hitchcock; Joel McKinnon Miller as Det. Scully Guest Cast: Gina Gershon as Lieutenant Melanie Hawkins, Lou Diamond Phillips as Romero, Toby Huss as Warden Granville, Tim Meadows as Caleb, Paul Adelstein as Seamus Murphy, Winston James Francis as Tank, David Haley as Ryan, Michelle Gillette as Debbie Source: FOX

[j0sgomez-blog]

By Michael Lanza

The best-known dayhikes in America’s national parks are certainly worth adding to your outdoor-adventure CV. Summits and hiking trails like Angels Landing in Zion, Half Dome in Yosemite, the North Rim Trail overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Glacier National Park’s Highline Trail, and many others represent the highlights of the crown jewels of the National Park System. But for that very reason, unless you take those hikes outside the peak seasons or times of day, you can expect to encounter a lot of other hikers.

But there are other national park dayhikes that remain off the radar of many hikers—so they attract a small fraction of the number of people flocking to the popular trails. On these 12 hikes, you’ll find scenery just as majestic as those famous trails, while possibly having these spots to yourself (as I did on several of them).

You might want to bring along a friend or your family—just to make sure you don’t get too lonely.

Hiking the Taylor Creek Trail, Zion National Park.

Taylor Canyon, Zion

Taylor Creek Trail, Zion National Park.

Easily accessible but far from the well-beaten paths of Zion Canyon, the five-mile, nearly flat, out-and-back hike up the Taylor Creek Trail explores a canyon with walls rising nearly 2,000 feet above a cool forest watered by a vibrant creek.

You’ll pass two historic cabins dating back decades, and at the end of the maintained trail, reach Double Arch Alcove, a pair of giant arches in the Navajo sandstone beneath 1,700-foot-tall Tucupit Tower and Paria Tower.

See my “Photo Gallery: Hiking the Kolob Canyons of Zion National Park,” and all of my stories about Zion at The Big Outside.

    Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.

  Todd Arndt hiking Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park.

Tenaya Lake to Clouds Rest, Yosemite

The view across Tenaya Lake of a breathtaking sweep of granite domes and cliffs sets the tone for this 14-mile, round-trip hike up 9,926-foot Clouds Rest (lead photo at top of story). In the same neighborhood as Half Dome, comparatively unknown Clouds Rest offers an even bigger panorama, taking in Yosemite Valley and Half Dome, plus an ocean of mountains spanning most of the park. But the hike’s highlight comes in the final 300 yards traversing the narrow summit ridge, above dizzying drop of 4,000 feet—that’s a thousand feet taller than the face of El Capitan.

See more photos from Clouds Rest and a video in “Best of Yosemite, Part 1: Backpacking South of Tuolumne Meadows,” as well as “The 10 Best Dayhikes in Yosemite,” and all of my stories about Yosemite National Park.

  Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Join The Big Outside to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.

  View from the top of the Eagle Peak Trail, Mount Rainier National Park.

The Eagle Peak Trail, Mount Rainier National Park.

Eagle Peak Trail, Mount Rainier

The fact that this trail ascends relentlessly nearly 3,000 vertical feet in 3.6 miles partly explains its obscurity. But the main reason may be that it lies somewhat out of the way, starting in the little village of Longmire, in a park already possessing an embarrassment of riches when it comes to dayhiking options. But it passes through lush, quiet, old-growth Pacific Northwest forest and crosses wildflower meadows, ending at a saddle at 5,700 feet in the rugged Tatoosh Range, with a jaw-dropping, closeup view of Mount Rainier.

See my favorite dayhikes at Rainier and all of my stories about Mount Rainier National Park.

  Want more? See “The 25 Best National Park Dayhikes” and “Extreme Hiking: America’s Best Hard Dayhikes.”

  A hiker on the summit of Static Peak, Grand Teton National Park.

Static Peak, Grand Teton

While no casual stroll—17.2 miles and 5,000 vertical feet round-trip—Static Peak unquestionably ranks among the finest dayhikes in Grand Teton National Park. But it’s often overlooked by visitors, who focus on the canyons farther north. From Death Canyon Trailhead, hike past views of Phelps Lake, along a roaring cascade, and eventually to a panorama from 10,790-foot Static Peak Divide that encompasses Death Canyon, Jackson Hole, Alaska Basin, and the southern Tetons. Continue up the half-mile, 500-vertical-foot user trail to Static Peak’s 11,303-foot summit for even bigger views.

See my story “Ask Me: 8 Great Big Dayhikes in the Tetons,” and all of my stories about Grand Teton National Park.

I can help you plan the best backpacking, hiking, or family adventure of your life. Find out more here.

My son, Nate, at the Big Spring-Squaw Pass, Needles District, Canyonlands National Park.

Big Spring, Squaw, and Lost Canyons and the Peekaboo Trail, Canyonlands

Peekaboo Trail, Canyonlands.

While nearby Chesler Park commands the attention of most hikers in the Needles District of Canyonlands, the less-traveled trails into Big Spring, Squaw and Lost canyons and the Peekaboo Trail deliver similarly mind-blowing views of 300-foot-tall candlesticks and cliffs.

The 7.5-mile loop from Squaw Flat campground up Big Spring Canyon and down Squaw Canyon follows a circuitous route up steep slickrock over a sandstone pass overlooking the canyons and miles of redrock towers. For a longer outing, add five to six miles to explore Lost Canyon and the Peekaboo Trail.

See my story “No Straight Lines: Backpacking and Hiking in Canyonlands and Arches National Parks,” and all of my stories about Canyonlands.

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail, Yellowstone National Park.

Blacktail Deer Creek Trail, Yellowstone

Crevice Lake, Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River.

The Blacktail Deer Creek Trail doesn’t climb a mountain or pass any thermal feature. But from its nondescript trailhead east of Mammoth, it meanders across gently rolling grasslands and meadows that look like an American Serengeti, where there’s a good chance of running into herds of elk and bison—or wolves or bears. Reaching the cliff-flanked Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River at 3.7 miles, you can continue in either direction along the river; a quarter-mile downstream lies Crevice Lake, whose waters reflect the forest, hills, and cerulean sky.

See my Ask Me blog posts “The 10 Best Short Hikes in Yellowstone,” and “The Ultimate Family Tour of Yellowstone,” and all of my stories about Yellowstone at The Big Outside.

My wife, Penny, and daughter, Alex, hiking Chimney Rock Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park.

Chimney Rock Canyon, Capitol Reef.

Chimney Rock Canyon, Capitol Reef

By Capitol Reef standards, the 3.5-mile Chimney Rock Loop is “popular”—meaning you may see a few other hikers. But few dayhikers and backpackers explore lower Chimney Rock Canyon’s tall, sheer, red cliffs and truck-size boulders littering the bottom of the dry canyon.

For stunning views of the Waterpocket Fold cliffs—especially near sunset—hike the Chimney Rock Loop, which begins three miles west of the park visitor center on UT 24, and then out and back down Chimney Rock Canyon to Spring Canyon, a total distance of about 6.5 miles.

See a menu of all of my stories about Capitol Reef National Park on my All National Park Trips page.

  Got an all-time favorite campsite? See “Tent Flap With a View: 25 Favorite Backcountry Campsites”

  Hiking Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park.

Telescope Peak, Death Valley

Hiking Death Valley’s Telescope Peak.

From 11,049-foot Telescope Peak in Death Valley, the highest summit in the largest national park outside Alaska, more than 11,000 vertical feet of relief separate your shoes from the valleys to either side.

The panorama encompasses a vast reach of barren, sharply angled, rocky ridges. The 14-mile, round-trip hike, with nearly 3,000 vertical feet of gain and loss, wanders a circuitous route with almost non-stop views, culminating in a beautiful summit ridge walk.

Go from April to May or September into November to avoid the deadly heat of summer.

See my story “11,000 Feet Over Death Valley: Hiking Telescope Peak,” and all of my stories about Death Valley National Park at The Big Outside.

  Make your hikes better. See my reviews of “The 5 Best Rain Jackets For Hiking” and the 7 best daypacks.

  My wife, Penny, hiking the Heather Pass-Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades National Park.

Heather Pass-Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades.

Heather Pass-Maple Pass Loop, North Cascades

In the vertiginous North Cascades, usually only climbers enjoy the views of this park’s sea of jagged, snowy peaks, that you get on this 7.2-mile loop from the Rainy Pass Trailhead on WA 20. Starting in a forest of towering fir, hemlock, and spruce trees, you climb to views of cliff-ringed Lake Ann, dramatic Black Peak from Heather Pass, and at Maple Pass, much of the North Cascades.

Go in August or early September, after most of the snow has melted out, and when the huckleberries are ripe and columbine and other wildflowers bloom.

See my story “Exploring the ‘American Alps:’ The North Cascades,” and all of my stories about the North Cascades region at The Big Outside.

  Plan your next great backpacking trip in Yosemite, Grand Teton, or other parks using my expert e-guides.

  David Ports hiking in the Wonderland of Rocks, Joshua Tree National Park.

Wonderland of Rocks, Joshua Tree

You won’t get far into the Wonderland of Rocks before feeling like you’re out in the middle of nowhere. Frequently not much more than a sandy wash, the Boy Scout Trail winds for nearly eight miles, from the Park Boulevard to Indian Cove Road, through a mind-bogglingly beautiful and disorienting maze of massive granite formations rising from the desert floor. Even most climbers stick to the rocks closer to park roads. Hike in from the south trailhead and turn around, or shuttle a vehicle to make the full traverse. Peak season is fall through spring.

See a menu of all of my stories about Joshua Tree National Park on my All National Park Trips page.

Hiking in Great Sand Dunes National Park.

The Dunes, Great Sand Dunes

Walk toe-to-heel along the inch-wide crest of giant sand dunes, with crazily steep drop-offs on each side. Then pause and listen to the eerie “singing” when sand avalanches down those faces.

Hiking any distance in the 30-square-mile sea of dunes rising several hundred feet tall in Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park, in the shadow of the 13,000-foot-high Sangre de Cristo Mountains, is enchanting. But there are no trails, so you must navigate by sight or map, or retrace your footprints back to the start (as long as wind hasn’t covered them over).

See my story “Exploring America’s Big Sandbox: Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes.”

My son, Nate, hiking in Idaho’s City of Rocks National Reserve.

Loop Around the City of Rocks National Reserve

While not an actual national park, this National Park Service reserve has long been popular with rock climbers for the hundreds of granite monoliths liberally salting the high desert of south-central Idaho. But it remains largely unknown to hikers, so most City of Rocks trails remain quite lonely. For a diverse experience ranging from high views overlooking this “silent city” of pinnacles to aspen-lined creek bottoms, hike the loop of roughly nine miles (with shorter options) from Elephant Rock on the Tea Kettle Trail, North Fork Circle Creek Trail, Stripe Rock Loop, and Box Top Trail, including about a quarter-mile of dirt road from the Box Top Trailhead to Elephant Rock. “The City” has become one of my family’s favorite getaway spots for camping, climbing, and hiking.

For information, visit nps.gov/ciro.

  Tell me what you think.

I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons at right, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.

  See a menu of stories at my All National Park Trips page at The Big Outside.

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10 Jaw-Dropping Things to Do at Mt. Rainier National Park

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Like most folks, I was looking for the BEST things to do at Mt. Rainier National Park during my first visit. The park is massive with several distinct areas like Sunrise, Paradise, Mowich, and Longmire! There’s so much to see and do, it’s hard to know what you can’t miss.

That’s where I come in.

I’ve visited Mt. Rainier National Park more than 40+ times over the last three years in every season (we live a mere 3-hour-drive from the park). Most of my summer weekends are spent exploring every inch of this stunning mountain. I’ve compiled a list of all of my favorite things to do at Mt. Rainier National Park to make your next trip amazing!

Mt. Rainier National Park Tips

Practice Leave No Trace

If you’re unfamiliar with Leave No Trace, it’s a measure to be a good steward of the land. You can read about the seven principals of Leave No Trace here.

You + Sunscreen = Best Friends (Forever)

Take my word for this. I forgot to use sunscreen while hiking the Skyline Trail and came back with a burn so bad that I couldn’t sleep on my back for six days. I swear by this sunscreen, I discovered it in France and now buy it in bulk. You’ll never catch me without it!

Wear hiking boots with good traction

Even though the trails are well maintained, exposed roots are common. It’s easy to trip in the woods, so set yourself up for success by wearing proper shoes.These are my hiking boots, and I’d sleep in them if I could.

Stay on the trail

The stunning meadows are for all to enjoy, stay on the trail to ensure you don’t hurt delicate flora or fauna.Stepping on the exposed tree roots actually harms the trees and causes them to degrade over time. Step over roots whenever possible.

Be prepared

Bring insect repellent during summer months and a light rain jacket regardless of the season. Also, don’t forget to stock up on water!Check trail conditions before heading out!

Crowds

No way around this, my friends. With an average of two million

[thorsenmark]

A Place to Relax in the Mountains (Mount Rainier National Park) by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: This is in the Longmire area.