As of today there is a little over 8 feet of snow on the ground at Paradise. Way too early to make any predictions as to when peak bloom will be but generally speaking the last week of July and the first couple of weeks of August are the best.
Plan on August, Paradise might be pretty snow free by the end of July but the flowers usually lag about 3-4 weeks behind the end of the snow. Sunrise is usually first to start blooming. Based on what I've seen elsewhere in the state, however, this could be one of the best years for wildflowers in a long time.
Posted by Laurie Wendt on June 12, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Thanks Mark and Bryan for the info.
Posted by Jim Talaric on June 15, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Laurie, et al.,
I live in Denver area and am planning a trip to the PNW first week of August. Someone else told me of the wildflowers at "Paradise". I have no idea where this is (although kinda thinking it is somewhere near Mt. Ranier).
Would you consider providing me with a closer approximation of where this is. Also, if you have any other suggestions for wildflower locations that would be good at that time I am all ears.
Thanks,
Jim
Posted by Mark Windom on June 15, 2009 at 12:42 AM
Jim,
Paradise is a specific area in Mount Rainier National Park, on the south side of the mountain. You can drive right to it either via the Nisqually entrance on the south side (through Longmire) or the Stevens Canyon entrance on the east side. One of the better and most accessible areas for wildflowers in the Park. If you are planning to camp I would make reservations at one of the local campgrounds (such as Cougar Rock) as soon as possible as at that time of year they fill up quickly. Ditto if you plan on staying at either the Longmire or Paradise Inns.
Posted by Jim Talaric on June 15, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Thanks Mark for the info. Will heed your advise on the accomodations.
Discussion
6 repliesI live in Denver area and am planning a trip to the PNW first week of August. Someone else told me of the wildflowers at "Paradise". I have no idea where this is (although kinda thinking it is somewhere near Mt. Ranier).
Would you consider providing me with a closer approximation of where this is. Also, if you have any other suggestions for wildflower locations that would be good at that time I am all ears.
Thanks,
Jim
Paradise is a specific area in Mount Rainier National Park, on the south side of the mountain. You can drive right to it either via the Nisqually entrance on the south side (through Longmire) or the Stevens Canyon entrance on the east side. One of the better and most accessible areas for wildflowers in the Park. If you are planning to camp I would make reservations at one of the local campgrounds (such as Cougar Rock) as soon as possible as at that time of year they fill up quickly. Ditto if you plan on staying at either the Longmire or Paradise Inns.
Jim