When is the Best Time to See Wildflowers on Mount Rainier?

Mount Rainier Wildflowers

You can picture it - the perfect day hiking. The skies above are a rich summer blue and the trail before you stretches off into the distance as a carpet of wildflowers spreads out on either side. Bird calls break the tranquil silence and a gentle breeze dries the sweat on your brow.

But how do you know when to visit Mount Rainier to make your hiking dreams come true? The answer, unfortunately, is…it depends.

Because of Mount Rainier’s high elevation in the Cascade Mountains, the wildflower bloom is directly dependent upon the retreating snows. If there was a large snowpack on the mountain over the winter, then it takes longer to melt, and the wildflowers are a bit delayed in making their appearance. Particularly in those high mountain meadows we all dream of.

If it was a light snowpack with a warm spring then the flowers are quick to get busy. Wildflowers at Mount Rainier have an incredibly short growing season. They must grow, bloom, and seed all in between the time of the snows melting in late June, to the snows returning in late September. Leaving just three months to do their business.

When is the best time to visit Mt. Rainier for best wildflower viewing?

Ideally, the best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park for wildflowers is in July and August. Although you will see wildflowers throughout the summer months of late June, July, August and early September depending on the type of flower and on the elevations you visit.

Our hikes take place at 6,400’ and above so what we’ll see as the snow first retreats is the explosion of lupine first (those tall purple flowers), and then quickly followed by the stunning mountain heather in pink, white and yellows. Bear grass also is quick to make an appearance before it’s seed heads and the plant become almost unnoticeable.

The stunning red Indian Paintbrush and Magenta Paintbrush tends to hang around most of the summer, accompanied by purple aster. Phlox and purple rock penstemon blanket the ground. These are the hardy wildflowers that cling to rocks on the windswept high subalpine tundra.

Late in the summer in September pearly everlasting attracts a plethora of butterflies to it’s delicate white flowers.

Lower elevations that hold more moisture from melting snows is where you’ll find the more delicate flowers. Trillium, avalanche lilies and tiger lilies enjoy the moist ground the retreating snows leave behind. Look for avalanche lilies in - you guessed it - avalanche chutes. Comet Falls is at a lower elevation and in June we’ll find loads of avalanche lilies. Their white pedals chasing the dirty, old snow away. Their bloom is short and they usually don’t last into July.

Where is the best location at Mt. Rainier for wildflowers?

Ideally you are looking for meadows and areas where the trees have not choked out all the vegetation. These beautiful flowers need sunlight and pollinators such as flies, butterflies and bees to help them in their journey. Meadows abound at Mount Rainier and those with the easiest access are as follows:

Sunrise: Burroughs Mountain and Sunrise Loop through Shadow Lake. Can also head to Berkley Park from Sunrise for a longer hike.

Paradise: Skyline Trail, Glacier Vista Trail, High Lakes Trail

Mowich Lake: Spray Park (usually accessible in July)

Others worth mentioning: Van Trump Park accessible above Comet Falls.

Now you certainly can see flowers in other locations as well but these are the most accessible and highly concentrated areas of wildflowers for most of us that are just doing day hikes on the mountain.

Best Time of the Year to Visit Mount Rainier

Have you begun to plan your next visit to Washington State or Seattle and you are trying to figure out the best time to visit Mount Rainier? We hope what follows helps you in your planning!

To start, nothing beats summer in the Pacific Northwest. Nothing. And I’ll fight you on that one. The temperatures are usually between 70 - 80 degrees with no humidity. Which makes it pleasantly warm but not melty. The rain that Seattle is notorious for usually keeps itself to the winter and spring months, November - April. But beyond that, you start to get into some truly delightful weather.

Summer Paradise

Mount Rainier wildflowers are abundant in the meadows. Indian Paintbrush and Magenta Paintbrush add a splash of vibrant color.

A visit to Mount Rainier National Park can be beautiful at any time of year but summer is really when she starts to show her beautiful colors. And summer on the mountain starts late. You can expect there to continue to be snow into July at the higher elevations. This means if you are looking for a plethora of wildflowers at Mount Rainier you’ll be able to see them in June at lower elevations, and July and August up in those high meadows. The plants have such a short window of time to emerge from the snow, flower, and then seed.

If you have lots of flexibility in your travel I would shoot for the last two weeks in July or first two weeks in August for the best wildflowers. My personal favorite hike for Wildflowers is the Burroughs Mountain Trail. It starts at Sunrise through mountain meadows and then climbs quickly to the subalpine tundra, a rare ecosystem that is only found in a handful of places in the Unites States. There, the delicate wildflowers cling to the metamorphic and volcanic rock along the wind swept ridges. Their only threat the hooves of mountain goats, the step of humans, and the elements. Adventures In Seattle offers guided hiking tours on Mount Rainier on this trail and its no surprise it’s our most popular hike.

The more popular Skyline Trail departs on the South side of the mountain from Paradise. Also a great location to see wildflowers, you’ll also be delighted by lots of marmots busy collecting their stash of food for the winter. That being said if you want a high chance of seeing mountain goats at Mount Rainier, opt for Burroughs Mountain out of Sunrise (North side) instead.

Fall colors

Mushrooms at Mount Rainier become the fall/winter “wildflowers” with spooky shapes and wild colors.

To be fair, Fall probably is in a tie for spring on the best time to visit and while spring will have a gentle transition to summer on the mountain, Fall is often short with winter coming on abruptly and unexpectedly. Yet Fall on Mount Rainier can be a surprising delight. The months of September and October are where we quickly see the effects of colder nights and shorter days. The wildflowers will continue to try their best but at this point most have gone to seed and their unique seed heads are definitely different than their vibrant flowers. While the upper levels of the mountain are covered in evergreens up until tree line, the lower shrubs and bushes take on the task of showcasing the vibrant fall colors and do a respectable job. Early snowfalls leave a dusting of white along the slopes to add to the magical landscape.

SPRING waters

Avalanche Lilies line the trail to Comet Falls at Mount Rainier National Park

Avalanche lilies and trillium abound in the steep slopes and the first wildflowers to emerge on the wet lower trails. Comet Falls is one particularly stunning hike that showcase these delicate flowers. And as the snow retreats, the parade of flowers chases it back up the mountain. Spring can be a long process depending on how quickly the snow melts. Creeks are high with spring runoff and the falls along the route to Paradise dazzle with Narada Falls and Christine Falls being easily viewable from pull-offs along the road. The aforementioned Comet Falls takes a bit more effort but rewards its visitors with a breathtaking plunge to the pool below. Spring encompasses April, May and June.

winter Wonderland

Mount Rainier in Winter showcases a blanket of white show all along her upper slopes. The view from the plane window shows how far down the slopes the snow reaches in winter.

It seems almost unfair to rank the seasons with winter on Mount Rainier deserving it’s own stand alone podium. The mountain transforms under her blanket of white snow. And for the brave, bold adventurer that straps on snowshoes or skis, she becomes an unexplored landscape unrestrained by the trail. The meadows become passable with the dormant flora protected by a huge mattress of snow. You can quite literally, go anywhere. Such a playful wonderland rewards the well prepared hiker. Because as beautiful as the mountain is in winter, she can easily turn deadly in what seems to be a blink of a frosted eye. Avalanches, severe weather and white out conditions can easily defeat the ill prepared visitor. Much of Mount Rainier National Park is inaccessible in winter. The road to Sunrise is closed, usually re-opening in June. And the road to Paradise is limited to available staffing levels and at the mercy of the frequent snowstorms. Yet the quiet winter slumber of the mountain means less crowds and peace and tranquility once you venture away from the parking lots.

Mount rainier hiking tours

Adventures In Seattle offer Mount Rainier hiking tours in the summer months - July through September. Our guided hikes at Mount Rainier take you on the Burroughs Mountain Trail. You are guaranteed to see wildflowers and wildlife along this six mile trek. Locals and visitors alike agree it is the best trail at Mount Rainier.

Our Favorite Hikes With a Guide or Without

Ok, we’ll start off by saying, yes, we may be biased. But we do think that the hikes we select to take you on are the best, or at least, some of the best hikes the Northwest has to offer. Otherwise, why would we take you there?!

But we can’t take you to all of them so since we promote adventure with us and without us, we wanted to put together our list of our top five favorite hikes. You might notice a couple familiar names of hikes missing; Lake Twenty-Two, Rattlesnake Ledge, Mailbox Peak. But part of our enjoyment is getting off the beaten track and we’ve found that these hikes, while beautiful, are also often crowded so we curated our list of our favorites with that in mind.

Mount Rainier Hike - Burroughs Mountain

It is our all time favorite hike. No matter how many times we do it! This Mount Rainier Hike in Mount Rainier National Park starts out of Sunrise Visitor Center and traverses Burroughs Mountain on the North side of Mount Rainier. The trail starts out in high alpine meadow and then takes you above treeline quickly to the rare subalpine tundra zone. This delicate ecosystem is peppered with the most delicate of wild flowers in the summer and the small organisms that live on the rocks. Marmots, mountain goats and pika make this mountain home. All that and then BOOM! Mount Rainier is big and bold in all her glory right there in front of you the whole time.

The hike is challenging - either 4, 6 or 9 miles in length depending on your turnaround point. But the elevation of 7,500’+ is really what gets your heart pumping. We’ve found that those in moderate to good shape can handle this hike just fine. While those that don’t hike often might just take a bit longer with more rest stops (and more time to enjoy the view).

The lollipop loop takes us by Shadow Lake on the return trip where we often see a resident black bear and her cubs. Since we are there so frequently, we’ve come to get to know her. As always we respect wildlife, give a wide berth, and stay alert. Our guides also carry bear spray and are wildlife savvy so don’t worry if you’ve never had a bear encounter. Most black bears would rather just run away than have an interaction with humans.

Speaking of bear interactions - if you hike with me, I might just share the story of that one time in Glacier National Park when I had a bear sniffing my face while I was asleep. You’ll have to ask me about it!

Ready to tackle this hike? Click here. We usually add this one to the calendar mid-July when the snowpack has melted enough to safely access the trail. But the snow often persists to the end of July so we just add traction devices and trekking poles and it really ups the adventure factor!

Can’t wait to hear about our second favorite hike? Here’s a teaser to Blanca Lake - available as a custom hike.

Fall Hiking and Winter Doldrums

The end of summer is always tough. The days get shorter and colder. The trails get wetter. Muddier. It’s hard to get motivated to get up, slip on the wool socks, and venture into the wet woods.

But if you do, what rewards abound! First and probably most importantly - it’s good for your mental health. Multiple studies show that people who are more connected with nature are usually happier in life and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature can generate many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity and can facilitate concentration.

And in the midst of short days, we can all use that little bit of boost for our mental health!

Secondly, the woods take on a fairy-tale like quality. The waterfalls are overflowing with the winter rains, icicles drip delicately in caverns along the trail, and the leaves blanket the trail. The ferns and mosses are heavy with water and seem more vibrant and green.

Our tips for enjoyment for fall and winter hiking are as follows:

Dress accordingly - this means waterproof footwear, wool socks (extra socks at the car), layered clothing (we like the long sleeve wool base, fleece or down coat, and a rain coat on top), hat and gloves.

Bring a thermos of hot water, tea, coffee or cocoa! Either leave it at the car so it’s a motivator to get done, or bring it with you if you don’t mind the weight. A little nip of Fireball is always a nice addition.

Choose your trail wisely: Nothing is worse than getting to the trail to find it under six inches of cold, icy water that even the best gortex can’t battle. We love well maintained, thoughtfully designed trails at this time of year. Two of our favorite locations are Wallace Falls State Park and Squak Mountain State Park. Both are close proximity to Seattle and because they are funded by the State Parks, the trails tend to be maintained annually to minimize erosion, run-off and trail degradation. Another benefit, is that both these locations have paved access to the trailhead. So no bumpy, potholed dirt roads that destroy your car.

Check the weather: High winds, winter storms all are not to be trifled with. Stay home and venture out another day if conditions are bad. If the ground is oversaturated, trees can be more susceptible to falling.

And then as always, take the ten essentials with you, even if you are planning just a short jaunt in the woods. Of course, this time of year you might be able to leave the sunscreen at home.

Pro Tip: Take trekking poles and ice trekkers if you anticipate ice in places. Headed into snow, then ice trekkers and snowshoes.

Still not convinced you want to venture out on your own? In that case, Adventures In Seattle has you covered. We offer guided hikes near Seattle throughout the year. Our favorite in winter is Wallace Falls. You don’t have to worry about the ten essentials because our professional guides take care of that. All you have to do is dress appropriately and bring your adventurous spirit.

Hiking During COVID Times

The worldwide coronavirus pandemic has altered lives in ways we could never have imagined. One of the surprising consequences of a departure from everyday life has been the sudden revitalization of hiking and camping far from urban centers.

The mental and physical benefits of being in nature has long been known by many outdoor enthusiasts but is a relatively new discovery for some urban dwellers.

This push into our National Parks and Forests is a great opportunity to develop new stewards of the environment and introduce families to the magic of the mountains.

In keeping with current state mandates and state department of health directives, Adventures In Seattle is continuing to bridge the gap between travelers and the great Pacific Northwest. Hikes are kept private, ensuring just your family and guide travel together. Masks are required in the vehicle, and all equipment is sanitized after each use.

Once on the trail we are able to socially distance and enjoy the true beauty of the outdoors. Your adventures don’t have to stop and the mountain sentinels that have existed for thousands of years continue to be constant witnesses to the world unfolding today.

The trails are open. Adventure Awaits.

Surviving Winter Hiking in the Pacific Northwest

It’s winter. And there’s a reason bears say the heck with it and crawl deep in their dens and don’t come out until spring.

But if you are an outdoor lover, it seems a shame to pass up a day on the trail just because the temperatures have dropped and there is a chance of rain or snow. So here’s our tips for surviving winter hiking in the Pacific Northwest.

1) Get a raincoat. A good one. Get rain pants.

2) Get good hiking boots. Waterproof.

3) Get gaiters.

4) Get micro spikes

5) Get hiking.

The benefits of the winter trails far outweigh a little rain. The trails are less crowded and there are plenty of options at varying elevation levels if you want to avoid snow.

Have a favorite trail? Give it a hike in the winter. You’ll already know where you are going and it’s a completely different world with no leaves on the trees. You might be surprised at the views you come across and the mini waterfalls that appear. And if it’s cold? It turns into a sparkling winter wonderland with ice crystals and icicles.

Are you a committed mountain goat and prefer going up? Try hiking along a river and meandering along it’s edge. You may be able to go much further when you aren’t putting out so much effort to go up!

Of course, it should go without saying that you must be aware of your surroundings and inherent risks in venturing out under less than ideal conditions.

Avoid windy days. If the ground is saturated with recent rains, trees may fall easier. Check snow levels and be prepared for a sudden drop in temperatures. Hand warmers are great to toss in your bag or activate first thing when you hit the trail. Don’t assume that the conditions in the city match what’s happening in the mountains. It could be sunny in town and stormy in the mountains or vice versa.

Winter hiking takes just a tiny bit more gear to stay comfortable and an adventuring spirit. But that’s what we are all about! Adventure awaits!

The Joy of Slow Hiking Mount Rainier

Today I slow hiked.

I don’t usually. If anything, I speed hike. Always driven to see what’s around the next corner, climb to the highest ridge, and find the next bit of beauty around the bend. Downhill for me has always been an invitation to speed up and run. After all, it doesn’t take much effort and if you are nimble you can bounce from one rock to the next with nary any trouble.

But today I learned the joy of slow hiking at Mount Rainier.

It began as any other hiking adventure. Packed lunches, picked up the guest, and headed out on the Burroughs Mountain Trail. But this guest was a little different. She was absolutely charmed by the mountain and stopped every ten feet to take photos. So my usual marching walk slowed. My purposeful hunt for the next corner became a meander and I began to stutter.

And what came next was beautiful.

In the slow moments, I began to hear the dull roar of the faraway river flowing from the base of the glacier, ever constant. I felt the slight brush of a cloud as it passed over us as if a ghost reached out and touched my arm. Brief, gentle.

I could feel my toes through my merino wool socks and sturdy hiking boots hit the ground. I could distinguish pebbles from rocks from dirt. A small poof of dust escaped beneath each slow foot fall.

The smell of fir, snow and wildflowers delighted my senses now that I was breathing slowly. I could hear the call of birds whereas before I could only hear my heartbeat ringing in my ears.

I wasn’t bent over my hiking poles as usual, so instead I looked up and found moss draped across the noble firs like tinsel draped on a Christmas tree.

Slow hiking was magical.

I felt the warm kiss of the sun upon my brow instead of the usual trickle of sweat running down my temples.

I hear laughter over the roar of the river. A group behind us is being bewitched by a fat chipmunk.

I hear, “Smile like the mountain is out,” carried down the trail as friends gather for a photo.

Yes, I think I like it slow. While waiting…breathing…being… a movement catches my eye and I see a fat, furry marmot grazing in the alpine tundra. I wouldn’t have noticed him before. Would have just blown right by, oblivious.

And over all of us; slow, fast and in between Mount Rainier watches us. Bemused no doubt by us. What’s the hurry? I’ll be here long after you’re gone, the mountain says.

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Want to experience the joy of slow hiking Mount Rainier? Click below for our hiking adventures on Mount Rainier.

The Many Moods of Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier is moody. There’s just no other way to describe her. And yes, she’s a her. When I look at the mountain I just can’t see her as a he. Perhaps it’s the whole Mother Earth and Father Time thing.

When you go up on her flanks as often as we do, and see her each day standing as a sentinel, you start to develop a certain affinity and affection for her. The locals use her as a weather vane - is she out? Or is she hiding?

Does she have round, alien ship clouds floating above her indicating inclement weather on the way?

She’s tough and gritty, icy. A secure presence anchored in the Cascade range. She’s fickle and feisty, offering sun and warmth before cloaking you in her own blanket of clouds, mist and cold.

She’s a tease. Playing peak-a-boo in the clouds.

She’s hard. Taking lives from those that dare to challenge her. But offering triumph to those that are brave enough to try.

The stars in the heavens are her crown, the snow and ice coat her in diamonds and the foothills adorn her in emerald evergreens.

She’s constant. Always present, even as she hides among the clouds.

And we can’t help but love her. She was here long before us and she’ll be here long after we are gone.

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Want to experience the mystery and magic of Mount Rainier? Click below for our hiking adventures on Mount Rainier.

Leave No Trace Principles

It’s that time of year. The snow pack is melting and as winter slowly pulls back it’s white blanket covering the landscape, we can’t help but race forward to explore our favorite trails and see what new treasures they have to share with us.

The sunshine, warmth and longer days only further entice us into the woods to adventure and explore.

And each spring and summer, like a rite of passage, we revisit the seven Leave No Trace Principles and why they are important.

You’ve probably heard of Leave No Trace before. Or have seen it on a sad, rain stained poster at a trail head. But what actually is it? And what does it mean?

Adventures In Seattle follows the Leave No Trace seven principles. These are reviewed with guests during hiker orientation.

These are taken from Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics (https://lnt.org/learn/7-principles):

Plan Ahead and Prepare

·         Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.

·         Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.

·         Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.

·         Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.

·         Repackage food to minimize waste.

·         Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.

• Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

  • In popular areas:

    • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.

    • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.

    • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.

    • In pristine areas:

    • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.

    • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

Dispose of Waste Properly

·         Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.

·         Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.

·         Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

·         To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find

·         Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.

·         Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.

·         Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

·         Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

·         Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.

·         Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.

·         Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.

·         Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

·         Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.

·         Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.

·         Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.

·         Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.

·         Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

·         Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

·         Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.

·         Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.

·         Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.

·         Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

The bridge over the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail beckons us.

Our favorite hike in Washington

Washington has so many hikes to choose from but our all time favorite hike has to be the Three Burroughs Trail hike at Mount Rainier National Park. The trail is located on the North side of the park and actually follows along Burroughs Mountain, offering unparalleled views of Mount Rainier.

So why is it our favorite?

• Unprecedented views of Mount Rainier

• Mountain Goat Sightings (also possibility for Pika, bear, elk, and deer)

• Challenging trail for adventurous souls

• So. Many. Glaciers. to look at

For starters just the drive alone to reach Sunrise is worth the trip. Highway 410 travels down a corridor of evergreens along the Green River, whose headwaters stem from the glaciers on Mount Rainier. The road switchbacks further and further up the mountain until the overlook where on a clear day you can see Mount Adams to the South.

From the Second Burrough to the Third Burrough Hike at Mount Rainier

Once on the trail you can see Mount Baker and Glacier National Peak to the North. Where else can you see four of Washington’s five volcanoes on one hike?! As far as hikes near Seattle, this one puts all others to shame. Chances are high you’ll also see wildlife, with the resident Mountain Goat herd grazing the meadows below the trail.

Three Burroughs has options too unlike other Mount Rainier hikes. Feeling like a short hike, we stop at the first burrough. Feeling fit? We push on to the second burrough. And if you are a beast, we just keep on going past where all the tourists stop, to reach the third burrough and the most impressive views of Mount Rainier. From there we can spy climbers headed up to the summit.

And the route back is no slouch either. We take the loop trail back down below Sunrise with chances of mountain blueberries along the way.

That one time in a blizzard...

I try to go on an adventure every year and the more exotic and remote the location, the better. I didn’t stumble upon these adventures on my own. I have help. From crazy friends. You know the ones, they usually were the ones that were a bad influence on you in college.

Anyway, my friend Erik had talked me into a taking a trip back to Mongolia to visit the reindeer herders. So in the heart of Mongolian summer I took a break from Adventures In Seattle and we traveled to the taiga to visit the Tsaatan Tribe in North Central Mongolia.

The trip took us on a flight from Ulaanbaatar to Moron. Then two days traveling across the steppe in a rusty, diesel van before we mounted up on horses and rode two days into the remote tribe.

It was magical. After we crested the mountain pass on our horses we descended into a lush, green valley dotted with wildflowers. Reindeer were everywhere! A handful of teepees dotted the valley, marking the homes of the 30 some families that remain. We spent a week learning to milk reindeer, care for them and ride them. Our afternoons were spent lazying in the summer sun by the small creek that gurgled and flowed through the valley.

The reindeer were shedding their coats and we couldn’t help but pluck the soft tufts of loose fur from their backs. We were promptly chastised by the locals who informed us that such an act would bring about rain or worse. We scoffed at their superstition.

And then we woke up the next day - to snow. Not just any snow, but a full on blizzard. We huddled in our teepee as the horsemen prepared our mounts and then we headed up over the mountain pass and the worse of the snow. It was freezing. The horses had icicles hanging from their whiskers. The wind made it bone numbing cold. I was prepared with my layers but after 8 hours of being exposed, it still was barely enough.

After crossing a flooded river and nearly losing two of the horses, we were all wet and desperate. But one of us was even worse off. Our Mongolian translator was more of a city boy from Ulaanbaatar and had made the trip in a simple track suit. He had packed more hair cream than clothes. He was near hypothermia.

After a couple more hours we came upon an abandoned cabin. We immediately set up our tents INSIDE and started a fire. Our translator was not well and my comrades had little to offer.

However, after running Adventures In Seattle, I’ve trained to be prepared for anything - even in Mongolia (or more so because you are in Mongolia) and I had my emergency foil blanket as part of my gear. We stripped him down, tucked him in the blanket and stuffed him in a sleeping bag. We then lit a fire and dried our clothes.

It took a little while, but soon he warmed back up and returned to the land of the living! We all survived the summer blizzard and after crossing another flooded river the following day, we were able to return to the herders’ camp safely and then begin our journey back to civilization.

I share this story because it highlights the importance of the ten essentials. The ten essentials in the past referred to ten specific items for outdoor survival but it’s evolved now into more of a system of ten essentials. We always carry the following when we head out into the wilderness whether we are hiking near Seattle or in the vast steppe of Mongolia:

1.       Navigation – compass, detailed map of area, and GPS

2.       Hydration

3.       Nutrition - Adventures In Seattle provides lunch and high energy snacks

4.       Rain Gear and Insulation – Adventures In Seattle provides additional warm clothing in case of emergency

5.       Firestarter

6.       First Aid Kit

7.       Tools – Adventures In Seattle always carries knife

8.       Illumination – We provide headlamp and spare batteries to all guests

9.       Sun Protection – We carry sunscreen, min 30 SPF and requires all guests to bring sunglasses

10.   Shelter – We carry emergency space blanket