Spray Park
Jul 25, 2009
by
JanerSue
—
last modified
Jul 25, 2009 07:57 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Spray Park
- Region: Mt. Rainier -- NW - Carbon River / Mowich
- Agency: Mount Rainier National Park, Carbon River Ranger Station
- Avg Rating: 4.00
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
A few patches of snow to cross as we walked through the park.
Arriving at Mowich Lake parking lot shortly before 8 a.m., we found it about 1/2 full. (The road in was fine, some minor washboards but not the kind that make your teeth chatter.) We were promptly greeted by the gray jays - looked like the overnighters weren't up, for the most part.
The trail to Spray Park was delightful and not crowded (on the way up, that is). We encountered a few muddy spots here and there, and patches of snow in the upper section of the park. Obviously, it's melting out fast in this weather!
The avalanche lilies stole the show. Beargrass was just starting to bloom, with much more to come. Jeffrey's shooting star, paintbrush, bistort, lupine, marsh marigold, sitka valerium, pink mountain heather, showy sedge, and many others were on display as well. A few bugs pestered us over lunch, but nothing too troublesome. A hummingbird buzzed by rather close (sounded like a giant bee) and caused us to upset part of lunch. Enjoyed the calls of the marmots and pine siskins.
By the time we started to hike out around noon, the trail was pretty much like I-5. Cars lined the road beyond the parking lot for a mile or so. A delightful hike--I was ready to see some lilies and Spray Park certainly delivers.
The trail to Spray Park was delightful and not crowded (on the way up, that is). We encountered a few muddy spots here and there, and patches of snow in the upper section of the park. Obviously, it's melting out fast in this weather!
The avalanche lilies stole the show. Beargrass was just starting to bloom, with much more to come. Jeffrey's shooting star, paintbrush, bistort, lupine, marsh marigold, sitka valerium, pink mountain heather, showy sedge, and many others were on display as well. A few bugs pestered us over lunch, but nothing too troublesome. A hummingbird buzzed by rather close (sounded like a giant bee) and caused us to upset part of lunch. Enjoyed the calls of the marmots and pine siskins.
By the time we started to hike out around noon, the trail was pretty much like I-5. Cars lined the road beyond the parking lot for a mile or so. A delightful hike--I was ready to see some lilies and Spray Park certainly delivers.
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Showy Sedge, perhaps?
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Avalanche lilies out in full force.
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