Washington State - Paradise Inn, Mt Rainier NP

“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”

Paradise and Paradise Inn
Paradise is perched at 5400 feet in the heart of Mt. Rainier National Park. As the name suggests, a visit here feels like Paradise on earth. It has up close and personal views of Mt. Rainier (an active volcano), the historic Paradise Inn (a charming rustic lodge built in 1917), a visitors center, hiking trails, sweeping alpine meadows, and awe-inspiring views of the mountain range. We checked in at Paradise Inn and as we entered our room, we were greeted with spectacular views of mountains, snow, alpine trees, and passing clouds from our windows. We rested for sometime before we went out to explore, on our first evening at Paradise. We had booked to spend 3 nights at this beautiful and tranquil place.

Review of Paradise Inn

The location of this Inn can't be more perfect. The panoramic views are indescribable. Staying here is like taking a step back in time. There are no Air conditioners (you don't need it because it is cold), no TV, no internet, no coffee machine, no cellular service (they have Payphone booths). This is what I call a GETAWAY :). They have free cookies and tea from 3 PM to 5 PM. I was happy that we had carried a rice cooker and some food items here. They have a snack shop stocked with milk, cereals, bagels, cheese, ice-cream, coffee, muffins, pastries and some cold sandwiches. There is a restaurant where we ate for 2 nights. We ordered veggie quesadilla and our little one had mac and cheese. We ate at the lobby one night listening to the live piano and enjoyed the rustic and laid back ambiance. There is a cafeteria in the Visitors Center (walking distance from Paradise Inn) that has some Pizza and hot food options and is open till evening. We rented some games for free to play at night and it was such a delight playing monopoly, UNO and snakes and ladder instead of watching TV or browsing the net. 

We had a room on the 3rd floor with 2 beds and a bathroom. The stunning views from the room really took our breath away. We were literally on cloud nine as we could see passing clouds enveloping the trees and then suddenly clearing away. My first baby moon vacation was in Paris for 10 days and I felt like I was in Switzerland for my second baby moon :)



One moment it is clear and the next it is a walk in the clouds (evening)

Spooooooky house and passing clouds 

Day 3 and Day 4 at Mt Rainier NP
Paradise Hiking and Exploring - After a good night's sleep at the lodge, we went to have breakfast at the lodge. The amazing vistas, mountain fresh air and sunlight on our faces can make a simple breakfast of bagel with cream cheese and fruit loops with milk taste divine.

Location! Location! Location!

Activities in Paradise
Junior Ranger
One of the fun and educational activities that NPS offers for kids is the Junior Ranger program. Kids have to get an activity book at the visitors center from a ranger, do the required activities, and review it with the ranger. They then take an oath to protect nature and TA DA they get a Junior Ranger Badge.

We started by going to the Visitors Center and getting the Junior Ranger activity book for Rishi to get his first Junior Ranger Badge. If we would have known of this before, Rishi would have had a badge collection from Zion NP, Smokey Mountain NP, Washington DC, Grand Canyon NP and all the NP's in Florida that we visited. He has been telling every one he meets that he is a Junior ranger and has started his small collection of badges. 

Our first Junior Ranger

Hiking Trails and Drives

There are several hiking trails from Paradise and we attempted a few easy trails. We were very cautious at trails and did as much as I could since I am pregnant.

Nisqually Trail - Rishi made his first little snowman in this trail. This trail was covered with snow after a point and we had to return because the trail was very slippery.


Myrtle Falls - This was a unique experience. We walked the trail that was covered in parts with snow (treading carefully). This hike was really memorable for us since it was our first snow trek. The trail was enveloped with gradually melting snow and overlooked the gorgeous glaciers on Mt Rainier. We were at such close proximity to Mt Rainier that it was mystical, breath-taking and humbling. 

Slow and steady.. its not the time or place to slip and trip :)

Ice ice baby :)

Up, close and personal with Mt Rainier, glaciers and snow

One of the most memorable experience - Hiking the Mrytle Falls -  hiking in the snow. Looking back at the videos of me treading and hiking in the snow , though the experience was exhilarating, I do not recommend this as a babymoon adventure to other pregnant ladies :) :) 

End of a wonderful trek.  Seeking blessings from the Buddhist Monks hiking in Mt Rainier

Narada Falls 
The falls can be partially viewed from the side of a pullout on SR706. It is a small downhill hike for the first view point. I had to be content with the sideview since the climb downhill was a bit steep (I am pregnant, remember!). I was curious about the name as it of Indian origin. I researched and read that the name Narada was proposed by Arthur F. Knight and adopted in 1893 for the Narada branch of the Theosophical Society of Tacoma. Narada is a Hindu word meaning 'uncontaminated' or 'pure'. It is the name of a famous sage in Hindu folklore.

Rishi loves hiking just like his parents :)

Narada Falls

At Paradise Inn for the evening. Sun would set only around 0900PM.

Good Morning Sunshine.. Its our 3rd day and last day in Mt Rainier

Scenic one way drive left of Paradise Inn  

Took our poncho and used it for sliding in the snow. It didn't rain a single day and was sunny and clear throughout

Reflection Lake

Christine Falls - This waterfall can be viewed without having to lace up your hiking boots

Longmire and National Park Inn 
This is another Inn in Mt Rainier National Park and I was so happy that we didn't stay here since the views from Paradise at the foothills of Mt Rainier cannot be compared to any other Inn. Paradise Inn is more expensive. However, if you are coming here on a special vacation like we did, it is so worth spending that money at least for a night or 2 if not 3 nights. 

National Park Inn

Exit Mt Rainier National Park :(

I sure do hope that we can come again and hike the whole park!!

Elbe Depot and the Elbe Evangelical Lutheran Church - Elbe used to be a fairly major train depot, and so has a railroad theme for such a small town. There’s a great looking old locomotive parked at one end of town, and a couple of small restaurants and a hotel built into train cars at the other end.

My Karate Kid

This lake was a stunning turquoise green in color 

Stopped at Tacoma and ate at an Indian restaurant on our way to Port Angeles,WA.

Food was ok but we relished it

Olympic National Park ... The travelling Iyer's are on their way !!! :)

Washington State - Crystal Mountain and Mt Rainier

The mountains are calling and I must go - John Muir

After a wonderful Day 1 at the Cascade loop, we proceeded towards our next destination - Crystal Mountain and Mt Rainier National Park on Day 2.

Kent, WA (close to SEATAC airport) to Crystal Mountain
The distance was about 63 miles and it took us 1.5 hours.

After an early morning breakfast at the hotel, we left Kent, WA for the most awaited Gondola ride at the Crystal Mountain. This trip was 100% worth it. I will tell you why and hopefully the pictures below will provide justice to Crystal Mountain. 

On the way, we stopped at Mount Rainier Viewpoint where we got the first glimpse of Mt Rainier and saw pretty yellow wildflowers. 

We arrived at the Crystal Mountain, located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and we parked for free and walked towards the Gondola Ride. 

My 4 year old in his words was super duper excited. The gondola ride costs $20 per ticket for adults and $8 for kids ages 4 to 10. I had secured a $2 off coupon per ticket from http://www.seattleattractions.com/wpcontent/themes/di_theme/includes/2013%20PSAC%20Brochure.pdf . 

This ride is smooth and took about 10 minutes commencing from the gondola's base and slowly climbing 2,472 feet to the summit ridge, which is at a 6,856-feet elevation from sea level. It is pretty steep and the views from the gondola were eye-popping.

As we got off the gondola at the summit, our jaws dropped, our eyes popped and we used all the adjectives we could think of. Right in front of us was a majestic view of Mt Rainier which I was told was about 12 miles away. The active volcano was covered with snow, glaciers and surrounded by beautiful clouds posing to give us an image of smoke emitting from the active volcano. As we turned to look around, we saw views of the Cascades - Mount St. Helen and Mt Adams. 

We mounted on the chairs that were provided at the summit's edge and felt our hearts expand with the amazing sight and views. After taking it all in, we descended on the gondola ride to the base and had our lunch before we set out to our next destination - Mt Rainier National Park, Tipsoo Lake and Chinook Pass Summit.

Mt. Rainier - a sight to behold

Right at the summit's edge

A perfect background for the family picture

Mt Rainier National Park
Mt Rainier is one of the world's most massive active volcanoes and it can dominate the skyline for 100 miles before you reach the National Park. It is the tallest peak in the Cascade Range; it dwarfs 6,000-foot surrounding summits, appearing to float alone among the clouds. It has 26 major glaciers and 36 sq miles of permanent snowfields and glaciers,it is the most heavily glaciated peak in the lower 48 states. 

We saw the entrance to Rainier National Park in about 20 minutes of driving.

Entrance to Mt Rainier National Park. 

We stopped on the way to play in snow thinking we may not get to see and play in snow (little did we know we were going to hike in snow the next day). My Florida baby simply loved playing in snow, making snowballs and throwing it at us. He got to enjoy snow at Tipsoo lake and Paradise as well.  

Tipsoo lake is one of the best roadside views in the park with Tipsoo Lake in the foreground, and the majestic summit of Mount Rainier, in the background. This lake is magnificent and with snow everywhere it just looked picture postcard perfect. 

So happy to see snow!!

Reflection Lake
This took us about an hour of driving from Tipsoo lake. The roads were winding and uphill and it was scenic and beautiful. We entered from the Steven Canyon entrance on Highway 123 and as we drove, we saw Grove of the Patriarchs hiking entrance. We were tempted to stop for this simple hike in the forest but we drove forward. We stopped at the tranquil turquoise Louise Lake on the way just before arriving at Reflection Lake. When calm, Reflection Lake has the perfect reflection of Mt Rainier. However, we were not that lucky to see the reflection because of a stiff breeze. We then drove on to where we were staying for 3 nights - at the foothills of Mt Rainier - Our own Paradise - Paradise Inn. 

Reflection Lake

Passing clouds on the road

Coming up next Paradise and Paradise Inn. Keep on reading..