Mount Rainier hike in September

One peculiar and perhaps frustrating aspect of touring Mount Rainier National Park here in Washington is that, on any given day, visitors only have about a 50-percent chance of catching a glimpse of the massive, glaciated volcanic peak for which the park is named (more like a 10-to-20-percent chance for those who visit during the winter months). That's because the peak is often obscured by clouds. In fact, it serves as a bit of a weather gauge for Seattle. Either the mountain is "out," and the weather is good, or it isn't (out or good). Pretty simple.

The day of this hike back in September wasn't an "out" day. Still, even when Rainier is hidden, this is a place of spectacular natural beauty. Old-growth evergreen forests meet expansive alpine meadows decorated with wildflowers, and deep blue, crystal-clear lakes are framed by vistas of rugged peaks and hidden valleys. Low-hanging clouds and mist in the air that blows between ridges like smoke help create an atmosphere that is indescribable by words but amazing to experience.

Photos of this trip can be viewed here. Just to clarify, my group didn't actually climb on Mount Rainier — or really even anywhere close to it. This was simply a day hike on the north end of the park that, on clear days, supposedly affords stunning views of the mountain. Oh well.