I've always wanted to see Mt Rainier up close. Since moving to Seattle, the volcano has taunted me on clear days, when you can see it quite clearly in the close horizon from downtown Seattle. This past weekend I finally decided to get up there to see it up close and personal myself!

I did a three-day solo backpacking trip from the Mowich Lake trailhead. Since this was a spur-of-the-moment trip, my itinerary was dependent on which backcountry campsites had day-of availability. Luckily I landed some great spots, with my first night at Eagle's Roost and my second night at Dick's Creek. This let me see the spectacular Spray Park, intimidating Carbon Glacier, and subtle Moraine Park.

Spray Falls near the Eagle's Roost backcountry campsite

My tent at Eagle's Roost backcountry campsite

Mt Rainier behind some trees on the northeast side of Spray Park.

Tree silhouetting Carbon Glacier, a few miles past Dick Creek backcountry campsite.

Mt Rainier from Moraine Park, close to Mystic Lake

How to get there

This trip was out of the northwest part of Mt Rainier National Park. I stopped by the Carbon River Ranger Station on Thursday to pick up my backcountry permits (necessary for backpacking in most National Parks), drove up to Mowich Lake, and then did the loop from there. First night at Eagle's Roost, second night at Dick's Creek, with a day-trip from Dick's Creek up to Moraine Park my second day. Highly recommended!