Chinook Scenic Byway
Mather Parkway Tour
| Departure: | Mount Rainier National Park, Washington |
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| Destination: | Federation Forest State Park, Washington |
| Time to allow: | 1 day |
It was Stephen T. Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, who first suggested the creation of "A Cascade Parkway" to preserve the natural beauty along the approach highway leading to the northeast corner of Mt. Rainier National Park. Now, years later, the Stephen T. Mather Memorial Parkway, named in his honor, is designed to enhance and compliment the existing natural landscape for the use and enjoyment of the general public.
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Start: Mount Rainier National Park
Suggested Time at This Site: 45 minutes Here is a mountain wonderland of dense forests, dazzling wildflowers, tremendous snowfields, and rugged glaciers. While resting from your trip and eating a picnic lunch, realx to the soothing sound of falling water, and the cool off with the refreshing breezes off the glaciers.
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Stop 2: Boulder Cave Nature Trail
This is a kids' special. Bring a lunch, a flashlight and the patience to answer a lot of questions as you lead the youngsters into Boulder Cave, a natural stone tunnel nearly 200 feet long.
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Stop 3: Tipsoo Lakes/Naches Peak Loop
Suggested Time at This Site: 20 minutes Take your water bottles and a small snack for an easy stroll on the Naches Peak Loop. Gaining only 500 feet in elevation and meandering around meadows and forests, this is the perfect walk to get a good glimpse of the beauty in the area.
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End: Federation Forest State Park
Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes The remnants of history await visitors of this old growth forest. Remains of the historic Naches trail, one of the first trails from eastern Washington to Puget Sound, exist throughout the grounds. Or visit the 'hobbit home' tucked away in a corner of the park.
