|
| | | |
| |
|
| Backpack | 28.50 Miles |
9,967 AEG |
| | Backpack | 28.50 Miles | 2 Days | | |
| 9,967 ft AEG | | 30 LBS Pack | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | Some very unfortunate circumstances changed this trip from a 3 day backpack with my friend Jake to a solo overnight trip, but I was still able to make my way through most of our intended route. I started out Thursday morning at the Carbon River ranger station to get my backpacking permit, and was on the trail by 9 a.m. I was able to get my first choice for Dick Creek Camp, fantastic considering that there are only two spots and it is one of the more popular backpacking stops on this side of the mountain. The Carbon River road had been washed out in a torrential storm some 6 years ago, so anyone entering the park from the northwest side can do so only by foot or bike travel. The dirt road is still well graded and in good shape for the most part, but you can definitely see a few spots that are still in need of repair. the 5 mile section of road trek takes you through a primordial temperate rain forest, oldgrowth trees ringed with hanging moss, and understory growth of ferns and all manners of things.This was quite simply the nicest road hike I have ever done, meandering ever along the edge of the Carbon River valley. You can still see some examples of the extreme destruction that must have happened here through that storm, there are tree snags that involve dozens of four to five foot diameter trees that look like they were toys thrown into a heap. Once I made it to the Ipsut Creek campground, the trail started its relentless uphill gain towards Mount Rainier. About 8 miles in I got to the suspension bridge to the Carbon River camp, a marvel of back country architecture. This 3 foot wide footbridge spans about 550-600' across the Carbon River, some spots 50 or more feet above the river. It was a bit unsettling to hear some of the boards creaking and slowly breaking under my footsteps, but considering how long this has been out here it should be fairly safe...The Carbon Glacier starts to become very apparent at this point, with its terminal elevation at 3500' this is the lowest glacier in the continental U.S. I made my way up to Dick Creek overlooking the glacier's opening by about 1 and set up camp and had some lunch to refuel. After a bit of a break, and a much lighter pack, I set out again ever upwards toward Mystic Lake. I ran into a pair of hikers going the other way just outside of my camp, and those were the last people I encountered until about 11 the next morning. Fantastic solitude! The two miles out of camp were brutal, there was almost 2000' of gain to get up to the Morraine Park area. Here I got to traverse some pretty vast snow fields for about a mile or so, always kind of surreal to be hiking snow in shorts and a t-shirt!Avalanch Lilies were sprouting through the snow in many places, and anywhere that was already melted was filled with these beautiful and delicate wildflowers. Mystic Lake is a destination worthy of its name, there is a surreal quality to this land with its multi-colored waters. Great views from here of Mount Rainier, especially features like the Willis Wall and Gibraltar Rock. I could also see Skyscraper mountain to the east, a peak I had climbed on my visit to the park last summer. After enjoying a snack and tired of swatting mosquitoes,I headed back down to camp, made it there by about 8 just in time to enjoy some dehydrated food and a much deserved rest. The sun did not set until almost 10 and I fell asleep not long after that.I logged about 18.5 miles and 6000'+ of elevation this day, sleep came pretty easily, especially with the roaring of Dick Creek to lull me to sleep. I had picked up a fairly lightweight mummy bag for the trip, and it worked like a champ despite the 30 degree temps at night. I woke up with the sun just like usual for a camping trip, but I fell back asleep (a rarity) until almost 8. After a leisurely breakfast I broke down camp and started back down the mountain, quite a bit faster heading this way.  I took a small side trip to check out the Chenuis Falls on the way back, finally ran into some day hikers for a bit of human contact, and made it back to the car in one piece by 1:30. This was an epic trip for sure! Can't wait until next summer to see where else I can check out up here. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
Route Editor
Route Scout
