HIKING IN
WASHINGTON’S NATIONAL PARKS
Mt. Rainier and Olympic
Day trip to Vancouver Island
August 14-28, 2010
Thank you for your interest in our excursion to Mt Rainier and Olympic National Parks in the state of Washington Cost of this trip is $2250 - $2400 for fourteen nights lodging, van travel in Washington, some meals, ferry boat passage to Victoria, and guided hikes in Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks.
Hiking will be the main activity on this two-week vacation. There will be travel days and sightseeing to allow for some “down time”. Most days you will have a choice of two different hikes with varying distances and levels of difficulty. Nancy and Bob will lead the more difficult hikes. Kathy’s hikes will be shorter with less elevation gain. Four nights will be spent at each National Park location plus two nights at a motel near the airport in Seattle. We will visit two different sections of Mt. Rainier National Park – the White River/Sunshine and Paradise areas. On one of our Olympic NP days, we will take the ferry across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Victoria on Vancouver Island.
Mt. Rainer National Park
At 14,410 feet high, Mount Rainier is the highest point in Washington. The region’s infamous moisture-laden air has made Mount Rainier one of the snowiest spots in the country. Record snowfalls have created numerous glaciers on the mountain’s flanks, and one of these, the Carbon Glacier, is the lowest-elevation glacier in the continental United States. Mount Rainier is located 110 miles SE of Seattle. Leaders hiked there in 2008 and will share favorite hikes.
Olympic National Park is situated in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula at land’s end in the northwestern corner of Washington, dominated by the towering glacier-capped peaks of the Olympic Range, stands as on e of the last genuine wilderness regions in the “lower 48”. Much of the park can only be accessed on foot and the park’s 600 miles of trails are proof that the Olympics are a hikers paradise.
An important element contributing to the fascination of Olympic Park is the astounding diversity embraced within its boundaries. From the Pacific beaches of Kalaloch through the rain forests of Quinault and the Hoh River, along the thunderous Rivers – the Elwha, Bogachiel, Quinault – that carve spectacular deep gorges, to the soaring snow clad summits of Mount Olympus and the Bailey Range, Olympic National Park offers an extraordinary adventure hiking opportunity.
From our base in Port Angeles we will drive to different trailheads to offer a variety of hikes.
Victoria, Vancouver Island. We will take the one hour “passenger only” ferry across the seventeen miles Strait of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island. While in Victoria, you will have a vast array of optional activities to choose from including the world famous Butchart Gardens founded in 1904. From the exquisite Sunken Garden (once a limestone quarry) to the charming Rose, Japanese and Stalion gardens, this 50acre showplace still maintains the gracious traditions of the past. The Royal B.C museum is located in the Inner Harbor area. The well designed museum offers something for everyone. Also located in the Inner Harbor is the grand old Empress Hotel; be sure to browse through the many intriguing shops and perhaps linger awhile and enjoy High Tea. Another interesting part of Victoria’s history is the Craigdarrouch Castle built in the late 1800’s by Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune from Vancouver Island coal. IMPORTANT: A PASSPORT IS NEEDED TO MAKE THIS DAY TRIP TO VANCOUVER ISLAND, CANADA.
Accommodations -
Seattle - For the convenience of airline connections, we will spend one night at the beginning and one at the end of the trip at the Sleep Inn, Seatac Airport – Basic motel with free 24 hour shuttle to and from airport. Two beds per room. Breakfast is included. We are only twenty minutes outside downtown Seattle. Those who arrive early may want to explore the city..
http://www.daysinn.com/DaysInn/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=04855&brandInfo=DI
.
Olympic NP - We will first explore Olympic National Park for four days, staying in the town of Port Angeles:
Downtown Hotel, Port Angeles, WA
http://www.portangelesdowntownhotel.com/
We are renting thirteen of the seventeen rooms in this conveniently located hotel. Private rooms will be available for most singles. Breakfast is NOT included, but, leaders will have rooms with kitchenettes where lunch makings and beverages can be stored in refrigerators. You can walk out the door to many restaurants and also to the ferry to Vancouver Island.
Mount Rainier NP –
We spend four nights at the southwestern entrance to Mt. Rainier NP :
Nisqually Lodge, Ashton, WA
http://www.escapetothemountains.com/old_site/old_nisqually.html
Continental Breakfast is included. While there are no refrigerators in our rooms, there is a refrigerator in the hall for group use. There is a microwave in the breakfast room. If you do not choose to prepare your own breakfast, you have the option of going to a restaurant next door for a hearty breakfast (you pay). There will be two people to a room. Each of the 24 rooms in this chateau-style establishment is equipped with air conditioning, telephone, and television. There is a Great Room, with fireplace and open beam cathedral ceiling, for reading, relaxing or conversation with friends. An outdoor hot tub is available for guests. There are a few options for dinners. Good food at restaurant next door….or drive five minutes to other restaurants.
White River/Sunrise Entrance – We will spend four nights near the Hite River/Sunrise Entrance in the northwestern corner of the park at a Crystal Mountain hotel. TBA
Weather – That is a tough one….. Temperatures could range from 35 – 85 degrees. It could be wet (after all it is Washington)…..or it could be dry. We pack our raingear…..and our sunscreen. Actually, this is a very desirable time of year to hike in these National Parks.
Transportation - The cost of your flight from your home city to Seattle is not included. Because we are flying from different cities and people have their favorite airlines…..we will not all be arriving in Seattle at the same time. Schedule a convenient flight that arrives in Seattle, any time, on Saturday, August 14. You can take a free shuttle to the our motel near Seatac Airport . Cost of this hotel stay is included in price of trip. It is only twenty minutes from the city if you arrive early. You can walk to restaurants for dinner. We will rent three mini vans for our transportation within Washington.
Regarding flights - Kathy will keep an eye on the cost of flights and will let you know when there is a good fare available. You may prefer to use your frequent flyer mileage or some other plan for a free or discounted ticket. Cost of flight from Boston or New York can range $450 - $550
TRIP LEADERSHIP - Kathy, Bob, and Nancy led this same trip to Washington in 2008.
Kathy Didier owns and manages Pembrook in Woodstock, NH. She has been an AMC Boston Chapter leader for eightteen years. Kathy leads an average of eight week-long Interchapter and Major AMC Excursions each year. She leads trips all over the world…..from New Hampshire to Antarctica to Botswana. She led the trips to the Canadian Rockies in 2004 and 2007 and Washington’s National Parks in 2008. She is up to date with advanced wilderness first aid and CPR.
Nancy DiMeo is a Boston Chapter leader who has led interchapter excursions in the White Mountains annually for many years and often leads weekend trips out of Pembrook. She led AMC trips to Sedona, AZ in 1997 & 1998, Patagonia, Chile in 2001, New Zealand, Iceland, and Italy . She has led private groups to Alaska, to the Copper Canyons of Mexico, to Mount Hood, Oregon, Washington, the Canadian Rockies as well as a rim to rim trip to the Grand Canyon. For many years, Nancy has led hut to hut trips in New Hampshires’s White Mountains. While completing her degree in occupational therapy she earned a minor in outdoor education. She also has a masters degree in Human Services Administration. She has completed Advanced SOLO Wilderness First Aid Training and CPR.
Robert DiMeo is a Boston Chapter Intro leader who has led an interchapter excursion in the White Mountains as well as AMC hikes from Pembrook. He led AMC trips to New Zealand, Iceland and Italy. In addition to this he co-led a private camping trip to Alaska in 1999, Mt. Hood in 2003, Washington State in 2008, Canadian Rockies in 2004 and 2007. He also assisted leaders on 2 AMC trips to Sedona and another to Patagonia, Chile. He has led the Hut to Hut trips in the White Mtns. of NH. He has completed Advanced SOLO Wilderness First Aid Training and CPR. On a personal note Bob works as a licensed, independent clinical social worker and has a great deal of experience leading groups in this capacity.
While leaders are trained to administer emergency first aid, the cost of evacuation or any treatment beyond such first aid will be borne by the participant.
REQUIREMENTS Each participant must fulfill these requirements:
· Have the proper physical strength and stamina to participate in daily activities, which include strenuous up and downhill hiking over moderate terrain. Regular physical conditioning is necessary to prepare for this trip. Strength training (nautilus, free weights, etc.) is helpful. Remember that, the better condition you are in, the more enjoyable the trip will be for you. You should be able to hike several days in a row at a pace of two miles per hour. Our goal is not to bag mountain peaks…but, to enjoy the scenery along the way.
· Adaptability: An important criterion for this trip is the ability to be flexible. Our itinerary could change from day to day, planes can be delayed, and vans can break down. Everyone is expected to be able to “roll with the punches” as much as possible, be cooperative, abide by leader decision, and add to the total group experience while enjoying themselves.
· Understand Purpose of Trip: This trip is designed for everyone to experience the natural wonders of the State of Washington through hiking and sightseeing. Although each person comes with his or her own expectations, this is primarily a group trip and everyone is expected to be a cooperative member of it. Everyone is expected to participate in each day’s activities, barring of course, accident or illness.
· Although, enjoyment and appreciation of the National Parks are our purpose, our main objective will be a safe trip. Safety will always take priority in the leaders’ decision.
· This is a “Non-Smoking” trip.
COST $ 2250 – if we have a full trip of 13 participants and 3 leaders
$2400 – for a group of 11 participants and 3 leaders.
There is much interest in this trip and we expect to fill it…..and price will be $2250.
This is a non-profit trip. If cost of trip is less than estimated, you will receive a refund.
Included in the price:
· All transportation by rental cars or vans within Washington
· Three Leaders
· 6 breakfasts (2 at Seatac Motel, 4 at Nisqually Lodge)
· 2 dinners (Port Angeles and Crystal Mountain)
· Accommodations (motels, lodge rooms)
· National Park Entry
· Ticket – Round trip ferry ride to Vancouver Island
Not included in price:.
· Airfare: ranges $450 - $550
· Transportation to and from home airport
· Personal charges such as wine, liquor, laundry
· Any pre-trip costs or anything else not in the above list of “Included in the Price”
· Meals not included on itinerary
· Activities pursued on Vancouver Island
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Registration $700 deposit ($100 nonrefundable)
November 15 - payment of $700
April 15 - balance is due.
CANCELLATION POLICY
This trip is limited to thirteen participants. Trip is expected to fill very early. Once filled, Kathy will keep a waitlist. Kathy will make every effort to find a replacement…..but, it might not happen.
There is a $100 non-refundable fee charged if you cancel your reservation. Cancellation must be in writing. If we find a replacement for you, you will be refunded your payments minus $100. If we do not find a replacement, you will lose total of payments made to date.
CANCELLATION INSURANCE
It is advisable to have cancellation and baggage insurance
REGISTRATION
A separate application is required for each person. To reserve a spot on the trip, please mail the Application and deposit to :
Kathy Didier
PO Box C
Woodstock, NH 03293
603-726-3553
kdidier@suchmail.com
Monday, July 20, 2009
Washington's National Parks - Trip Itinerary - August 14 - 28, 2010
HIKING IN
WASHINGTON’S NATIONAL PARKS
Mt. Rainier and Olympic
August 14-28, 2010
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Saturday, August 14 – Fly from home cities. Independently take free shuttle to our motel – Sleep In Sea Tac, 20406 International Blvd , SeaTac, WA, US, 98198 Phone: (206) 878-3600
Washington Olympic Peninsula Day Hikes
You can read about the Olympic hikes in “Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula” by Seabury Blair, Jr.
Day 2 - Sunday, August 15 - Drive from Sea Tac area to Port Angeles. Visit Port Townsend along the way. Short hike in Port Townsend. Visit Hurricane Ridge Visitors’ Center in Port Angeles. Check into Downtown Hotel, Port Angeles, WA 866-688-8600. Explore Port Angeles.
(B, D) Downtown Hotel
Day 3 - Monday, August 16 – Hike #36, Hurricane Hill, page 113, 6 mi. RT, 3 hours, 1700’, high point 5757’. Climb along a paved nature walk 1.6 miles to the site where an aircraft spotter’s cabin once stood, then follow a trail along a rocky open ridge to a mountain view overlooking the Elwha River valley and Lake Mills, far below.
OR
For those who would like a longer hike, we will offer the Hike #34, Klahhane Ridge (pg. 107, 4.6 mi RT, 2 ½ hours, 2,050’, high point 6046’, difficult rating. This hike has all the scenery and views of 5 star 12.9 mile Heather Park – Lake Angeles Loop.
We will then climb Hurricane Hill 3 mi RT with 700’ elev gain to the eye ball whooping top. If anyone still has energy at the top we will proceed along the ridge for another 3 mi. RT.
Downtown Hotel
Day 4 - Tuesday, August 17 – Hike #61, Hole-in-the-Wall (Rialto Beach) page 192, 5 mi. RT, 2.5 hours, 80’, high point 80’. This beach walk follows smooth sand all the way to a big rocky headland that can be passed at low tide by walking through a natural tunnel carved by the surf. Trailhead is 68 miles from Port Angeles near La Push. Rialto Beach..
OR
Hike #60-, Cape Alava Loop, page 189, 9.3 miles RT, 5 hours, 140’ gain, 180’ high point. The Cape Alava Loop is probably the finest wild Pacific Coast day hike that you will find in the Lower 48. Follow a plank trail to the ocean, 3.3 miles away from trailhead. Walk the beach for 3 miles. You may wish to visit the site of an ancient Makah Indian village 0.5 miles to the north, an important archaeological site. Once back on the beach, you will walk a mile south to Wedding Rocks, where you will find petroglyphs on two groups of rocks above the high-tide line. High tides here and south, at 4.8 miles, could force you up and over the headlands via interesting “sand ladders.”
Once past the second headland, you will walk sandy beach south to Sand Point, 6.3 miles from the trailhead. From here it is 3 miles back to the trailhead via a plank pathway.
Downtown Hotel
Day 5 - Wednesday, August 18 – Take ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Be sure to pack your passport. Back to Port Angeles at around 7:30pm. Downtown Hotel
Washington – Mt. Rainier Hikes
You can read about the Mt. Rainier hikes in “Day Hike! Mount Rainier” by Ron C. Judd
Day 6 - Thursday, August 19 – Time to move on to the Nisqually Lodge, 31609 State Route 706 E., Ashton, WA 98304 (360)569-8804 . This is at the southern section of the park. Nisqually Lodge.
Day 7 - Friday, August 20 - Part 1 - #14, page 55, Panorama Point/Skyline Loop, 5.5 mile loop, 4 hours, 1700’. High point 7100’. One of the highest maintained trails in the park, this challenging, stunning, high-altitude loop whisks you to – and above – all of the best scenery at Paradise. It’s an annual rite of passage for many Tahoma lovers.
For those who would like a longer hike….you can connect with the Alta Vista Trail.
Part 2 - #13, page 51, Alta Vista, 1.6 mi RT, 1 hour, 540’. High point 5950’. A short, sweet, fairly steep ascent to one of the area’s premium wildflower-meadow vistas.
(B) Nisqually Lodge
Day 8 - Saturday, August 21 – #6, page 23, Comet Falls/Van Trump Park, 3.8 miles RT to Comet Falls view/6.0 miles RT to Van Trump Park viewpoint, 2.0 hours/3.5 to 4.0 hours, 1600’/2200’. High points 5200’/5800’. Make a short, steep climb to one of the park’s most popular hiking destinations – 320-foot Comet Falls – with the option of going on to the splendid Van Trump Park or even farther to Mildred Point, and alpine viewpoint.
(B) Nisqually Lodge
Day 9 - Sunday, August 22 - The two hikes share a parking lot.
Part 1 - #20, page 80, Pinnacle Saddle 2.6 miles RT, 2 hours, 1055’. High point 5920’. On clear days, this is a delightful, view-rich ascent from Reflection Lakes. Climb through sub-alpine forest into open, rocky terrain to a grand vista of Rainier from the saddle between Pinnacle and Plummer Peaks, two crown jewels of the Tatoosh Range.
Part 2 - #19, page 77, High Lakes Loop, 3 mile loop, 2 hours, 600’. High point 5500’. A short, pleasant, moderate loop with great views, ample wildflowers, and abundant wildlife takes you by the shores of gorgeous alpine lakes.
OR - Combination of trails…go from one to the other.
(B) Nisqually Lodge
Day 10 - Monday, August 23 – We move on to Crystal Mounatain and the Sunrise area of the Mt. Rainier National Park. We will stay the area of Crystal Mountain (outside the park)in Enamclaw, WA. Along the way, we will explore Stevens Canyon area of the Mt. Rainier NP.
Combine two easy hikes.
The route that we take to combine the two hikes = 5.5 miles RT
Part 1 - #25, page 99, Silver Falls Loop, 3 mile loop, 1.5 hours, 330’. High point 2200’, Take an easy walk from Ohanapecosh Campground to Silver Falls, one of the park’s most impressive lower-altitude sights.
Part 2 - #24, page 95, Grove of the Patriarchs, 1.25 mile RT, 1 hour, 0’. High point 2200’. This is a very easy, memorable walk through a splendid old-growth forest on an island in the middle of the beautiful Ohanapechosh River. Isolated on the island and thus protected from fire, the trees have grown to gigantic proportions. In this small area are 20 western red cedars more than 25 feet in circumference; among them is the largest cedar in the Park. There are ten Douglas-firs over 25 feet in circumference; one is 35 feet. The trees are estimated to be nearly 1000 years old. Name of Lodging TBA (B)
.
Day 11 - Tuesday, August 24 – We will take our first hike “Bullion Basin Loop” 6.4 mile loop, 4 hours. High Point 6,300’, Elevation Gain: 1,600’. This trail leads through steep, flower-filled alpine meadows, over narrow ridge spines, and under shady forest canopies. Views sweep over the dry, pine valleys of the eastern Cascades, the glacier-covered summit of massive Mount Rainier, and the craggy peaks of the central William O. Douglas Wilderness Aea to the south. Best of all, despite the modest level of difficulty (not too long, not too steep), the trail isn’t heavily used, so its possible to find a quite place for a peaceful lunch high on the ridge.
OR
Emmons Moraine/Glacier Basin. Page 134. 4.0 miles round-trip to end of Emmons Moraine/6.2 miles round-trip to Glacier Basin. Elevation Gain 850’ / 1650’. Hike a river valley to dueling payoffs: a high vista over the massive Emmons Glacier and a great alpine basin in a park area once home to mining activity. This hike can be extended. Name of Lodging TBA.
Day 12 - Wednesday, August 25 – Burroughs Mountain – 6.2 miles out and back OR 6.7 mile loop via Sunrise Camp. 1000' elevation gain. Page 158 . One of the most spectacular alpine day hikes from Sunrise, the Burroughs Mountain Trail is a fairly strenuous climb along the top of Burroughs Mountain in a bizarre, tundra-like environment with incredible views throughout. Add approximately another mile to get to Burroughs Second Summit for a spectacular and closer view of the mountain. For anyone still up for more the trail does continue further over grassy knolls for a yet closer encounter with this majestic mountain.
OR – from same trailhead
Frozen Lake/Mount Freemont Lookout – 5.4 miles round trip, Elevation gain 781', High Point: 7181'. Page 154. Enjoy a memorable walk along Sourdough Ridge to a five-way trail junction near Frozen Lake, and beyond to a mountain look out tower where mountain goats and other wildlife often linger.
OR – from same trailhead
Sunrise Rim. 4.9 mile loop. 840' Elevation Gain. Loop trail that showcases gorgeous wildflower meadows, mountain views, and plentiful wildlife.
Name of Lodging TBA
Day 13 - Thursday, August 26 – Summerland. Page 131. 8.4 miles round-trip, 2,140’ elevation gain.. High point 5,950’. A memorable – and often crowded – stroll take you through several miles of forest lands along Fryingpan Creek, and the steeply up for a final mile to picturesque Summerland Camp, on of the park’s most famous subalpine destinations.
OR – one of the easier hikes listed above
Group dinner.
Name of Lodging TBA (D)
Day 14 – Friday, August 27 – Check out of hotel after breakfast. Drive from Crystal Mountain to Sea Tac. Check into Sleep Inn – Sea Tac Airport. You have the option of taking a shuttle into Seattle for sightseeing.
Day 15 - Saturday, August 28 – Depart for home cities. Free shuttles from our motel to the airport. (B)
WASHINGTON’S NATIONAL PARKS
Mt. Rainier and Olympic
August 14-28, 2010
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Saturday, August 14 – Fly from home cities. Independently take free shuttle to our motel – Sleep In Sea Tac, 20406 International Blvd , SeaTac, WA, US, 98198 Phone: (206) 878-3600
Washington Olympic Peninsula Day Hikes
You can read about the Olympic hikes in “Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula” by Seabury Blair, Jr.
Day 2 - Sunday, August 15 - Drive from Sea Tac area to Port Angeles. Visit Port Townsend along the way. Short hike in Port Townsend. Visit Hurricane Ridge Visitors’ Center in Port Angeles. Check into Downtown Hotel, Port Angeles, WA 866-688-8600. Explore Port Angeles.
(B, D) Downtown Hotel
Day 3 - Monday, August 16 – Hike #36, Hurricane Hill, page 113, 6 mi. RT, 3 hours, 1700’, high point 5757’. Climb along a paved nature walk 1.6 miles to the site where an aircraft spotter’s cabin once stood, then follow a trail along a rocky open ridge to a mountain view overlooking the Elwha River valley and Lake Mills, far below.
OR
For those who would like a longer hike, we will offer the Hike #34, Klahhane Ridge (pg. 107, 4.6 mi RT, 2 ½ hours, 2,050’, high point 6046’, difficult rating. This hike has all the scenery and views of 5 star 12.9 mile Heather Park – Lake Angeles Loop.
We will then climb Hurricane Hill 3 mi RT with 700’ elev gain to the eye ball whooping top. If anyone still has energy at the top we will proceed along the ridge for another 3 mi. RT.
Downtown Hotel
Day 4 - Tuesday, August 17 – Hike #61, Hole-in-the-Wall (Rialto Beach) page 192, 5 mi. RT, 2.5 hours, 80’, high point 80’. This beach walk follows smooth sand all the way to a big rocky headland that can be passed at low tide by walking through a natural tunnel carved by the surf. Trailhead is 68 miles from Port Angeles near La Push. Rialto Beach..
OR
Hike #60-, Cape Alava Loop, page 189, 9.3 miles RT, 5 hours, 140’ gain, 180’ high point. The Cape Alava Loop is probably the finest wild Pacific Coast day hike that you will find in the Lower 48. Follow a plank trail to the ocean, 3.3 miles away from trailhead. Walk the beach for 3 miles. You may wish to visit the site of an ancient Makah Indian village 0.5 miles to the north, an important archaeological site. Once back on the beach, you will walk a mile south to Wedding Rocks, where you will find petroglyphs on two groups of rocks above the high-tide line. High tides here and south, at 4.8 miles, could force you up and over the headlands via interesting “sand ladders.”
Once past the second headland, you will walk sandy beach south to Sand Point, 6.3 miles from the trailhead. From here it is 3 miles back to the trailhead via a plank pathway.
Downtown Hotel
Day 5 - Wednesday, August 18 – Take ferry to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Be sure to pack your passport. Back to Port Angeles at around 7:30pm. Downtown Hotel
Washington – Mt. Rainier Hikes
You can read about the Mt. Rainier hikes in “Day Hike! Mount Rainier” by Ron C. Judd
Day 6 - Thursday, August 19 – Time to move on to the Nisqually Lodge, 31609 State Route 706 E., Ashton, WA 98304 (360)569-8804 . This is at the southern section of the park. Nisqually Lodge.
Day 7 - Friday, August 20 - Part 1 - #14, page 55, Panorama Point/Skyline Loop, 5.5 mile loop, 4 hours, 1700’. High point 7100’. One of the highest maintained trails in the park, this challenging, stunning, high-altitude loop whisks you to – and above – all of the best scenery at Paradise. It’s an annual rite of passage for many Tahoma lovers.
For those who would like a longer hike….you can connect with the Alta Vista Trail.
Part 2 - #13, page 51, Alta Vista, 1.6 mi RT, 1 hour, 540’. High point 5950’. A short, sweet, fairly steep ascent to one of the area’s premium wildflower-meadow vistas.
(B) Nisqually Lodge
Day 8 - Saturday, August 21 – #6, page 23, Comet Falls/Van Trump Park, 3.8 miles RT to Comet Falls view/6.0 miles RT to Van Trump Park viewpoint, 2.0 hours/3.5 to 4.0 hours, 1600’/2200’. High points 5200’/5800’. Make a short, steep climb to one of the park’s most popular hiking destinations – 320-foot Comet Falls – with the option of going on to the splendid Van Trump Park or even farther to Mildred Point, and alpine viewpoint.
(B) Nisqually Lodge
Day 9 - Sunday, August 22 - The two hikes share a parking lot.
Part 1 - #20, page 80, Pinnacle Saddle 2.6 miles RT, 2 hours, 1055’. High point 5920’. On clear days, this is a delightful, view-rich ascent from Reflection Lakes. Climb through sub-alpine forest into open, rocky terrain to a grand vista of Rainier from the saddle between Pinnacle and Plummer Peaks, two crown jewels of the Tatoosh Range.
Part 2 - #19, page 77, High Lakes Loop, 3 mile loop, 2 hours, 600’. High point 5500’. A short, pleasant, moderate loop with great views, ample wildflowers, and abundant wildlife takes you by the shores of gorgeous alpine lakes.
OR - Combination of trails…go from one to the other.
(B) Nisqually Lodge
Day 10 - Monday, August 23 – We move on to Crystal Mounatain and the Sunrise area of the Mt. Rainier National Park. We will stay the area of Crystal Mountain (outside the park)in Enamclaw, WA. Along the way, we will explore Stevens Canyon area of the Mt. Rainier NP.
Combine two easy hikes.
The route that we take to combine the two hikes = 5.5 miles RT
Part 1 - #25, page 99, Silver Falls Loop, 3 mile loop, 1.5 hours, 330’. High point 2200’, Take an easy walk from Ohanapecosh Campground to Silver Falls, one of the park’s most impressive lower-altitude sights.
Part 2 - #24, page 95, Grove of the Patriarchs, 1.25 mile RT, 1 hour, 0’. High point 2200’. This is a very easy, memorable walk through a splendid old-growth forest on an island in the middle of the beautiful Ohanapechosh River. Isolated on the island and thus protected from fire, the trees have grown to gigantic proportions. In this small area are 20 western red cedars more than 25 feet in circumference; among them is the largest cedar in the Park. There are ten Douglas-firs over 25 feet in circumference; one is 35 feet. The trees are estimated to be nearly 1000 years old. Name of Lodging TBA (B)
.
Day 11 - Tuesday, August 24 – We will take our first hike “Bullion Basin Loop” 6.4 mile loop, 4 hours. High Point 6,300’, Elevation Gain: 1,600’. This trail leads through steep, flower-filled alpine meadows, over narrow ridge spines, and under shady forest canopies. Views sweep over the dry, pine valleys of the eastern Cascades, the glacier-covered summit of massive Mount Rainier, and the craggy peaks of the central William O. Douglas Wilderness Aea to the south. Best of all, despite the modest level of difficulty (not too long, not too steep), the trail isn’t heavily used, so its possible to find a quite place for a peaceful lunch high on the ridge.
OR
Emmons Moraine/Glacier Basin. Page 134. 4.0 miles round-trip to end of Emmons Moraine/6.2 miles round-trip to Glacier Basin. Elevation Gain 850’ / 1650’. Hike a river valley to dueling payoffs: a high vista over the massive Emmons Glacier and a great alpine basin in a park area once home to mining activity. This hike can be extended. Name of Lodging TBA.
Day 12 - Wednesday, August 25 – Burroughs Mountain – 6.2 miles out and back OR 6.7 mile loop via Sunrise Camp. 1000' elevation gain. Page 158 . One of the most spectacular alpine day hikes from Sunrise, the Burroughs Mountain Trail is a fairly strenuous climb along the top of Burroughs Mountain in a bizarre, tundra-like environment with incredible views throughout. Add approximately another mile to get to Burroughs Second Summit for a spectacular and closer view of the mountain. For anyone still up for more the trail does continue further over grassy knolls for a yet closer encounter with this majestic mountain.
OR – from same trailhead
Frozen Lake/Mount Freemont Lookout – 5.4 miles round trip, Elevation gain 781', High Point: 7181'. Page 154. Enjoy a memorable walk along Sourdough Ridge to a five-way trail junction near Frozen Lake, and beyond to a mountain look out tower where mountain goats and other wildlife often linger.
OR – from same trailhead
Sunrise Rim. 4.9 mile loop. 840' Elevation Gain. Loop trail that showcases gorgeous wildflower meadows, mountain views, and plentiful wildlife.
Name of Lodging TBA
Day 13 - Thursday, August 26 – Summerland. Page 131. 8.4 miles round-trip, 2,140’ elevation gain.. High point 5,950’. A memorable – and often crowded – stroll take you through several miles of forest lands along Fryingpan Creek, and the steeply up for a final mile to picturesque Summerland Camp, on of the park’s most famous subalpine destinations.
OR – one of the easier hikes listed above
Group dinner.
Name of Lodging TBA (D)
Day 14 – Friday, August 27 – Check out of hotel after breakfast. Drive from Crystal Mountain to Sea Tac. Check into Sleep Inn – Sea Tac Airport. You have the option of taking a shuttle into Seattle for sightseeing.
Day 15 - Saturday, August 28 – Depart for home cities. Free shuttles from our motel to the airport. (B)
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