Mt Rainier National Park, WA

Hike through impressive stands of primeval forest to two subalpine lakes high above the White River Valley. The lakes are set in a meadow beneath the sawtooth multi-summited Governors Ridge—one of the most intriguing looking alpine landmarks within the park. In summer the lake basin blooms with wildflowers. In fall the grasses and sedges turn gold. While there are no views of Rainier—and no sweeping alpine views along this hike—it more than makes up for it in solitude. Bears and deer are commonly seen in the meadow, but there were no wildlife sightings on my trip.