Published September 26, 2025

We headed back to the ever-elusive Mt. Rainier for a hiking trip - this was my fifth attempt to see this beautiful mountain. The past four trips ended in failing to see this. I dubbed Mt. Rainier the 'Eleanor' (Gone in 60 Seconds reference), as she was so difficult to get to and see. For those keeping track, my first four attempts ended with:

• 2018 - Entered through the Northwest entrance to Mt. Rainier, and as inexperienced as I was back then, that led you through the forest with no view
• 2022 - Entered through the Nisqually Entrance, which was the easiest to get to from Seattle, but it was a cloudy weekend.
• 2023 - Planned a trip, but the nearby wildfires and air quality stated that we would die from all the smoke inhalation if we decided to hike
• 2024 - Another rainy weekend that ended up with nothing but overcast.

What did this year bring?? Welllll.... (TLDR, YES I FINALLY SAW HER)

Seeing Rainier on the flight in on one of the clearest days brought excitement. I was looking forward to finally see this mountain I've missed seeing so many times! I couldn't help but stare through the plane window. "The journey is the reward" is a quote that can be said to show how fulfilling it was. I tell you, don't give up and be persistent.

Once the flight landed, I checked my weather app to see how the weather is in the upcoming days, and..."Rain to be expected this evening". "Rain expected for most of the day Sunday". WHAT?! It...it can't be. Why must you tease me so? I hurriedly got in my rental and beelined straight for Rainier as the skies were still clear....for now.

Rainy Days

So, much to my luck, the clouds slowly started creeping in as I drove towards the national park. It became more and more discouraging when seeing a weather forecast occur so quickly. However, there was a silver lining, the evening after the storm, it would clear up and the Monday would be clear skies. I must persevere and make lemonade out of the lemons handed to me.

I stayed in the forested area, exploring the roads and trails the park had to offer. Some of the best photos can be taken from gloomy days, right? I found this amazing waterfall off the side of the road, and I quickly turned around and found a spot to park and set up my shot. Stabilize the camera on the bridge, slow the shutter down to 1/5th of a second with an f-stop of 9, and....success! One photo of running water with everything in focus.

Looking at the image in hindsight, I should have dragged the shutter just a little longer to give the water a little bit better of a fluid look. Learning experience, my friends!