From the Paradise parking lot, we immediately enjoyed the beautiful fall colors.
From Paradise, we took the Skyline Trail east towards Mrytle Falls and then continued on the trail
towards Mazama Ridge.
the views, here looking south towards the Tatoosh Range.
The fall colors continued up on Mazama Ridge. Here looking north towards Mt Rainier and Little Tahoma.
At 1.8 miles from Paradise, the Paradise Glacier Trail divides off of the Skyline Trail to the right. Along this trail we found a tarn with Mt Rainier's reflection.
The "maintained" Paradise Glacier Trail ends 1.5 miles after branching off from the Skyline Trail. From here, we would hike up what looks like a valley between Mt Rainier and the Cowlitz Rocks.
For awhile, we could follow a boot track up towards the Cowlitz Rocks traveling on the west side of the upper Stevens Creek.
We found this old weathered sign along the way.
Soon, the boot track had disappeared and we would travel over rock fields, moraines with loose rocks and about a dozen creeks, some easy to step over, others required rock hopping to get across.
These creeks are fed by the snow, melting off the glaciers.
Zoom photo of the glacier
As we neared the saddle between Mt Rainier and Cowlitz Rocks, we could see where part of the Paradise Glacier extended down. There was an ice cave at the end of the glacier.
We were able to hike up close to this small cave, but did not go inside.
I love the blue color inside the glacier.
The closer we got to the saddle we were able to see the top of Mt Rainier again.
Near the saddle, there was a beautiful blue tarn in front of Cowlitz Rocks.
Panorama while standing on the saddle looking north: Mt Rainier on the left, Cowlitz Rocks on the right.
Regular photo, looking toward Little Tahoma and the Cowtliz and Ingraham Glaciers.
Panorama from the top of the saddle looking south: Cowlitz Rocks on the left, Mt Rainier to the right.
We did not stay long on the saddle, or attempt the ascent of Cowlitz Rocks as the wind picked up to 35 - 40 mph. We dropped back down a ways to sit out of the wind and eat our lunch. Looking to the south, we had great views of the Goat Rocks, Mt Adams, the Tatoosh Range, Mt Hood and Mt St Helens. It was wonderful having these peaks as our view as we descended back towards the "maintained" trails.
zoom of the Goat Rocks
zoom of Mt Adams
zoom of Mt Hood (very faint and far to the south)
zoom of Mt St Helens
We also returned to the fabulous fall color along the trail,
More of the colors and plants we saw along the trail today:
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