The Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park is by far the most popular. It connects the visitor center and main buildings to a series of waterfalls, glacial streams, marmots devouring wildflowers (if it’s summertime) and arguably the most beautiful views of the glacier peak itself.
During my time there it was unavoidable for me to disregard my project for a few minutes and allow myself to be taken aback by the magnificence and fragility of the mountainside.
The flowers were in as much abundance as the grass and it seemed as quickly as they matured, a fluffy marmot preparing for eight months of hibernation was there to devour them. They protected their feeding zones with fury and were only momentarily halted in their eating if a human came across their path to photograph or marvel at their eating frenzies. Even then the distraction was minimal, and they would continue with their meal, or occasionally bask in the summer sun while it lasted.
As I made my way up the trail to Glacier Viewpoint, I encountered many other visitors, just as mesmerized as I was with the wildlife around us, in awe of the world we inhabit. Amongst those visitors were Ben and June.
Ben and June crossed my path on my way down from Skyline Trail. I passed them on my way to Myrtle Falls as they were admiring the wildflowers near the path.
Myrtle Falls, one of the many waterfalls accessible from the trail, was dazzling. Not only was the rushing water a show of immense power, but the view from the lookout had the uninterrupted backdrop of the glacier peak. I stood in awe for some time before heading back, when again on my path I encountered Ben and June.
The couple had matching shoes on, they each wore a different style of floppy sun hat and sunglasses, and seemed prepared for anything their outdoor recreation might require. Upon talking to them I learned that they currently reside in Santa Monica, and that it’s their second time visiting this park in the last two years.
“My goal was a cross country trip after retirement, so for about four years now I’ve been going somewhere new,” Ben said. “This time the destination was North Cascades. I was visiting there last week and now we are here.”
The day before, they had visited Panorama Point and looked out into the valley below the towering mountain. For them, this really is paradise. The flower road, the marmots feasting, the waterfalls filled with melting glaciers, the feeling of being one with this beautiful nature, it is what keeps them coming back.
“Yesterday at Panorama Point I looked all around, and I just told myself, ‘I'm a lucky guy’,” Ben said.
The couple hope to continue going out and seeing the world, they know it’s safer to stay in and watch the world from a screen, but for them it’s about experience.
“Most people when they get old, they like to stay home and be safe,” June said. “But you have to be adventurous, we like adventure.”