Paradise. Quite a name to live up to...and boy, does it ever! Paradise is the most popular destination in Mt. Rainier National Park and is located on the south side of the mountain. At an elevation of 5,400 feet, the snow doesn't recede from the lower trails until the end of July!
By mid-summer, the ice disappears and the meadows are strewn with brilliant wildflowers in shades of purple, red, yellow and white. My husband gazed around and said, "When I was a little boy, I always envisioned heaven looking just like this." It truly is hard to imagine a more beautiful spot anywhere on earth.
Penny LeGate
Paradise is located 109 miles from Seattle, about a 3-hour drive. If you plan to hike, remember, it might be crowded and the trails are fairly steep. Bring water and sunscreen and a camera! Services at Paradise include:
• Jackson Memorial Visitor center, open daily • Paradise Inn--lodging, dining, gift shop • The Guide House--information about climbs with Rainier Mountaining, Inc. • Paradise Ranger Station--open daily, wilderness permits and hiking information
