Mount Rainier from Spray Park

This shot was taken at Mount Rainier National Park in the summer of 2004. The area of the mountain is called Spray Park, a relatively level terrain (considering it's on the side of a mountain). Spray Park is really known, more than anything, for it's spectacular wild flowers with a gorgeous backdrop of the Mountain.

The hike begins at the Mowich trail in the Northwest corner of the park. It's fairly easy to get to from the city, it's not like driving to Paradise on the other side of the mountain. The trail is fairly steep until you arrive at Spray Park, when it flattens out and you suddenly realize that there really is a mountain here. Along the route are numerous falls, one of which, Spray Falls, are spectacular, but highly difficult to photograph in mid day sun.

I've read that the area, and the falls got their name in 1883 after a member of the trail construction crew noted how the water cascaded down and broke into a mass of spray. It really is a misty and wet falls - hence hard to shoot. I would like to try it again someday though.