# Mount Rainier & the Paradise Inn - Link: https://mywalkabout.net/mount-rainier-the-paradise-inn/ - Published: 2023-04-17T06:08:28-07:00 - Author: My Walkabout **Fifty two years** on this planet. I decided to celebrate my birthday in the State where I was born, Washington. **I drive up to the Paradise Inn** located at the base of Mount Rainier. Autumn is in full swing as the mountain meadows are turning colors and a slight nip is in the air. Before I even check into my room I hit the main trail towards the mighty mountain. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HipstamaticPhoto- 686423469.944088.jpg?resize=640%2C457&ssl=1) **Epic vistas** and a stunning waterfall are the highlights of my first afternoon here. I’m feeling strong and relaxed up in this high country. This birthday marks 11 years until I hope to retire, but secretly I’m pretty sure I won’t even live that long. Grateful I am to be able to travel when I can now, so that all of my hopes and dreams aren’t held up on a notion that I can see the world once I stop working. Evening comes and I watch the sunset over Mount Rainier National Park. The rooms here have no TV, as the goal is to have one fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. I sleep well. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HipstamaticPhoto- 686278540.064221.jpg?resize=640%2C457&ssl=1) **The next morning I get some coffee** from the little deli in the lobby and head out into the pre-dawn to watch the world awaken from last night’s slumber. The hot steam from my coffee cup rises quickly in the cold air. I decide to hike the Lakes Trail today. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HipstamaticPhoto- 686338387.190355.jpg?resize=640%2C457&ssl=1) **Gorgeous views and long trails** winding up and down mountains leave me feeling satisfied and spiritually full. When I arrive back at the Paradise Inn there is someone playing the piano in the lobby. A fire is going and people are quietly sitting enjoying a cocktail, or reading a book. So peaceful. I slide into an oversized chair and listen to the music. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GPTempDownload. jpg?resize=640%2C480&ssl=1) **Sunday comes too fast**. My final day here and I get back on the main trail, but go a different direction. It’s quiet out here today, and I enjoy new views of the waterfall from a new angle. Deer grazing by a lake pay me no attention. ![](https://i0.wp.com/mywalkabout.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/HipstamaticPhoto- 686261421.771154.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1) **Before I know it**, fifty three will be here. or i’ll be having my ashes scattered. Only time will tell….. ### Share this: * [ Email ](https://mywalkabout.net/mount-rainier-the-paradise-inn/?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Mount%20Rainier%20%26%20the%20Paradise%20Inn&body=https%3A%2F%2Fmywalkabout.net%2Fmount-rainier-the-paradise-inn%2F&share=email) * [Post](https://x.com/share) * [Share on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share) * [ WhatsApp ](https://mywalkabout.net/mount-rainier-the-paradise-inn/?share=jetpack-whatsapp) * [ Nextdoor ](https://mywalkabout.net/mount-rainier-the-paradise-inn/?share=nextdoor) * [ Threads ](https://mywalkabout.net/mount-rainier-the-paradise-inn/?share=threads) * [[ * [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) * [ Reddit ](https://mywalkabout.net/mount-rainier-the-paradise-inn/?share=reddit) ### Like this: Like Loading…