hoppock20

A friend and I will be vacationing in Seattle, for 4 days, the first week in May and staying downtown.

It seems like one of the "things to do" there is go see Mt. Rainier and Snoqualmie Falls. We like to take photos and are thinking about an hour long horseback riding excursion.

Question 1 - Is seeing Mt. Rainier and Snoqualmie Falls even something you recommend?

Question 2 - Are there easily traveled paved roads during this time of year to get to scenic points? (I've read on other posts that this time of year, unpaved roads may be muddy and not traveled easily by a small rental car)

Question 3 - Do you recommend short horseback riding trips or hiking some trails during this time of year? (Again, worried about the muddy trails)

Question 4 - Is it feasable to see both on the same day? (Seems like it would be pushing it to see both and partake in some activities. From the driving directions on Google maps, it seems like we would spend about 5 hours in the car traveling, if we tried to see Snoqualmie and Mt. Rainier in the same day. I do realize that we will still spend 4 hours, if we decide to just drive straight to Mt. Rainier and back downtown.)

EXTRA CREDIT - Any recommendations on horseback riding outfitters that offer hour or so long trips? I've found a couple online, but local rec's are better than websites and search results that are based on who paid the most for their position.

The Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent and Mt. Olympia look amazing and great for photo opps, but we don't have time to travel and stay out that way. Another trip.

happytrailstoyou

Mt. Rainier is very much worth the trip if skies are clear and you can see the mountain.

It would be possible to visit Mt. Rainier and Snoqualmie Falls in one day, but it isn't advised.

Mt. Rainier is spectacular no matter how many mountains you have seen. There will still be plenty of snow there in early May.

If you have visited Iguazu Falls, Snoqualmie Falls won't impress you much. The view is better from the base of the falls, but the preponderance of visitors view it from above.

christy1

Trails won't be muddy, they'll be under many feet of snow still. Alpine trails at Rainier don't melt out until mid-July. The only paved road that will be open will take you to the Paradise Visitor Center, but it will be closed past that. There might be a couple low elevation forest trails open near Longmire, on the way to Paradise, but I wouldn't recommend making the trip just for that.

That said, if you have a clear day, the mountain is absolutely stunning amidst the snowy scene at Paradise, and I think worth the trip. In cloudy/rainy weather, you might not be able to see the mountain.

Gardyloo

Mt. Rainier will be iffy - if the weather's great, go; if the weather's cloudy, skip it - too much driving for not enough reward IMO.

Snoqualmie Falls, OTOH, will likely be in full spring spate, and the drive (around 45 min. from downtown) isn't so long that you can't visit the falls and still have the bulk of the day for other touring.

But at that time, if it was me and I had a day to allocate to out-of-town activities, I'd jump on a ferry to Bainbridge and drive up to Port Angeles, then up to Hurricane Ridge, which is more likely to have clear roads by then, for your mountain viewing. Then come back by way of Port Townsend and the Whidbey/Mukliteo ferries. It's a longish day, but a great introduction to the region.

suze

I'd go to Snoqualmie Falls. I love that trip! Only an hour, pretty drive and fun. Take time (and wear shoes) to walk down to the bottom of the falls. Doesn't take long but it's a bit steep (dirt path).

Honestly my favorite view of Mt. Rainier is from various place around the city, looking at it from a far distance (if the weather is clear). It is truly magestic!! Once you're actually *on* the mountain you don't really see it anymore. Let's just say I've lived here over 20 years and been there... once.

happytrailstoyou

We go to Mt. Rainier almost every year.

My favorite approach is from the east on Highway 410 over Chinook Pass. This drive is especially delightful soon after the pass reopens after its winter closing and snow is piled high on either sides of the road.

Driving through the park on a clear day you will have majestic views of Mt. Rainier, sweeping views of the Cascades, and along the way you can visit two waterfalls, a canyon, and Reflection Lake.

stumpworks73

Another vote for Snoqualamie. Salish Lodge is right next door, a great breakfast or lunch destination. The restaurant is $$$ but superb and added enjoyment to the trip.

Dayenu

Question 1 - Is seeing Mt. Rainier and Snoqualmie Falls even something you recommend?

YES YES YES!!!! One of the best memories from Seattle, only I took a bus tour.

happytrailstoyou

Yum. Lunch at Salish Lodge. I'll have the hamburger ($15), ice cream ($10), coffee ($5), tax ($3), tip ($6) = $39. Will I have a view of the falls? No.

enzian

Unfortunately in early May the views and the drive suggested by HTTY will not be possible. Generally only the Nisqually entrance and the road up to Paradise are open; we rarely can even get to Reflection lakes by road at that time (we like to ski there and have done so as late as mid-June).

I'd say that unless you want to go skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking on snow the long drive probably isn't worth it.

hoppock20

Thank you all very much for the tips. Love this board. That's why I asked, because I would have drove out to Mt. Rainier thinking that I could wear shorts and a jacket and hike some trails....when in reality, it's still snow-skiing weather.

Thanks for the tip about the Salish Lodge. I'll let ya'll know how our trip unfolds. Can't wait!