Mount Rainier - Wonderland Trail

Music by Strat Guy Vic - Lydia https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/the-vic-debs-lydia-original In 1979, we hiked to Camp Muir from Paradise, a demanding journey up Mount Rainier. Starting at the Paradise parking lot, we carried our skis up the 5,000-vertical-foot ascent, trudging through steep snowfields and rocky paths to reach the camp at 10,080 feet. The grueling climb paid off with an exhilarating ski descent, racing down the vast slopes back to Paradise, a thrilling experience that left a lasting impression. Above the clouds, we reached Camp Muir and saw climbers settled in the snowfield, their tents scattered across the white expanse. The stark alpine scenery was breathtaking, with clear views stretching far. Near the end of the hike, we were treated to a stunning, picturesque view of the Tatoosh Range, its rugged peaks framed perfectly against the sky, a fitting close to the adventure.

Beware, brave hikers, as the Ranger Scott section of Mount Rainier’s wild trails is a treacherous gauntlet where towering trees teeter on the brink of collapse, ready to crash down with a thunderous roar at any moment—closures loom large due to these deadly falling giants and impenetrable brush barricades that could trap you for days! Bears, massive and menacing, lurk around every bend, their growls echoing through the misty forest, so arm yourself with bear spray and nerves of steel, or risk becoming their next feast—check for the latest hazard warnings and trail shutdowns before you dare step onto this perilous path! Prepare for an epic showdown as the trail hazards escalate with every step, where sudden closures due to unstable slopes and rogue tree falls could leave you stranded in a nightmare of nature’s wrath—Ranger Scott’s domain is no place for the faint-hearted! Stay vigilant, for bear encounters are a heart-pounding reality, with these hulking beasts guarding the terrain, and heed the over-the-top alerts blaring from park signs, or you might not live to tell the tale of this adrenaline-fueled adventure on Mount Rainier!

Music by Strat Guy Vic - In From The Storm II https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/jimi-hendrix-in-from-the-1 In the heart of Cataract Valley backcountry camp at Mount Rainier, the scene unfolds like a high-stakes drama of survival against the wilderness, where the man on the left swiftly assembles his tent with the precision of a seasoned warrior, staking it down in minutes as if defying the encroaching night. Meanwhile, the young lady fumbles with her own setup, poles tangling and fabric flapping in the wind, her struggles a raw testament to the unforgiving learning curve of backcountry life, all under the watchful eye of her proud father, who stands by with a mix of encouragement and silent readiness to intervene. As the tents rise against the rugged backdrop, the triumph feels palpable, a small victory in the face of nature's relentless threats. But beware, for this idyllic camp hides deadly perils that could turn paradise into a nightmare—massive fallen trees crash down without warning, crushing anything in their path like a giant's hammer, while avalanches roar from the slopes above, burying trails in an icy tomb of destruction. Mud flows surge through valleys like raging torrents of liquid rock, sweeping away tents and gear in seconds, and bears lurk in the shadows, their massive claws and powerful jaws a constant reminder that one wrong move could end in tragedy, demanding vigilance and respect for the mountain's savage power.

Music “Smooth City Strut” by Strat Guy Vic Strat Guy Vic on SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/popular-tracks Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground, located along the Wonderland Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, is a beautiful subalpine meadow that offers an awesome hiking experience around mile 13 from Longmire. This open expanse bursts with wildflowers like avalanche lilies, paintbrush, and lupine in July, creating a colorful contrast against the rugged terrain. The area features gentle rolling hills and scattered trees, with occasional views of Mount Rainier’s southern glaciers peeking through, making it a perfect spot to rest. A ranger station and campsites add a rustic feel, though mosquitoes can be a hassle, so bug spray is a must. Snowfields may linger into late summer, adding a crisp edge to the scenery.

"F Bomb" is by Strat Guy Vic on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/popular-tracks The Emerald Ridge Hike climbs about 2,600 feet, revealing awesome views of Mount Rainier’s southern slopes and vibrant wildflower meadows along the scenic Emerald Ridge. It’s a beautiful summer hike with glacier-carved landscapes that make every step a treat. That I can tell you.

"Xtra Spun Cycle" music is by Strat Guy Vic on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/popular-tracks The Klapatche Park area on the Wonderland Trail is pretty cool with Mount Rainier views, Aurora Lake, St. Andrews Lake, and some nice meadows where we’ve seen a handful of bears over the years.

"Lights" music is by Strat Guy Vic on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/popular-tracks The North Puyallup River area along the Wonderland Trail has a camp at 3,750 feet, surrounded by forest with nice views of Mount Rainier’s western slopes, and Golden Lakes nearby are small alpine tarns that catch some color at sunset. The lakes sit in a subalpine area with wildflowers and occasional wildlife, making it a quiet stop on the trail. The Silver Forest near Golden Lakes in Mount Rainier National Park was shaped by a fire 50–60 years ago in the 1960s–1970s, leaving silver-colored snags that gave it its name!

Music Credit: Strat Guy Vic, https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/popular-tracks Not Just Another 'A' Song The Spray Park Trail in Mount Rainier National Park is a striking hike, showcasing a vivid array of wildflowers, waterfalls, snowfields, and commanding Mount Rainier views. From a dense noble fir and hemlock forest, the trail hits Eagle Cliff Viewpoint at 1.5 miles, where Rainier’s glacier-sculpted north face dominates, its icy Mowich Glacier shimmering in July’s light. At ~2 miles, a short spur unveils Spray Falls, a 354-foot cascade plunging over rugged andesite, its mist catching sunlight for vibrant photos and video shots. The trail climbs steeply to Spray Park’s lower meadows at ~3 miles, alive with lupine, scarlet paintbrush, and avalanche lilies, their bright hues contrasting lush green slopes, perfect for capturing the park’s floral brilliance. Above the tree line, Spray Park’s subalpine meadows open to sweeping vistas of Rainier’s snow-capped summit, Observation Rock, and Hessong Rock, their stark profiles bold against clear summer skies. Lingering July snowfields add crisp white patches to the vibrant meadows, with glacier lilies sprouting at their edges, ideal for dynamic video sweeps. At ~6,400 feet, the high point delivers an unobstructed view of Rainier’s massive glaciers and distant Cascade peaks!

"Funk Jam GT " song is by Strat Guy Vic on SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/earth-wind-victor-funk-jam-gt The Carbon Glacier, located on Mount Rainier’s north slope in Mount Rainier National Park, is the lowest-elevation glacier in the contiguous United States, with its terminus at approximately 3,500 feet. It stretches 5.7 miles long and reaches a thickness of up to 700 feet, fed by heavy snowfall and the mountain’s volcanic activity, with its rugged, debris-covered surface shaped by glacial movement and rockfall from the Willis Wall. Accessible via the Wonderland Trail near the Carbon River entrance, it offers hikers a dramatic view of its icy expanse, a striking natural feature shaped by the mountain’s history.

Music by Strat Guy Vic "Angular" https://soundcloud.com/user-282810137/vic-deb-angular-original The Northern Loop hike at Mount Rainier is totally cool with views of the north side, hitting forests, Grand Park, and the windy Windy Gap area, plus we saw some bears again.