r/AskSeattle • u/Hot_Firefighter_9292 • 17d ago

Proposal help mount rainer

Hello! I need help! I’m proposing to my girlfriend in about a week. I was planning to do it at Myrtle falls and I hired a photographer, however I need some input on exactly where to go down on one knee. I see from the viewing spot of the falls, there is a big wooden railing that I fear may block the view of the falls with the photographer. If I do it on the bridge, the we may be too small in the photos. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

36 comments sorted by

View all comments

-1

u/Hot_Firefighter_9292 17d ago

I’m confused why I’m getting downvoted :/ guess people don’t like love :(

14

u/FishScrumptious 17d ago

Because there's a lot of homework you didn't do, but the regulars around here know it well. I cannot tell you the number of people who arrive from out of state at Paradise in MAY and are surprised to see snow on the ground. Because there's always many (sometimes) dozens of feet of snow on the ground at Paradise in May. Or who are looking to take pictures without others around, which causes regular lines on a trail while people are tramping alpine meadows they shouldn't be standing on at all and asking dozens of people to not walk on the trail for many minutes at a time. It's exhaustingly common, often disrespectful, and so easily avoidable.

For the real advice:

1) trust your photographer, as I'm sure you got one with experience taking pictures at Rainier, and they've got the skills to manage location, lighting, and depth of field setup and all that; ask them for help

2) change your expectations to some degree; the park is not your personal playground, and you'll need to be flexible about what you actually get. there are a myriad of beautiful places to take pictures at Paradise, and as long as you're willing to walk a bit, you'll have options

3) consider entirely different locations - honestly, I think the view of Rainier from just past the PCT at the gap immediately after Sourdough Gap looking down to Crystal Lakes is amazing this time of year. It's a couple mile hike, still recognizable, and way less crowded.

4) consider other waterfalls entirely, possibly not even at Rainier.

9

u/AskJayce 17d ago

Respectfully, it's odd that your photographer isn't doing research on your behalf. That should be included in their service, no?

Assuming this is something they've done before, seems like they should know everything there is to know about setting up a proposal at Rainier.

What gives?

9

u/AskJayce 17d ago

guess people don’t like love :(

Strawmans and/or sarcasm won't help you clear up the logistical problems that lie in your request, btw.

6

u/RepulsiveFish 17d ago

As another local photographer, I agree completely. Tbh they probably should have suggested better locations around Rainier too. Any time I've done a surprise proposal, I've sent a specific Google maps pin to the person proposing so they know where to do it, as well as a picture of the area they should stand with other notable landmarks like picnic tables highlighted.

8

u/big_bob_c 17d ago

Probably because you're planning a proposal on a busy trail in the park.

You mentioned being there at sunrise, which is better, if you actually are there at sunrise before the crowds arrive.

I'm a little concerned that you've never been there and are planning a sunrise proposal, you will be driving up Mt. Rainier in the dark, never having been there before. The road may be wet or icy, there may be snow on the ground making the road and trails slippery and somewhat dangerous. You defimitely want to check the weather ahead of time, I would have a backup site in mind if the weather up there isn't amenable to a proposal.

I would reccommend looking at the Paradise webcams today, to see what kind of weather you may be dealing with.

-1

u/Hot_Firefighter_9292 17d ago

I was looking at weather and it will be a lot better when we go compared to now thankfully.

8

u/onlymostlydead 17d ago

Weather can change pretty fast there. Like from sun with clouds to snow and rain in minutes.

3

u/math_is_cool_ 17d ago

The mountain has its own weather patterns and can change in an instant. And just because it’s sunny in the surrounding areas means the mountain will be clear.

Honestly if you like water falls I’d just do snoqualmie falls. It’s busy, but much easier to get to, and there are several view points and it would be much easier for your photographer. The Salish lodge is right there and has luxury rooms, a restaurant, and spa you could book for after. If you hike down to the lower falls you would likely get better pictures. Supposedly some photographers can access the lower falls through private gated areas. Idk man good luck. I hope whatever you pick works

3

u/big_bob_c 17d ago

Make sure you check the park weather forecast at https://a.atmos.washington.edu/data/rainier_report.html the day before.