Exploring the Backroads of Washington

Backroads Of Washington  Are Amazing

The backroads of Washington are amazing. Take any one of them and discover a mountain, a stream, or a lake. Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the Cascade Range. It is just one of many stars in the Pacific Northwest. It is however, the shinning star of Washington State. Here it is seen towering above the hills and can  be seen from every side.  This stately mountain is always snow covered at the top, and one of the most widely enjoyed playgrounds in the Pacific Northwest. Come along, as we take to the backroads surrounding this and other amazing treasures of the Northern Cascades.Mount Rainier National Park offers a complete smorgasbord of  opportunities for the adventure traveler. Take a scenic drive through the countryside on one of the many backroads. Most of the rural roads open in late May and remain open through September. Each of the many backroads offer many hiking adventures with a profound number of trails. In Washington, you can discover trails for the beginner hiker all the way to the most advanced. There are even opportunities to climb the many mountains. No matter where you go in Mount Rainier National Park, you will be provided with a wide array of stunning views. So gather the family and head to the backroads.....adventure is waiting.

Mount Rainier National Park

Bicycling through Mount Rainier National Park is scenic and challenging. At Mount Rainier, cyclists  are able to enjoy the breathtaking views that the mountain provides. You will find a bicycling adventure if fun and challenging. There are no designated Bike trails in the park, but  Bicycles are allowed to travel all of the park roads. They may not however, go on any of the hiking trails within the park.One of the major adventures on Mount Rainier is to climb this beautiful active volcano. It is a heavily glaciated peak that requires advanced preparation. What a challenge it offers to those who are prepared to climb her slopes.  Mountaineers, the world over, come by the thousands each year to climb to her summit. Thousands are successful at climbing this 14,410 foot active volcano.The climber must be prepared for a vertical climb that reaches over 9,000 feet. This is done over a climbing distance of over eight miles. You must be in excellent shape, well prepared, and experienced in mountain climbing. All climbers who want to climb any mountain over 10,000 feet or access any glacier in Washington must have a climbing pass. The pass is $46.00 dollars a year for climbers 25 years or older. It is $32.00 for those under 25. All passes are good for one year. You also must register for the hike either the day before or the day of the climb. You may purchase your pass at that time. With a yearly pass, there is no limit to the number of climbs you may make during the year, but you must register for each climb at the park ranger station. You will need valid ID to register or purchase your pass. For those who are planning on camping, a wilderness permit is required. 

For further information, contact any ranger station within the park, or write to:

Mount Rainier National Park
55210 238th Avenue East
Ashford, WA 98304
(360) 569-2211...Phone is answered during normal business hours only.

There are many trails throughout the park. Many are short hikes of two or three miles and others are major hikes of over 20 miles. If you go on the Mount Rainier Website, you will find a full list of all the trails within the park and the difficulty and length of each. Hiking within the park is a beautiful and fun experience. Do your homework and enjoy your hike.If you want to get into a real Mount Rainier adventure, consider a Ranger Quest. There are Ranger Quests for adults and their is a Junior Ranger Quest for those 12 and under. You will find a complete list of the rules and all the available quests within the park on the website.

Rainy Pass In The Northern Cascades

Camping on Rainy Pass is a monumental experience while in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.  Beginning at Rainy Pass, you can hike to three clear and beautiful alpine lakes. You will climb two mountain passes through the North Cascades and you will experience breathtaking views. Lake Ann trailhead parking is available at Rainy Pass. Please note that leaving your vehicle at Rainy Pass Trailhead requires a Northwest or Federal Lands pass. Camping is not permitted in all areas. There is camping allowed at Lewis Lake in the next valley over. Just before before you reach Heather Pass after about 2 1/2 miles, there is a spur trail that leads to Lewis Lake.  You can get complete information on all the day use areas and camping areas at the ranger station.