Fall Color at Paradise
I love to be at Reflection Lake in Mount Rainier National Park at first light.
On this particular morning, I got up a couple of hours before sunrise and made the trip by myself. It was the middle of the week, and I was hoping to see some fall color, Mount Rainier (of course), and hopefully fewer people.. The skies were crystal clear blue, and it was looking to be a beautiful day. My first stop of the day was Reflection Lake.
When the winds are calm and the waters are reflecting, Reflection Lake is spectacular. In the first hour or two of daylight, it is really something special. I took some time to drink my coffee and enjoy the view. But my plan for the day was to see as much as my legs could take me to. Off to Paradise.
I knew as soon as I got out of the car that it was going to be a special day. The blue sky and the mountain covered in fresh snow, combined with the red, orange and golden foliage was truly spectacular.
I headed for Myrtle Falls and Edith Creek first. The fall colors were so vivid I almost couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I’ve been there in the fall before, but I’d never seen it like this before. Sunshine brings out the fall color like nothing else, and I had stumbled upon conditions that were prime perfection.
Over the next few hours, I hiked the many trails around the area. There were stunning views in every direction. I don’t think I even stopped to eat lunch. I ate my sandwich as I walked to the next location. I took SO many pictures! It was so beautiful!
Eventually it was time to go home. I left full of awe at what I had seen. I also left with lots of images on my camera.
On to the next adventure!