paulj wrote:
I think two days would be better for this, though with limited hiking it could be done in one. I've done the eastern loop in one afternoon, starting from a FS campground on WA410 just outside the NE corner of the park (Silver falls). But that was without any significant hiking.
Keep in mind where the sun will be if you want good views of Mt Rainier. Views from Chinook Pass (410) will be better in morning, and poor in the late afternoon.
Based on this info, I think we'll get an early morning start over Bethel Ridge, an then get over to the Naches Peak hike before mid day for better lighting.
I'm also thinking that we can play the western loop by ear - if we've run out of time then we can skip Paradise & Skate Creek, and head directly back to Packwood, and go back th next day.
Thanks for your help on this leg of our trip.
