Started up the trail at 11AM. Temp was in the 50's, but felt like 80. Lower portion is in the trees and the upper is mostly in the open. No reliable water source, so I packed lots of liquid for the 3400 foot climb.
Could see some signs of the trail being very colorful in the fall.
The last mile or two, there were animal tracks everywhere, and it smelled like a barnyard. I couldn't tell if they were goat or elk tracks, but I was certain I'd spot the herd around the next corner, but never did. Since I had all day to spend up top, I took time to scan each open meadow for the bears that roam this area, but saw nothing. About an hour after I got to the lookout, I heard some hikers below yelling "Yo Bear! No Bear! Goooo Bear!", they turned out be my neighbors for the night. Very nice people, experiencing Rainier for the first time. Lucky to see the Bear, but unlucky to get some serious blisters. Hope she made it down OK.
Clouds had been circling the Mountain all day. At evening, they began to part ways.
If you plan on taking picture of Rainier, the afternoon is the worst time because the sun is setting right by the mountain.
At dusk, the skies thankfully cleared. I made an attempt at some night photography, but don't really know the tricks and tweaks with the DSLR's settings. I'm sure my camera can do better, but the photographer needs lessons!
During the night and morning hours, I enjoyed listening to the Elk bugle somewhere far below. It's quite an eerie sound, echoing in the darkness.
After a cool and breezy night, rolled out at 5:15AM to find Rainier had put its blanket back on. 45 degrees at the Lookout Tower. Although we did see a little alpen-glow, I can only image what it would be with clear skies.
Joined: 11 Aug 2008 Posts: 51 | TRs | Pics Location: Tri-Cities, WA
Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:03 am
I was just up there this past weekend too, did you notice the huge laydown for all the elk (i'm guessing)? It was a little before the first amazing view of rainier. Nice pics tho, the moon looks like a piece of cheddar cheese!
-------------- Its me whos gotta die when its time for me to die, so let me live my life the way I want to
The last mile or two, there were animal tracks everywhere, and it smelled like a barnyard. I couldn't tell if they were goat or elk tracks, but I was certain I'd spot the herd around the next corner, but never did.
Male elk getting ready for the fall rut...Encountered the same thing on the PCT near Crystal one fall.
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