Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024
Did you know that Mount Rainier is an active volcano? It’s also a very popular place for photographers, nature lovers, hikers, and climbers. After seeing the mountain showing herself from my hotel room at The Marriot in Tacoma, Washington, I couldn't wait to get a closer look!
Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024
Upon arrival at the park at the Nisqually Entrance, we were informed that you had to have a timed entry reservation to enter the park from 7:00AM-3:00 PM. We arrived at 2:45PM on June 27th, 2024 without a reservation and were instructed to turn around. Luckily we were only 15 minutes away, so we found a nearby place to park and waited on the side of the road until 3:00PM when they allowed us to enter without a reservation.
Even if you have an ACCESS PASS, Timed entry is required from May 24th-September 2nd so be sure to visit the link to reserve now https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10101917
Don’t know about the ACCESS PASS? The ACCESS PASS is available to permanently disabled people at no charge when obtained in person.
Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024
The ACCESS pass is available at most park entrance stations and visitor centers. You can learn more about the ACCESS pass in my blog here
After I showed the attendant at the entrance my ACCESS PASS and photo ID, I asked about Accessibility. The attendant at the entrance handed me a park map, and informed me,"there are no Accessible Trails available in the park". This isn’t the first time I’ve been told parks have no Accessible Trails. As we drove into the park, I thought to myself, maybe they meant there were no Accessible Trails because of the snow. FYI, there is a lot of snow in June, and many of the roads were still closed, so I figured I’d enjoy exploring the park, see what I could discover, and find a Visitor Center to get more specific information.
Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024
The map above shows a restroom and picnic area at the Kautz Creek Trail. It's located three miles east on SR 706/Nisqually Road. We decided to stop there, stretch, and take a break from driving.
♿️ This area has Accessible parking, Accessible Vault restrooms, and picnic tables. I noticed a sign for the trailhead across the road. You have to cross the road to Access the trailhead, so be on the lookout for cars driving by, or animals in the road. Never approach wildlife! Keep a safe distance of at least 150 feet.
Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024
♿️ Although there is no indication on the map, about this trailhead being Wheelchair Accessible, this trailhead is ADA Accessible, and begins with a boardwalk and interpretive signs. Maybe it’s because the ADA trailhead boardwalk is newer than the map I was given? Not sure, but I loved reading the interpretive signs! Not only did I read about the Glacial outburst floods, and mudflows that have thundered down the mountain, destroying everything in it's path, including trees, rocks and bridges, but I especially loved learning about the Japanese Volunteers-in-Parks Association, who’ve worked on many projects in the park over the years, including building this ADA accessible boardwalk at Kautz Creek. Thank you to the Volunteers that made this happen!
♿️ The ADA Accessible boardwalk is about 0.10 miles long, 5.5 feet wide, has a flat surface with slight slopes in two areas, leading to a scenic viewpoint of the mountain, with a bench where you can sit and take in your surroundings. The view features a peek (pun intended) of the glaciated mountain peak, rising above conifer trees. Click here to watch my TikTok Video https://www.tiktok.com/@denisevasquezphotography/video/7393823127228337454?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7381176150784509470
Photography Tip: I always carry two cameras, one with my Canon L Series 70-300mm Telephoto Zoom lens so I can zoom in, and bring scenic views like this one closer to me! If you'd like to purchase a lens, click the link to check out what KEH has in stock here:
Denise Vasquez Photography ©2024
I trust that my research, area exploration, and personal experience sharing have been beneficial! I initiated this project in 2017, more than seven years ago. Through my journey, I have come to realize the importance of revisiting locations multiple times to provide updated information. This not only benefits me but also aids individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those with limited mobility. Moreover, it helps raise awareness among trail users and park staff.
If you appreciate my blog and find the content in my blogs, TikToks, and YouTube videos useful, you can show your support for my project by making a donation. Any amount is welcome as every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable. Your donation will assist in funding my time, research, planning, travel, gas, accommodation, scouting, photography, memory cards, hard drives, and the creation of content shared in YouTube videos, blogs, Instagram posts, TikToks, and more.
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If you are considering hiring me for consultations, photography, content creation, workshops, or panels, please don't hesitate to reach out via the contact form on my website. Sustaining this project requires significant investments of time, money, and effort. I have poured my heart, soul, and resources into it, and the knowledge that my work is creating an impact motivates me to continue.
Big shout out and thank you to my man Randy Martinez, I couldn't do my project without his love, support and assistance! It takes teamwork to make a dream work, and together we are making a difference!
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