A New Favorite

Grand Park 8/4/07 7.5 miles

There are just some hiking destinations that stay with me for a very long time: the Chain lakes loop on Mt Baker, Klapatche Park on Mt Rainier, Cape Alava on the Washington Coast, Bryce Canyon. The list isn't necessarily exclusive as it changes often. Sometimes a destination makes it on my list because the conditions were just absolutely perfect when I went. Sometimes they weren't but lack of fields full of flowers or crystal blue skies could not diminish the beauty and joy I experienced along the way. This is how Grand Park in Mt Rainier National Park can now be added to my list.

I had been wanting to explore the flower fields on the north side of Mt Rainier for several years but never found my way heading over there at the right time. After reading Karen Sykes' review in the Seattle PI on the trail heading up to Grand Park from Lake Eleanor, Michael and I decided we'd follow in her footsteps. However, Karen, your directions were a bit lacking - as we drove up the forest road, your directions said to turn right at 8 1/2 miles. However, at 8 1/2 miles if we had turned right wee would have driven right off a cliff. The turn actually takes place a little over 9 miles and even then it's more of the road goes straight with a junction heading off to the left. We were a bit confused until another hiker on his way out told us to keep on going - we'd see the trail ahead.

We found the trail as described and started toward Lake Eleanor along a gradual trail through open forest with berry and azalea undergrowth. Lake Eleanor is a smallish fishing hole set against the hillsides and frequented by both fishermen and mosquitoes. So after a quick stop to apply bug juice we were on our way. The description for this part of the trail was a gentle up and down before crossing a small meadow. Let's be honest, there is a gentle up and down but a drop off came upon us steep enough to make us question whether we were heading in the right direction. After backtracking to make sure we didn't miss a trail junction back by the lake, we decided to see where this down-hill took us. It took us to the small meadow. A bit deceptive, Karen.

After the meadow, we climbed through the mosquito-laden forest to an opening in the trees and a Lupine covered meadow. Passing through the trees a little further on to the great expanse of Grand Park. At once, my pulse slowed with wonder - the meadow stretched on. At each turn, the meadow continued. At the far end stood Mt Rainier partially shrouded by clouds. The flowers were plentiful with Contorted Louseworts, Small-Flowered Penstemon, Paintbrush and Cusick's Speedwell coloring the scene. I wanted to explore every corner of Grand Park but had only the afternoon.

I had expected more flowers, but the flowers there were beautiful all the same. I had hoped for unobstructed views of the mountain, but the glimpses became a bit of a tease. There were so many other things to look at. It was hard for me to leave this tranquility and comfort.