Mount Rainier National Park, Washington - 2002 (Re-run)

 Mt. Rainier, at 14,411 feet, is the highest mountain in Washington, and third highest in the lower 48 states.  With 26 glaciers covering 36 square miles, it now has more glaciers than Glacier National Park.   Five rivers flow from these glaciers as they melt.  Mt. Rainier is one of several mountains in the Cascade Range classified as an active volcano, probably the most dangerous of all.  An eruption could potentially destroy numerous towns and kill up to 150,000 people living around its base.  Instantly melting ice would form massive lahars (flows of mud and debris) speeding down the mountain and traveling as much as 50-60 miles.

The last significant eruption of Mt. Rainier took place in the early 19th century, but smaller eruptions were reported periodically through the second half of the century.  Because an eruption is thought to be "overdue", monitoring devices have been placed all over the mountain.  However, it is questionable whether a warning would allow enough time for much of the endangered population to evacuate.

Prior to an eruption, however, Mt. Rainier is one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. and provides enormous recreational opportunity.  It became our 5th national park in 1899.  Some 8000 to 13,000 people attempt to climb it each year, over numerous routes, and roughly half of them succeed.  A small number die in the attempt.  Hiking is a very popular activity, and many people visit to enjoy the magnificent wildflowers that bloom during summer months.  Of course, the mountain also has many lakes and streams, plus quite a few spectacular waterfalls. 

Northwest Washington - 2002 (Re-run)

 One of many islands in this region, Fidalgo Island probably sees more visitors than all the others on the U.S. side of the border with Canada.  Home to the Samish Indians, the island includes the town of Anacortes and its population of less than 20,000.  Historically known for fishing and timber production, Anacortes is also a popular terminal for the ferry that navigates through the San Juan Islands on its way to Vancouver Island.  On this particular trip, we took the ferry to San Juan Island and spent the day in Friday Harbor.  In hindsight, our decision to go as pedestrians was a mistake.  Many of the attractions on the island really required a vehicle, but we were limited to walking around the main village.  Still, it was a worthwhile excursion to see this picturesque town.

There are some very nice parks on Fidalgo Island, my favorite being Mt. Erie.  At 1273 feet in elevation, Mt. Erie is the highest point on the island and offers great views of the nearby islands.  On a clear day, Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier can be seen from the park at the top of the mountain.  It wasn't a clear day when we were there.  In addition to its steep, winding road to the top, Mt. Erie is a very popular place for climbers. 

To the south is Whidbey Island, separated from Fidalgo by the narrow Deception Pass, named by explorer George Vancouver.  The Deception Pass Bridge (actually two bridges) is a very popular spot for photographers due to its stately design, as well as the frequent occurrence of fog.

Even without fog, the bridge is spectacular.  Whidbey Island is home to the Fort Casey Lighthouse and Rosario Beach, both popular with tourists.  It also has several charming fishing villages where we enjoyed some of the best seafood ever.

Seattle, of course, is a very large metropolitan area with many things to see and do.  On each visit, I try to do new things.  The Chinese Gardens fell into that category this time. 

 

In addition to finding new things, it is always imperative to visit the Seattle waterfront.  No matter how many times you see it, there is always an air of excitement.  Taking a boat ride affords some great views of the Seattle skyline. 

On this occasion, we took a boat ride to Blake Island, home to a state park and Tillicum Village.  There we enjoyed a dinner of salmon roasted on cedar planks, followed by a show and dance that describes the history and culture of the indigenous people.

Northern Cascades, WA - 2002 (Re-run)

 Crossing back into the U.S. from British Columbia was a challenge to say the least.  As a large vehicle, I could have taken a "truck" crossing, which I learned is a fast path, but I wound up at the Peace Arch automobile crossing which delayed us for some two hours.  The upside was the beautiful park we found there, dedicated to the perpetual peace between our two countries.

 Northern Cascades National Park sits alongside a major highway and offers spectacular mountain scenery, but is little known outside the immediate area.  Many people driving through the park never stop for its breathtaking overlooks or interesting hikes.  We stopped for every one.  The mile hike to Rainy Lake was made even more intriguing by a report of a bear cub on the trail.  Naturally, I kept an eye out for Mama Bear all the way there and back, but never saw her or the cub.

Colonial Peak

Gorge Lake

Sourdough Mountain

Ross Lake

Rainy Lake

Frisco Mountain

Liberty Bell Spires

Snagtooth Ridge

Washington Pass

 After returning through the park, it was time to visit Mt Baker. At 10, 781 feet high, it is third highest in Washington and has the most glacier cover other than Mt Rainier.  It is one of the snowiest places in the world, its one-year record being 1140 inches in 1999.  One of its many lakes, Picture Lake, is famous for its reflection of nearby Mt Shuksan.  Even in August, the road was closed before reaching the ski resort, forcing skiers to hike up the last distance.

Mount Baker

Nooksack Falls

Picture Lake/Mt Shuksan

Wildflowers

Glaciers

Road's End

Road's End

Road's End

Later, we got a glimpse of Mount Baker with the setting sun lighting it.

 

Staying in the village of Anacortes, we enjoyed amazing views of the sunset while looking toward the San Juan Islands.  The ferry, barely visible in the fog, carries passengers and vehicles to several of the islands, as well as Vancouver Island in Canada.