Autumn is in the Air at Mt. Rainier

As summer comes to a close, fall has slowly begun to take hold at the park. Leaves are beginning to turn, the evenings become brisk, and the crowds begin to thin. Autumn at Mount Rainier; it's simply a stunning time to visit the park.  Come for a fall getaway this season at the park.

SCENIC FOLIAGE

You will be astounded by the brilliance of fall colors at Mt. Rainier. Cottonwoods, willows, elderberry, aspen, tamarack (western larch), and every deciduous tree and shrub is in transition and the colors will amaze you!  Here are a few "best bets" for fall color displays:

• US 12 east of White Pass to view golden Tamaracks

• Skate Creek Road between Ashford and Packwood

• US Forest Service Road 73 to US Forest Road 75 is a nice loop trip ending back on Highway 410.

• US Forest Service Road 70 off Highway 410, just outside Greenwater, offers a scenic nine mile drive up to Greenwater Lake.

• Chinook Pass/Tipsoo Lake is a classic favorite

• Ride the Autumn Leaves train with the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad from Elbe to Mineral Lake.

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OUTDOOR ACTIVITES

The autumn season boasts its own possibilities for exploration and enjoyment.  Now is a beautiful time to get outdoors without the crowds at Mt. Rainier.

Fall foliage hikes: 

Set against a backdrop of evergreen conifers, vine maples are ablaze with color, larches shine golden and huckleberries are bursting with shades of crimson. Recommended are the first two miles of the Summerland trail and the first three miles of the Owyhigh Lakes while the road to Sunrise is open. (Scheduled to close October 12th or with the first heavy snowfall.)  Skookum Falls trail, all along the White River off Highway 410 is a nice, flat hike, open year round.  Other great fall picks include:

• Bench and Snow Lakes
  • 2.6 miles, RT - Expect brilliant fall color from huckleberry and ash in expansive meadows; easy hike for the family off Stevens Canyon Road.
• Indian Henry's via Kautz Creek
  • 11 miles, RT - Look upon brilliant red slopes, courtesy of the vine maples; strenuous hike, three miles inside Nisqually Entrance.
• Pinnacle Saddle
  • 3 miles, RT - Splendid fall foliage of huckleberry and mountain ash, with fantastic Cascade Mountain views; short but steep, off Stevens Canyon Road.
• Shriner Peak
  • 8.4 miles, RT - Late summer flowers give way to the rich colors of fall, plus enjoy optimal wildlife viewing; moderate with steep sections; strenuous hike off Cayuse Pass.
• Skyline Trail
  • 8.4 miles, RT - An autumn favorite inside the park, view fall folliage up close and at a distance; moderate hike out of Paradise.
• Spray Park
  • 6 miles, RT - Expansive meadows filled with colorful fall foliage and top-notch views of the mountain; moderate hike out of Mowich Lake.
• Summit Lake
  • 6.5 miles, RT - Brilliant fall color and huckleberries galore; moderate hike outside the park near Carbon River Entrance.
• Tolmie Peak
  • 7.2 miles, RT - Superb mountain views and a picturesque, reflective alpine lake amidst meadows of fall foliage; moderate hike out of Mowich Lake.

Mushroom picking

Free mushroom picking permits are issued by the US Forest Service.  Harvest area maps are available at US Forest Service offices in Enumclaw and Randle.  Gatherers along Highway 410 outside Greenwater are encouraged to park along the highway and explore along valley bottoms.  Mushrooms will start popping up as weather dampens.  For more information contact the US Forest Service Enumclaw station: 360-825-6585

and the US Forest Service Randle station:  360-497-1100.

Huckleberry picking is free and no permits are required!  Good spots are up above 3,000 feet…example: along Pacific Crest trail.  According to Forest Service employees, there are still some berries up there, but that can change as quickly as the weather changes.

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LODGING SPECIALS HIGHLIGHTS:

This is the season for great lodging deals all around Mt. Rainier.  Score yourself a deal on your next stay at the mountain.  Find information on these specials and others, here.

• National Park Inn starting at $112 per night, with second night free Mon-Thur, November 1-April 25, 2012

• Copper Creek Inn, Cabins and Lodge at Mt. Rainier is in the final stages of renovation for the early November opening of the Muir Cabin.  Guests staying in the suites in the Inn will receive a complimentary breakfast basket including fresh fruit, juice, pastry and cereal.  Additionally, beginning October 17, all cabins and suites will have significant discounts for visitors Sunday through Thursday nights, with rate reductions as low as $59/night in the suites to $139/night for the fully equipped Copper Creek Log Cabin.  Dreamweaver, Art Studio and Cedar Springs Cabins will all be reduced from $175/night to $149/night Sunday through Thursdays, excluding Holidays. 

• Alexander’s County Inn will offer Stay one night, take 20% off OR Stay two nights and take 50% off the second night starting October 1st, Sunday through Thursday.  Room rate includes full breakfast at Alexander's Restaurant, hot tub, evening wine, snowshoes and WIFI.

• Jasmer's in Ashford is offering a buy three nights, get the fourth night free in October.

• Cowlitz Vacation Retreat in Packwood is offering 40% off rooms starting in October.

• Alta Crystal Resort offers 15% off rooms and will be hosting their legendary Saturday night bonfires and s'more making for guests. 

• Crystal Mountain Lodging Suites is offering 15% off your stay and two free movie rentals to military personnel the weekend of October 1st.

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FESTIVALS &EVENTS:

Here's what's happening around Mt. Rainier this fall:  

• Experience Rails to Ales with the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad on October 1st.  Redhook Brewery provides ale for purchase on the ride over as well as at the festival grounds.  Live entertainment and an Oktoberfest meal is available at Mineral Lake.

• Crystal Mountain is offering half price gondola rides to military personnel on October 1st.

• Northwest Trek features a Run Wild fun run October 8th, and a Hoot and Howl night time tram ride on October 21st and 22nd with games, crafts, prizes and treats adding to the party atmosphere.

• Ride the Pumpkin Express with the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad.  Riders enjoy a train ride and time at a pumpkin patch during this 2 1/2 hour outing, October 22-23.  

• On the Road to Paradise  fall wine tasting event in Ashford offers hard-to-find artisanal wines from small producers such as Flying Dreams Winery and Stina's Cellars. Sip, savor and enjoy a variety of hard-to-find, artisanal wines & micro-brews from small Washington producers, November 5.

• Free entry into Mt. Rainier National Park on Veteran's Day weekend, November 11-13.

• Ride the Santa Express on November 26-27 with Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. Departing from the 'North Pole' located at the Elbe Depot, passengers will travel along streams and forests while visiting with Santa. Sometimes there is even snow on the ground this time of year. Passenger's of all ages can visit with Santa and receive a gift, enjoy holiday music, hot cocoa, cider and cookies. The passenger cars are decorated with trees, lights and garlands to keep the holiday spirit going.

For more information on visiting Mt. Rainier, go to www.visitrainier.com.

Visit  Rainier is a not-for-profit, non-membership destination marketing  organization that promotes tourism in the gateway communities around Mt.  Rainier.

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