Wonderland Hike

Other than a few short hikes with the family on our road trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks I had done no serious hikes this summer. My sister Julie was looking for someone to join her on a backpack trip along part of the Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail over Labor Day weekend and I was conveniently available. I hadn't backpacked for over eight years and this trip consisted of over 35 miles of hiking and 10,000 feet of elevation gain over three days. Not only was I out of shape, but my sister was recovering from a broken wrist. The trip was going to be a challenge for us both.

The route covered the southeastern third of the epic trail from Longmire to Mowich Lake. Highlights of the first day consisted of the scenic meadows of Indian Henry's Hunting Ground, a shaky 150 foot suspension bridge and the open scenery of Emerald Ridge. It was sunny the entire day, but our camp at South Puyallup river was foggy and cold. Besides having an epic journey to the bathroom, the camp area was near some very interesting columnar rock formations that aren't mentioned much in the trail guides.

Our second day involved climbing out of foggy river valley and back into the sunshine and eventually to the scenic St. Andrews Lake. After another drop and climb we arrived at our second camp at Golden Lakes. Our camp was nice and secluded, but we missed out seeing a spectacular sunset viewed from the occupied westernmost camp site.

Our final day on the trail was mostly in the woods and not as scenic as the first two days. For excitement we had to do a treacherous crossing of the South Mowich River. The river split up into multiple rushing streams with no official bridges to cross them. We had to walk across fallen trees which was a bit dicey with our heavy packs and tired legs. We eventually crossed the river and made a final accent to the crowded Mowich Lake. It was a nice end as we took off our packs and boots and waded in the lake to cool off and relax.

Despite not hiking for most of the summer I didn't have any troubles with the hike. I didn't like the multiple climbs we had to do, but suffering has always been a part of backpacking for me. Julie did well with her injured wrist. More importantly she completed her final section of the Wonderland trail. She had hiked the other sections last year. Hopefully I'll get a chance to complete the trail later in the future.