Mount Saint Helens - Almost

We tried to go to Mount Saint Helens from the East side but the road was closed due to snow.

 View to Mount Saint Helens from where we had our picnic lunch

Major slide area

Ex Nihilo Sculpture Park - Recycled Spirits of Iron

Driving through Elbe on State Route 706 on our way to Mount Rainier we noticed a large iron giraffe sticking his head over a fence.  Doing a double take we noticed a "Open to Public" sign and said to ourselves if we have time we should come back and look around.  Well we are sure glad we did.  This place is incredible.  After looking all around we ended up sitting and talking to the artist Dan Klennert and his wife Barb for over an hour.  Very nice people.  Ex Nihilo (X-Ne-High-Low) is latin for "something made out of nothing" which reflects the  philosophy about his work. He uses only discarded materials like driftwood, used machine parts and recycled metal to create his sculptures.  Many over 8 feet in height. They  live and work on the property and allow the public to view the sculpture park. Admission is free, although a donation is welcome.

Mount Rainier - Our Nations 5th National Park

  



Doug Fir 1293 to 1963

 Box Canyon overlook bridge

Depth of Canyon to water 115 feet deep at bridge - 180 feet at roadside

Paradise River

 Was headed home with his catch of the day in his mouth

  

Our first trip to Mount Rainier was on a rainy day in the Jeep but we were very excited so decided to bring the motorhome and spend a few days hiking and exploring around.

  

 

Not really the wildlife I was expecting to see

Hiked to Carter Falls

Mount Rainier with a cloud cap.

Hiked to a Trail Camp and this is where you would hide your food from the hungry bear

Narda Falls

Reflection Lakes

Mount Rainier without any clouds on our final day.

As an active Volcano, Mount Rainier stands as a reminder of the beauty and power of nature with the potential to erupt again.