In September of this year, I made my second trip to Mount Rainier, almost exactly one year after my first trip. This time I planned an independent trip instead of taking a guided tour, and with a little luck I was also able to book a room at the historic Paradise Inn on the mountain to allow a full two days of travel and exploring.

My first stop of the day was at Longmire and the National Park Inn, for a quick rest break and then a leisurely stroll along the Trail of the Shadows. This is a flat, easy walk through the forest across the street from the National Park Inn, and winds through the areas originally settled by the Longmire family before the National Park was established.

All photos taken with the Canon RF-S 10-18mm lens on the EOS R10

Mount Rainier: Trail of the Shadows
The trail starts with a comfortable path through a deep forest
Mount Rainier: Trail of the Shadows
Wooden walkways elevate the trail over difficult terrain
Mount Rainier: Trail of the Shadows
The hot springs change color from the minerals in the water, and turn the meadow grasses bright tones of yellow
Mount Rainier: Trail of the Shadows
Bridges continue the path over the many streams along the trail
Mount Rainier: Trail of the Shadows
Even the streams are colored from the mineral content