Mount Rainier: Fall Gold

We spent a mother & son long weekend in October enjoying the spectacular transition season at Mount Rainier National Park, using the cozy Paradise Village Hotel as our base. A special note about our unforgettable experience with their cannibal hot tub!

The conditions were magnificent: the lower-elevation slopes were glowing with fall colors—the huckleberry bushes creating a stunning contrast against the darker evergreen forest. Higher up, however, we were greeted by a generous dusting of early-season snow, which spectacularly coated the peaks and lined the trails, offering classic winter scenery without the deep drifts.

We tackled the challenging but rewarding Skyline Loop, traversing through meadows striped with both snow and vibrant foliage, and enjoyed the serene beauty of the Bench and Snow Lake Trail. We felt super fortunate to have clear, blue-sky weather that entire weekend, which maximized the incredible views of the mountain and made the perfect backdrop for the blend of autumn and winter landscapes.

Bench and Snow Lake Trail

Skyline Loop

Paradise Village Hotel