Renee Hauske reporting

 Entrance Sign

Sixty eight miles of tree-lined roads and questionable, yet stunningly beautiful, cliffs separated myself from one of the most impactful experiences of my life. This backpack journalism scholarship started out as an opportunity to build my resume and get real world experience, but what I gained from the four short days on the mountain will stick with me forever.


As I drove through the archway that read, Mount Rainier National Park, my stomach dropped. Not because I was nervous or scared, but because I couldn't wait to throw on my boots, grab my backpack and head up the mountain.


I met Justin at the Paradise visitor center around 5 o'clock and we made the hiked to a few research locations. My initial thought was that I was going to hike up the trial in a breeze; boy was I wrong. The trail was a little over a mile and a half. It doesn't sound like a far trek, but that mile and a half was all uphill.

The camera equipment on my back was the start of my troubles. The tripod felt like I was carrying a small child up the mountain. I huffed and puffed my way to the top, but when we arrived, I was in awe. It is only in the moments you least expect that you find complete bliss and beauty. It was a cloudy day. The mountain was hidden by thick white clouds of fog. The silence sent a calming wave through my bones. However, the feeling of being surrounded by nature's beauty was one I won't forget.

Paradise visitor center

Mountainscape from one of the research sites

The first hour Justin and I hiked through the cloudy backcountry as I watched him conduct a series of tests. When the clouds slowly disappeared, the mountains majestic views came out. An array of wildflower meadows, pointed mountain tops, and greenery could be seen for miles. I found myself staring off into the abyss and getting lost in thought.

Darkness set in as we started down the mountain so Justin put on his headlamp to light the way. Downhill became my favorite word.  The hike down the mountain was significantly easier.
Justin and I got to the visitor center around 9pm and we took Justin's car to the overnight parking lot, a few yards away from the visitor center, where I had left my car. It was time to get a good nights rest to ensure positive exploration on the mountain tomorrow.