MOUNT RAINIER 



Nisqually ; on the left, a solid white wall of basaltic 

 rock rises to a height of nearly one thousand feet ; 

 while in front, seeming only a mile away, Mount 

 Rainier stands in silent majesty. There were several 

 visitors at the springs. In the near future these 

 springs will be sought by hundreds of invalids. We 

 would gladly have remained at the springs for several 

 days, but, with the old monarch so near, we could not 

 delay. The next day found all of the party but two on 

 the tramp. That day's work was to ascend to Camp 

 of the Clouds, distant about five miles from the springs. 

 It was no small task. The trail is steep and rugged, and 

 has been traveled but little. About three miles from 

 the springs it crosses the Nisqually. From that point 

 for a mile it is one of the steepest trails I have ever 

 traveled. When the top was reached we were regaled 

 by the sight and odor of flowers that surpassed descrip- 

 tion in odor and variety. From this point to Camp of 

 the Clouds, two miles further on, our path was liter- 

 ally strewed with beautiful flowers. This entire region 

 is a paradise for the botanist, and the flowers deserve 

 a much fuller description. 



At last, after four days of hard tramping, we have 

 reached permanent camp at an elevation of about 

 6,000 feet. Here we unpack, pitch our tent and turn 

 our jaded horses loose. Here we wish all our friends 

 with us, and here we would gladly remain a month in 

 deep enjoyment of the grandeur and beauty around us, 

 but our time is limited and our friends far away. 



Monday noon, August I4th, we carefully prepare 

 for the ascent. It is light artillery now a pair of 

 blankets, a small supply of provisions, principally 

 chocolate, and our Alpine staves complete the outfit. 

 With cheerful hearts and steady nerves we begin the 

 climb. It is our purpose to ascend to a height of about 

 10,000 feet and there make camp for the night. Soon 

 we pass the timber line. Our pathway now lies over 

 the eternal snow, broken only by a projecting spur of 



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