Mt. Rainier in August.

[Douglas Sherman]

I taught geology field trips here, so I have lots of images taken in August. But now, I want to take images in the fall. I know a few of you have great images from the fall, and I would appreciate some advice on the best time to visit.. I am planning to go in the second and third weeks of October. Is that okay?

Here is one of my August images.

 

[AlanLichty]

Nice wildflowers - Paradise Meadows?

I had pretty good luck up at Mt. Rainier during the first week of October about 10 years ago. Some of the lodges in the park close down towards the end of September but I haven't checked that recently. I was in my RV with fairly empty campgrounds last time I visited so I wasn't concerned about overnight accommodations.

 

[Beth]

these were taken on september 29th, 2022 at different elevations.

edith gorge falls in paradise

narada falls at a lower elevation

christine falls

 

[JimFox]

@murali whats the best time for fall colors up at Paradise in Mount Rainier?

 

[JimFox]

Love those wildflowers Doug! That's such a great display.

A fall color trip to Mt Rainier is really cool! I don't recall fall up there from my trips, but I think most of the fall colors there are more of tundra looking?

 

[AlanLichty]

Love those wildflowers Doug! That's such a great display.

A fall color trip to Mt Rainier is really cool! I don't recall fall up there from my trips, but I think most of the fall colors there are more of tundra looking?

You are correct about the colors - the forests are almost entirely evergreens and the colors are down at ground level.

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Late September to early October is the time for fall colors there. Late October can see some snow dusting.

Late September at Paradise, 2004

Early October at Paradise, 2012

Mid October, 2012

Mid October, 2020

 

[Jameel Hyder]

Mt Rainier also has a few webcams and those in the paradise area work year around. You can get a sense of what you are getting before heading there.

Webcams - Mount Rainier National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

 

[murali]

@Jameel Hyder is right on. Late Sep-Early Oct. Starting mid Oct, snow on the trails turns to ice and I ended up skating If you plan to visit this year, let me know and I'll join u. Paradise Inn closes on Sep 30 or Oct 1. Wish they kept it open for another week. Here are 2 numbers to check if there are any last minute cancellations: National Park Inn (360) 509-2411; Paradise Inn (360) 569-2413.

Also, Paradise has excellent cell phone service. All the 3 operators have deployed base stations. You will decent coverage on the trails up to about 1500' of elevation from the visitor center.

 

[MonikaC]

That will be too late for Colorado. We had such a dry summer, some of the aspen are starting to turn from drought stress already.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Late September to early October is the time for fall colors there. Late October can see some snow dusting.

Late September at Paradise, 2004
View attachment 83822

Early October at Paradise, 2012
View attachment 83821

Mid October, 2012
View attachment 83824

Mid October, 2020
View attachment 83823

Thanks so much for the information and the great images, Jameel. It was your first image that prompted me to go on this trip. Sorry, I am so late in responding to your post. I can't wait to see these spectacular views. I will be there from September 24th to October 2nd.

 

[AlanLichty]

Thanks so much for the information and the great images, Jameel. It was your first image that prompted me to go on this trip. Sorry, I am so late in responding to your post. I can't wait to see these spectacular views. I will be there from September 24th to October 2nd.

Fingers crossed there is less wildfire smoke by then.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

@Jameel Hyder is right on. Late Sep-Early Oct. Starting mid Oct, snow on the trails turns to ice and I ended up skating If you plan to visit this year, let me know and I'll join u. Paradise Inn closes on Sep 30 or Oct 1. Wish they kept it open for another week. Here are 2 numbers to check if there are any last minute cancellations: National Park Inn (360) 509-2411; Paradise Inn (360) 569-2413.

Also, Paradise has excellent cell phone service. All the 3 operators have deployed base stations. You will decent coverage on the trails up to about 1500' of elevation from the visitor center.

Thanks for all the valuable information, Murali. Sorry for getting back to you so late. My wife and I will be there from September 24th to October 2nd. It would be nice to meet up with you for dinner, but you probably don't want to hang out when I am doing photography because I am 85 and move pretty slowly now. We will be staying in Ashford. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Fingers crossed there is less wildfire smoke by then.

No kidding.

 

[AlanLichty]

No kidding.

I got hit with smoke back in 2011 in that park and it made a mess of my photo ambitions:

 

[Douglas Sherman]

I got hit with smoke back in 2011 in that park and it made a mess of my photo ambitions:

View attachment 83955

I have been checking the weather, and it looks like there has been quite a bit of rain lately. That should help.

Do you want to join us?

 

[AlanLichty]

I have been checking the weather, and it looks like there has been quite a bit of rain lately. That should help.

Do you want to join us?

I might be able to meet up with you during the start of your visit but have some appointments the next week. Let me check on what's possible. I'd love to get out of the house for a few days.

 

[murali]

Thanks for all the valuable information, Murali. Sorry for getting back to you so late. My wife and I will be there from September 24th to October 2nd. It would be nice to meet up with you for dinner, but you probably don't want to hang out when I am doing photography because I am 85 and move pretty slowly now. We will be staying in Ashford. I look forward to hearing from you.

wow. thats over a week. Im jealous. Will ping when my travel plans are finalized. I plan to start in the north - Northern Cascades and move south. We may be able to meet during the tail end of your stay in God's country.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

wow. thats over a week. Im jealous. Will ping when my travel plans are finalized. I plan to start in the north - Northern Cascades and move south. We may be able to meet during the tail end of your stay in God's country.

Sounds great.

 

[Douglas Sherman]

Sounds great.

Hi Murali,

Something has come up and I will be unable to go. I am sorry that we will not be able to meet. I was looking forward to meeting you. At least I will be able to enjoy Mt. Rainier vicariously through your images,

Doug