I'm thinking of heading to Rainier tomorrow, just wondering if there's any update on wildflowers there, also what are the MUST SHOOT spots for a day trip.......? Thanks for all the help. ( Is sunrise worth the drive? I heard it's an hour from Paradise, can I head back to
Olympia from Sunrise or I have to go back to Paradise route? ) thank you guys.

I've been to both places recently; I'd go to Paradise.

You need to be at sunrise at Sunrise. During the day the sun is coming at you and it is pretty harsh to shoot anything there. Paradise can be done during the rest of the day and around sunset it is great. The wildflowers are in bloom.

From Sunrise you can take 123->12 to get to I-5N towards Olympia.

Thanks for the advice but what's the best route to Sunrise from Olympia? how far from Sunrise to Reflection lake? I'm thinking to shoot both of these before 9am. Thanks again

There's construction on hwy 123, which goes along the east side of the park connecting sunrise to paradise area (reflection lakes). I went through around 10 am and had a 45 minute delay, putting the trip at over 2 hours... You probably won't get both shot in one morning.

Never been to Sunrise, but been to Reflection Lake at this is worth the drive, Be at Reflection lake by sunrise.
Paul

Hey I am driving up there as well tomorrow am (thurs)...leaving seattle around 3am. Look for the blue subaru sti

cvumd wrote:
Thanks for the advice but what's the best route to Sunrise from Olympia? how far from Sunrise to Reflection lake? I'm thinking to shoot both of these before 9am. Thanks again

Just get on I5 N bound and take 512E and you'll see the signs for both Paradise and Sunrise I believe. I think I might make a trip up there this weekend.

mike reid wrote: Look for the blue subaru sti

Doesn't narrow it down much: half the cars on the mountain are 'barus!

Anyone knows the way to Tipsoo lake? is the hike really 5miles? I heard this is a better spot than reflection lake if we have to choose. thanks

Tipsoo Lake is up on Chinook pass, on hwy 410. No hike. Just park your car and walk on over to the lake. No flowers yet there as of last week, though.