The first time the rain and clouds cleared here we were able to see Mt. Ranier. Our jaws dropped. This volcano rises 14,411 feet (just under the tallest peak in the lower 48 states) and creates it's own weather. This is the view just outside of Olympia on our way to the park. Sunday was our first totally clear day and it was awesome to spend it here.
From no snow cover to 15 feet of recorded snowfall this season in about 25 minutes!
Classic Mt. Ranier, the south face on a blue sky day.
Classic Mt. Ranier, the south face on a blue sky day.
Snow shoeing in the deep. How deep? Ask Mark Kutilek. Without snow shoes I would be stuck past my waist.
The setting sun lights up the snow and the cloud formed by the peak (out of view to the left). This cloud is acutally crystalized ice formed from wind moving up and over the peak much like water flows around rocks in a stream. Note the Jackson visitor center second floor observation deck to the right. The first floor of the building is almost fully covered by snow.
The setting sun lights up the snow and the cloud formed by the peak (out of view to the left). This cloud is acutally crystalized ice formed from wind moving up and over the peak much like water flows around rocks in a stream. Note the Jackson visitor center second floor observation deck to the right. The first floor of the building is almost fully covered by snow.
