Our trip to a couple of National Parks
in the state of Washington.
Mt. Rainier and North Cascades National Park.
June 18 - June 26, 2016
(The 44th & 45th National Park that we have visited)





After flying into SeaTac, we thought
we would pay a visit to the Freemont Troll.

Followed by dinner at FX McRory's in Pioneer Square
featuring over 1600 brands of whiskey
and other premium spirits.



The next day, we decided to visit the Space Needle
and Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit
prior to heading out to Mt. Rainier

     

 

  






Where would we be without green screens?



And then on to Tides Tavern for lunch






Finally arriving at Mount Rainier National Park



Even though a storm had passed through the previous day,
we had perfect views on the day we arrived!
This is a view from the veranda of the National Park Inn.






Christine Falls
 


Falls on Paradise Road right by
Christine Falls



Narada Falls
 





Why did the marmot cross the road?
To look at the fantastic view, of course!



Deer at Reflection Lake



Reflection Lake
You can see a cloudy Mt. Rainier
below the reflection of the tree line.



Sunbeam Creek Waterfall




 Another waterfall on Stevens Canyon Road
just past Sunbeam Creek Waterfall.



Tunnel at Box Canyon




 Falls Creek on Stevens Canyon Road

  

Grove of the Patriarchs



Snoqualmie Falls
On our way from
Mount Ranier to Stehekin
(#5 on map)

  

Snoqualmie Pass Train Tunnel
This tunnel is more than two miles long.
On the picture on the right, the red arrow
points to the small speck of white
which is the opposite end of the tunnel!
(#6 on map)



There are only two ways to get to Stehekin.
seaplane or boat.  We choose the boat.



We choose wisely!



Right across from the boat landing was
The North Cascades Lodge at Stehekin,
where we stayed.  Now Stehekin only has about
70 full time residents,
so it's a little isolated to say the least.



Rainbow Falls



Now some of the maps show that Stehekin
is in the North Cascades National Park,
but this is not the case.  So Kathleen and Bill
had to take the back entrance into the park!






 Look mom, no hands!



Kathleen thinks she is still in Australia!



Whoa there, what is this!






Now if you look closely, you will see 4 deer
 in this picture.  This is actually less then half
that were in this field at Buckner Orchard.









Looking down Lake Chelan from Stehekin



On our way back to Seattle, we stopped off
at Leavenworth and had some german sausages.



And listened to the Oom Pah Pah band at the Gazebo.



Just outside of town is the Penstock,
which was a huge water pipe used
to deliver water to a powerhouse
just to the left of this end
of the bridge. 
The electricity powered
electrical engines which pulled trains through
the Cascade Tunnel at Stevens Pass.



Deception Falls
Just west of Stevens Pass
(#11 on map)



On our way to Whidbey Island on the ferry,
we pass the return ferry.



View from the Bluff on Whidbey B&B



Our evening visitor,
who jumped the fence to get in.



That is Mt. Baker in the background



View from Deception Pass Bridge
Oak Harbor



They must have heard that we were coming!