Mount Rainier National Park Off The Beaten Path

I'm not sure that much of anything these days falls into the "off the beaten path" category in Mount Rainier National Park, but these falls are at least one of the lesser appreciated attractions in the park, even though several thousand people drive past them on certain days.

Located several miles east of the Reflection Lakes area, Unicorn Creek falls from near the summit of Unicorn Peak (6,917 ft / 2108 m) down the slope of Stevens Canyon into Stevens Creek below. While it doesn't move much water, the long cascade down the side of the hill displays one of the many locations that make this one of the most attractive places remaining in the region.

From Paradise or Reflection Lake head east, or west from Box Canyon. The road makes several hairpin turns as it enters and leaves Stevens Canyon, and on the south side of the road there are turn off points for views into the Canyon. Martha Falls is across the canyon from the first of these.

It is possible to get quite close to the falls on the "Wonderland Trail" as it descends into the canyon between Louise Lake and Box Canyon.

The Stevens Canyon Road is only open from June to October during most years.

When not in bloom, bear grass goes mostly undetected though Native Americans used its tough blades for weaving baskets. When its incredible flowers appear in light bulb-like clusters atop its long stalks, it is a grand show. Its range is from British Colombia to Northern California, as far east as Wyoming and is something to be on the lookout for if in these areas in spring.

We were quite surprised by it at Rainer as it was the first time we had seen it and we didn't really know what it was. It was just past its peak time but still very beautiful. A few older women on the Shriner Peak Trail explained what it was to us and remarked that two weeks prior it was truly magnificent.

While Mount Rainier is the undisputed king of the Cascades and of its namesake National Park, impressive peaks outside the park's boundaries are readily visible if one gets high enough and more importantly if it is clear. Mount Adams is another fine member of Cascade Volcanic Arc and at 12,281 feet so big it seems so close to be very much in the park. This highly glaciated peak is quite symmetrical and is often mistaken for Rainier by those visiting for the first time.

We had our first views of Mount Adams from Shriner Peak and it was positively glowing at sunset. It is more easily seen from the road to Sunrise.

Mount Rainier National Park is a huge wilderness and while not particularly noted for its wildlife viewing opportunities, many animals call the park home. They are just not as easily observable as in others. We did not see an abundance ourselves but I believe it was due to our inability to get into the backcountry as extensively as we would have liked. Still, we saw some deer and many birds. One bird of interest is the Clark's Nutcracker. This gray and black beauty is in the jay family and just as mischievous. Though they feed on insects such as wasps, seeds make up the main part of their diet. Their bills are well-formed for seed extraction and their storage of surplus seeds leads to reforestation in burned out areas.

We saw many of them in the parking lot at Paradise, no doubt looking for handouts. Please refrain from feeding them despite their cuteness. They are quite adept at finding food on their own and their natural behaviors are an integral part of how it all fits together. The last time I checked M&Ms were not really part of the food chain.

MadCap Falls may be a challenge for many people’s definition of what qualifies as a waterfall. Nevertheless it is named and does make for an interesting scene. It rumbles vertically 25 feet (7 meters) down a slope of just over 30 degrees and then travels a short distance to the crest of Carter Falls.

Directions:
From the well signed turnout near Cougar Rock (on the way to Paradise) follow the wonderland trail 1.3 miles east to the overlook of Carter Falls. Proceed for another few hundred feet to Madcap Falls.

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Carter falls is not easily visible from the trail. A somewhat sketchy scramble down the cliff face adjacent to the falls reveals a decent view though. The falls are about 55 feet (16 meters) and lie in a well cut amphitheatre. I don’t know if I would say it was worth the hike out there unless you’re interested in waterfalls or just a good short minimal elevation hike to bring your kids on.

Directions:
From the well signed turnout near Cougar Rock (on the way to Paradise) follow the wonderland trail 1.3 miles east to the overlook to the falls.

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I was very pleasantly surprised by Thunder Falls. I thought It looked much smaller in photos. Upon visiting I found this waterfall to be a very large volume waterfalls for Mt. Rainier NP. I will have to visit here again later in the year as the lower water level will certainly be more scenic.
The falls are 82 feet (25 meters) and spread out nicely over a large cliff face. Finding a good view of the falls is a bit difficult but the atmosphere in the gorge is worth the drive and hassle of getting there. I also ran across several shoots of bear grass on my way down there.

Directions:
From Mt. Rainier NP exit the park from the SouthEast entance. At the junction of US 12 and SR 123 go north and follow for 1.3 miles. Take a left at a poorly marked Summit Creek Road # 4510 from there follow signs for Summit Creek Campground (Left) and after 2 miles an unmarked turnout after a large rock will get you close enough to make your way to several footpaths.

Upper Summit Creek Falls does not really stand out in pictures or even so much when you visit. The real draw to this area is Thunder falls just downstream. Upper Summit Creek Falls is interesting however and it does lie in a very interesting gorge. The falls are only about 18 feet (6 meters) but carry a large volume and take on a form of a zig zaging river that passes over a shelf. The Summit Creek Campground is also located a short distance away and would make for a great place to access Mt. Rainier NP from.

Directions:
From Mt. Rainier NP exit the park from the SouthEast entance. At the junction of US 12 and SR 123 go north and follow for 1.3 miles. Take a left at a poorly marked Summit Creek Road # 4510 from there follow signs for Summit Creek Campground (Left) and after 2 miles an unmarked turnout after a large rock will get you close enough to make your way to several footpaths.