Hiking Rainier🌲
First of all- I can’t recommend this beautiful park enough. We stayed at an Airbnb that was above Packwood Brewery in- you guessed it Packwood and it was such an adorable town to stay in for a couple of days.
Mount Rainier National Park prep tips:
✨ Tip 1: the stair mill is your friend
How it helped me: living in a relatively flat area (SC) I don’t get a lot of opportunities to prepare for a hike in a mountain like Rainier. I found the stair mill to be helpful in prepping for a steep hike! This didn’t prepare me for the altitude though so I still struggled more than I expected with elevated heart rate on the mountain. It’s ok to take breaks!
✨ Tip 2: wear sunscreen
How it ✨would have✨helped me: I put just my normal face sunscreen on and ended up pretty sunburnt after this hike!
✨ Tip 3: wear layers and consider microspikes
How it helped me: even though the high temps were in the low 50s/upper 40s, I ended up removing two layers down to a tshirt (see also tip 2). Largely because I was working HARD on that trail. We also didn’t expect as much snow as there was and it was a bit dicey coming back down. Our hiking poles helped but microspikes we could just put over our shoes would have been great to have!
#travel2025 #lemon8challenge #hiking #traveltips #nationalparks
Mount Rainier National Park is a stunning destination, known for its breathtaking views and diverse hiking trails. To prepare effectively for your hike, start by assessing your fitness level and gradually build endurance through stair climbing and other cardiovascular exercises. Choosing the right gear is crucial; layers are necessary for fluctuating temperatures, and microspikes can provide added traction on icy trails. Sunscreen is essential, even on overcast days, as UV rays can be intense at higher altitudes. It’s also wise to hydrate well before and during your hike to combat altitude sickness. Remember to familiarize yourself with the trail before heading out; maps and GPS tools can help ensure you stay on track. Finally, respecting nature by following 'Leave No Trace' principles keeps the park pristine for future visitors. Happy hiking!