Darlene Stewart

I've drove this highway a handful of times. And never does it disappoint. Have visited it many times throughout the year to get a full experience. Fall, summer, winter, spring... this particular trip was during winter. From the Vista House all the way to the Dalles is breathtaking. There are soooo many waterfalls to see. Some right off the road, some hiking into the forest and different abilities and lengths. I think at this point I've seen 30 plus of the waterfalls here. So many more to see. But impossible to see them all in a day, even two. Could spend a week here and probably still miss out on some. But not only are the waterfalls great, but the Columbia River Gorge views are spectacular also as well as peaks of Mt. Hood. There really is a lot to see when on this highway. I definitely recommend checking ahead to make sure it's fully open. As there is usually a lot of mud slides here, especially since the fires last year. Be sure to stop at Multnomah Falls. The fourth tallest in the US. Pretty spectacular. Even the short hike up the paved path to the bridge isn't terrible. Highly recommend. The restaurant and gift shop here are also great. Another one of my favorites was Latourell Falls. Short hike to see it. The vibrant moss on the rock face is pretty spectacular. But just driving the highway and stopping at the falls along the road make for a wonderful family weekend outing. Does get busy and parking at the more popular hikes do fill fast. Arrive early in the day for best experiences.

Hands down this hike is in my top five favorites at Mt. Rainier. I believe this day I clocked around 13ish miles. Started by heading up Sourdough Ridge to Frozen Lake to First Burroughs. Hike up to First Burroughs is the first really decent incline. Once at the top it gets flat for a little bit. Second Burroughs again... you go up and flat for a bit. After Second, which would be a fantastic turn around spot as the view is amazing. You go down and into a small valley before the last incline. Which was the hardest. Its a bit long and steep especially towards the end. But the result is so worth it. The unobstructed views are amazing. The Winthrop Glacier was amazing. The crevasses and vastness of your surroundings was unbelievable. Had lunch here, making new friends with other hikers. After lunch we decided to take the Sunrise Rim back rather than the way we came. Allowed for views of the Emmons Glacier and Emmons Moraine Lake. If you go when snow is still on the mountain, late spring/early summer be prepared with poles and spikes. Some of the decent gets steep, its narrow and a lip on a very high ledge. Snow melt makes for slippery conditions. Once you make it to the Sunrise campground there is a variety of ways to go back. I suggest straight, passing the vault toilets on your left headed towards the lake. Its the most scenic out of the options. Going to the left, passing the toilets on the right leads you to a service road. Its an easier hike. Overall beautiful whichever way you choose.