Skookum Flats / Tipsoo Lake #Hike - #SaturdaySnapshot

Sometimes when plans have to be changed, the alternative ends up being just as much fun! Yesterday, the senior center had a hike scheduled for the Tipsoo Lake / Naches Peak Loop area of Mount Rainier National Park. However, as our van neared that elevation, clouds of smoke billowed in from wildfires raging elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest. Here's what that looked like. (Click on photos to enlarge.)


We did take the easy walk around Tipsoo Lake, and I captured the eerie scene. The temperature was 39 degrees! 





We all agreed it wouldn't be healthy to take a strenuous hike in smoky air (and besides, we wouldn't be able to see the beautiful scenery on the Naches Peak trail) so we went to a lower elevation and hiked on the Skookum Flats Trail.



Cleaner air, warmer weather, and a new trail for me. Sometimes things work out just fine!
If you're curious about the spectacular views from the Naches Peak Loop Trail, you'll find photos from last autumn's hike here: Naches Peak Loop Trail







Saturday Snapshots is hosted by West Metro Mommy Reads. To participate: Post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Read's website (link: HERE) Photos can be old or new and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don't post random photos that you find online.
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