Mildred Point
3135 feet of elevation gain in 3 1/2 miles. And that's all that I have to say about that...
Mildred point is one of the highest viewpoints on the South side of Rainier next to Van Trump (which is kinda in view to the right) and of course Skyline which if you lost your baring's you might find yourself on the summit of the volcano... It is also unique in that it doesn't take you to a lovely spot, nay, it takes you to a chasm, a rocky valley carved and eroded by many a lahar and landslides depicting the more volatile aspects of the Grand Lady. Up and to the left you can just discern the Kautz Glacier and the birth of the creek by the same name as it is expelled into the world via waterfalls and a downhill run that would make a bobsledder cry. The chill wind is in your face and ruffling your clothes all the while the sound of water surrounds you interrupted occasionally by the sound of a boulder bouncing down the steep slopes and the insanely loud CRACK of the glacier melting in the Summer heat. I was alone as I'd set off at dawn and I couldn't find a bird, squirrel, dear, elk, bear, nor human in any pics or in person, it was eerie, just me and the mountain that I'd not seen in what felt like ages sharing a moment.
God rest the Queen, long live the King.
ps. once you see the smiley face you won't be able to unsee it. :)
Blow it up, lots to see in there.
Mildred Point
3135 feet of elevation gain in 3 1/2 miles. And that's all that I have to say about that...
Mildred point is one of the highest viewpoints on the South side of Rainier next to Van Trump (which is kinda in view to the right) and of course Skyline which if you lost your baring's you might find yourself on the summit of the volcano... It is also unique in that it doesn't take you to a lovely spot, nay, it takes you to a chasm, a rocky valley carved and eroded by many a lahar and landslides depicting the more volatile aspects of the Grand Lady. Up and to the left you can just discern the Kautz Glacier and the birth of the creek by the same name as it is expelled into the world via waterfalls and a downhill run that would make a bobsledder cry. The chill wind is in your face and ruffling your clothes all the while the sound of water surrounds you interrupted occasionally by the sound of a boulder bouncing down the steep slopes and the insanely loud CRACK of the glacier melting in the Summer heat. I was alone as I'd set off at dawn and I couldn't find a bird, squirrel, dear, elk, bear, nor human in any pics or in person, it was eerie, just me and the mountain that I'd not seen in what felt like ages sharing a moment.
God rest the Queen, long live the King.
ps. once you see the smiley face you won't be able to unsee it. :)
Blow it up, lots to see in there.