Snowy Hikes are the Best Hikes
There was a magical day I lived back in 2016 with my friend Marie. We went up to hike Mt. LeConte on a 70 degree day in January just to find the entire trail covered in more than a foot of snow. The skies were blue, the air was crisp, and we were shedding layers of clothes with each mile we climbed. I have forever coveted that day, knowing it isn't likely I would stumble upon another snowy hike that was warm enough for me tolerate. Enter Rainier National Park in late June. Mag-ic-al! At least for me it was. We drove to the Paradise corridor of the park with plans to hike the Skyline Loop Trail. While we maybe expected some snow, I think we were all surprised by how much ... and by how non-existent the trail would be. We followed a narrow path of footprints for a while, which led us to a beautiful waterfall... Beyond that point, it was each man for himself. There was no trail to be found! Just a giant mountain standing at 14,000 feet high and some slippery slopes to climb. We h