Mount Rainier Widflowers

Living way up on the north end.......can someone give me a 'ballpark' on when the widlflowers on Rainier will start to show?? Thanks in advance for the reply.

You should be getting some at Sunrise right now -- I'd say the ballpark for Tipsoo Lake would be around the last week of July to the first week of August, and Paradise for about three weeks thereafter. (Keep in mind I haven't been up there myself this year, but that's the usual schedule.)

My experience pretty much matches what James says, although there can be quite a range at Paradise - early bloomers may already be happening but peak not for 2-3 weeks from now. I've always found that calling the ranger station gets good, up to date info and asking at the visitor center when you arrive can pinpoint the best areas.

wta.org says there's still snow around tipsoo

As of yesterday there was over 2 feet of snow on the ground at Paradise. In my experience peak bloom generally occurs about 3 weeks after snow melt.

I just drove through Chinook today. There is indeed snow all around Tipsoo. The Naches Peak trail still has heavy snow fields that look treacherous to pass. I think it will be awhile for that area.

Sunday night I hiked into Grand Park the back way via Lake Eleanor. The trail is lined with avalanche & glacier lilies, some Jeffry Shooting Star. In Grand Park, there are some paintbrush and lots of yellow buds. The prime there might be in another week or two, but there is no snow and things are growing.

It's a drag because I have to head back to AZ next week. I am going to miss this weather!

I found http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm to be helpful for planning.